Austin College is a private, residential liberal arts college located in Sherman, read this post here Texas, about 60 miles north of Dallas. Chartered in November 1849, it holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in Texas still operating under its original charter and name, as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee . Affiliated by covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the college enrolls approximately 1,130 to 1,300 students and is known for its close-knit community, study abroad emphasis, and rigorous liberal arts curriculum .
History and Mission
Austin College was founded on October 13, 1849, in Huntsville, Texas, by Princeton-educated Presbyterian missionary Dr. Daniel Baker. The college was named after Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Houston—then president of the Republic of Texas—served on the original board of trustees . The charter, modeled after those of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, is still in use today .
The college moved to Sherman in 1876 after yellow fever epidemics and economic hardships made Huntsville untenable. It became coeducational in 1918 and merged with the all-female Texas Presbyterian College in 1930 .
Austin College’s mission is to educate individuals in the liberal arts and sciences to prepare them for productive and meaningful lives in an increasingly complex world. The college affirms values of personal growth, justice, community, and service, rooted in its Judeo-Christian heritage .
Academics
Austin College offers approximately 35 majors and pre-professional programs, with students also able to create specialized majors tailored to their interests . The college has recently expanded its degree offerings significantly:
Bachelor of Science Degrees: As of Fall 2024, students in nine key majors—biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and public health—can choose whether their degree is conferred as a B.A. or B.S. This change required no additional coursework, reflecting the thoroughness of the existing curriculum .
Engineering Program: In April 2025, Austin College announced a new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program, with concentrations in mechanical, electrical, or general engineering. The first degrees are expected with the Class of 2029. A $5.5 million gift from alumni Jim and Mary Ann Harris will fund the Harris Engineering Center, an 8,000-square-foot facility slated for completion in 2029 .
The college maintains an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and no classes are taught by teaching assistants—all courses are taught by regular faculty .
Popular Programs by Completions (2023-2024)
| Program | Bachelor’s Degrees |
|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences | 28 |
| Business/Commerce, General | 22 |
| History | 18 |
| Finance | 16 |
| Computer Science | 16 |
| Public Health | 16 |
| Biochemistry | 10 |
| Neuroscience | 9 |
Source: NCES College Navigator
Study Abroad and January Term
Austin College has a strong international emphasis. A 2009 Open Doors report showed that more than 80% of students studied abroad at some point during their undergraduate careers, placing the college among the top institutions nationally for study abroad participation .
The college’s distinctive January Term—a three-week mini-semester each January—requires students to complete three Jan-terms. Many students use these terms for travel abroad, with past destinations including Scotland, Greece, Peru, Japan, India, Egypt, South Africa, and New Zealand. Domestic options include Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, Washington D.C., and New York City .
Admissions and Costs
Austin College is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 47%. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.60, and the median SAT/ACT scores are 1230/26. The college has a test-optional admissions policy .
Cost and Financial Aid (2025-2026)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Published Tuition | $46,500–$48,680 |
| Total Full Price (with room & board) | $64,980 |
| Average Net Price After Aid | $23,451–$26,300 |
| Average Grant Aid | $37,742 |
| % of Students Receiving Grants | 100% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500–$24,500 |
Sources: Forbes, Money, CollegeHelpGuide, NCES
The college reports that 100% of students receive some form of financial aid, with institutional grants averaging over $31,000 for first-time students. Austin College participates in the Texoma Promise and Dallas Promise programs, blog here which cover tuition for families with adjusted gross incomes of $50,000 or less .
Campus Life
Austin College’s 100-acre environmentally green campus in Sherman offers a close-knit residential community. Students are required to live on campus for their first three years, fostering strong bonds among the student body . The college hosts over 75 student organizations with more than 100 leadership opportunities, and students contribute over 16,000 volunteer hours to the community annually .
Signature events include the annual TEDxAustin College, MLK Celebration, and Posey Leadership Convocation. The campus features the Solstice Calendar sculpture—a scientific instrument combining art and science—and the beloved campus squirrels even have their own Instagram page .
The Posey Leadership Institute selects 15 entering freshmen and up to five sophomores each year for a scholarship of approximately $11,000 annually, with specialized coursework in leadership and service .
Athletics
Austin College competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). The college’s athletic teams are known as the Kangaroos (or ‘Roos). Austin College sponsors 14 varsity sports including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, and water polo .
The football program, which began in 1896, won the 1981 National Championship when Gene Branum kicked a 57-yard field goal with 1:12 remaining against Concordia College .
Outcomes and Value
Austin College graduates earn a median salary of approximately $61,296 ten years after enrollment, with an earnings-to-debt ratio of 3.0x—a strong return on investment. The graduation rate is approximately 69%, and the average time to degree is 4.1 years .
Notable alumni include Lance Armstrong (attended), Henry Winkler (attended), former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, and former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers .
Conclusion
Austin College occupies a distinctive place in Texas higher education as the state’s oldest college under its original charter. Its commitment to the liberal arts, combined with recent expansions into engineering and Bachelor of Science degrees, positions it to serve a growing regional economy while maintaining its intimate, residential character. With 100% of students receiving financial aid, an average net price well below the sticker price, and a strong study abroad tradition, Austin College offers a compelling option for students seeking a small, Click This Link values-driven liberal arts education in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.