Austin College

Austin College is a private, residential, coeducational liberal arts college located in Sherman, Texas, approximately 60 miles north of Dallas. Established by the Presbyterian Church (USA), the university maintains a deep commitment to the liberal arts tradition, emphasizing intellectual, personal, and spiritual development. It offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as a few graduate programs, all within a small, supportive community environment. The university's academic structure and personalized approach are designed to cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical responsibility, preparing students for lives of meaning and leadership.

This university is one of the oldest colleges in Texas, with its charter dating back to 1849, making it the oldest college in the state operating under its original charter. It was founded in Huntsville, Texas, by the Presbyterian Synod of Texas and named in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." A significant moment in its history occurred in 1878 when the university moved from Huntsville to its current home in Sherman, Texas. It was an early adopter of co-education, making the decision to become co-educational in 1918. Throughout its history, this university has maintained its strong, though non-sectarian, ties to the Presbyterian Church, upholding a tradition of rigorous academic inquiry and community service that has shaped generations of leaders in the state and beyond.

This university successfully provides a high-quality, distinctive liberal arts education rooted in a long and proud Texan history. Its strength lies in its personalized attention and its innovative academic structure, particularly the JanTerm experience, which fosters adaptability and global awareness. By integrating deep-seated liberal arts values with practical, career-enhancing opportunities and personalized mentorship, the university ensures its graduates are intellectually curious, ethically grounded, and highly capable. Ultimately, this university is defined by its motto, A Tradition of Success, a testament to its commitment to transforming students into reflective, engaged citizens ready to tackle complex challenges.