Organizer Information
Southwestern University is a private liberal arts university in Georgetown, Texas. Its Sarofim School of Fine Arts brings together Art History, Studio Art, Music, and Theatre, with undergraduate programs including the BA in Studio Art, BFA in Studio Art, BA in Art History, and related fine-arts programs.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Southwestern University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA
- Academic Fields: Studio Art, Art History, Theatre, Music, Architecture, Design
- Relevant Programs: Studio Art (BA); Studio Art (BFA); Art History (BA); paired major in Art History and Studio Art (BA); minors in Studio Art, Architecture, and Design.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall and Spring entry; Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and space-available Late Decision are offered for first-year applicants.
- Application Deadline: First Tuesday in November, December, or February depending on application round.
- Start of Studies: Fall or Spring
- Application Fee: No application fee
- Tuition: $59,648 for 2026–27 full-time undergraduate study
- Funding: Merit scholarships, need-based grants, and fine-arts scholarships are available; international students are eligible for merit-based scholarships but not Southwestern need-based financial aid.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Southwestern's relevant creative disciplines include Studio Art and Art History, with Studio Art covering drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and design. The university also offers related programs in theatre, music, architecture, and design.
- Studio Art is available as a BA or BFA. The BFA is a more intensive course of study and requires a formal application and portfolio jury during the sophomore or junior year; it is not an admission requirement for entering the Studio Art major.
General Eligibility
- Southwestern accepts first-year undergraduate applicants and international degree-seeking applicants. International applicants must have completed a secondary-school curriculum with strong academic performance, including four years each of English, mathematics, science, and social science.
- International applicants applying from outside the United States must also submit a Certification of Finances Form with supporting financial documentation.
- First-year admission is test-optional. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission or merit scholarship consideration. Applicants who choose not to submit test scores must complete a conversational interview.
Educational Background
First-year applicants must provide an official high school transcript. International applicants must provide secondary-school transcripts and/or examination results; documents must be in English and sent directly by the school, examination board, or certified translator. Southwestern recommends transcript evaluation through IEE, WES, or another NACES-approved provider for international applicants.
Language Requirements
- International students must demonstrate English proficiency. Southwestern identifies TOEFL 88 or IELTS 6.5 as minimum evidence of English proficiency for international admission.
- International applicants whose first language is not English and whose secondary-school instruction was not primarily in English are encouraged to submit TOEFL or IELTS results.
Application Fee
| Applicant Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| First-year | $0 |
| Transfer | $0 |
Southwestern states that it does not charge an application fee.
Tuition
| Study Level | Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, full-time (12–19 credits/semester) | All students | $59,648 | Academic year | $550 Student Service and Information Technology Fee |
| Undergraduate, first year | All students | $59,648 | Academic year | Additional $200 Orientation Fee in the first term |
- The 2026–27 published cost information lists $59,648 tuition for full-time students, plus a $550 Student Service and Information Technology Fee. First-year and transfer students are charged a $200 Orientation Fee in their first term.
- All full-time students must maintain health insurance. The university's 2026–27 student health insurance premium is $2,763 annually, but students with qualifying existing coverage may waive the university plan.
Funding & Financial Support
- Southwestern offers merit scholarships, need-based grants, and departmental and fine-arts awards. General merit scholarships may be renewable for up to eight semesters subject to applicable requirements.
- International students are considered for merit-based scholarships when they complete an admission application, but Southwestern states that it does not provide need-based financial aid funds for international students.
- The Sarofim Scholarship in Studio Art requires an application and online portfolio review. The portfolio review is not required for admission to the Studio Art major itself.
University Services & Academic Support
- Studio Art students have access to dedicated studios and facilities across the Fine Arts Building and Rufus Franklin Edwards Studio Art Building, including ceramics and sculpture facilities, studios, equipment, and technical support. The Sarofim Fine Arts Gallery provides opportunities for Studio Art students to exhibit their work.
- The university also provides career services, Writing Center support, library and research services, and international student and immigration support.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants must submit:
- Completed application, including activities list
- Application essay
- Official high school transcript
- International applicants outside the United States: Certification of Finances Form and supporting bank statements
Letters of recommendation are optional on the general first-year application. SAT/ACT scores are optional.
For the Sarofim Scholarship in Studio Art, applicants must additionally submit an online portfolio.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision Application Deadline: 3 November 2026
- Early Action Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Regular Decision Application Deadline: 2 February 2027
- Early Decision Admission Decision: 1 December 2026
- Early Action Admission Decision: 2 March 2027
- Regular Decision Admission Decision: 6 April 2027
- Early Decision Enrollment Deposit: 5 January 2027
- Early Action Enrollment Deposit: 4 May 2027
- Regular Decision Enrollment Deposit: 4 May 2027
Location
Southwestern University — Georgetown, Texas, United States
Additional Details
Southwestern is primarily an undergraduate institution for the creative programs covered here. The Studio Art BA requires 11 courses, while the BFA requires 19 courses and includes a professional exhibition component. Admission to the BFA itself occurs later through a formal application and portfolio jury rather than at initial university admission.
International students admitted to Southwestern must obtain the appropriate U.S. student visa. The university issues the Form I-20 after the required enrollment deposit and financial documentation are provided.