16 Reasons to Become a Hilltopper
At St. Edward’s, our students benefit from a highly personalized education that supports them in becoming compassionate, globally oriented creative thinkers and problem solvers who contribute to a better world. What’s it like to be a student on the hilltop? Here are 16 great things to know about St. Edward’s and why you should become a Hilltopper.
1. Professors Inspire You — In Person and Virtually
Our professors are innovators, thought leaders and passionate teachers who are excited to tell you about their fall courses. In our small classes, they’ll get to know you by name, mentor you and connect you to research and career opportunities.
2. A Success Team Supports You from Day One
From your personal success coach and faculty advisors to your career coach and peer mentors, an entire team of people stand ready to help you customize your college experience and chart your own path to a full and meaningful future.
3. A Roadmap Keeps You on Track to Graduate in 4 Years
Your personal success coach works with you to create your college roadmap — including classes, student activities, leadership roles and internships — and guides you throughout your college years to achieve your goals.
4. Our College Application Process Is Tailored to You
Our rolling admission gives you extra flexibility when you apply to St. Edward’s. Plus, you have three ways to apply: the St. Edward’s online application, the Common Application and ApplyTexas.
5. Our World-Class Hometown Opens Doors
Austin is teaming with creativity, big business, entrepreneurial energy, amazing internships and outdoor activities. It’s consistently ranked a best college town and best U.S. city to live and start a career. Here are 17 reasons you’ll love Austin.
6. Our Test-Optional Policy Makes Applying Simpler
SAT and ACT scores are not required by St. Edward's. If you choose not to submit those test scores when you apply, you'll still receive full and equal consideration for admission and merit scholarships.
7. Our Texas Core Complete Status Helps Transfer Students Graduate Faster
Transfer students who complete their core curriculum at a local community college in Texas can save time and money prior to transferring to St. Edward’s, and experience a more seamless transfer. Here’s how it works.
8. Advanced Research Opportunities Strengthen Your Confidence and Résumé
Our undergraduate students and faculty members team up to produce graduate-level research and creative projects, and present their work regionally and nationally. Check out this example of a recent research project.
9. Cherished Campus Traditions Unite Us
From Homecoming to the Medallion Ceremony and Legacy Walk to the Festival of Lights, our campus traditions are fun and enriching and keep us connected to our St. Edward’s family. We’re reshaping our traditions for the pandemic and look forward to resuming them.
10. Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger
St. Edward’s is a compassionate, inclusive community, welcoming to people from all walks of life. Our students represent 44 states, 57 countries, 24 languages and 34 faith traditions. Learning from one another is vital to our understanding of the world.
11. Our Beautiful Campus is an Awesome Place to Call Home
Our hilltop home is green, spacious and peaceful. You’ll find plenty of outdoor areas to socialize, stay active or enjoy quiet time. Plus, we’re located just 3 miles from downtown with a spectacular view of the Austin skyline. Come see for yourself!
12. Global Awareness Is Central to Our Learning
In their academic pursuits and cocurricular activities on campus and beyond, our globally minded students gain a deeper awareness of other cultures. Studying abroad is highly encouraged and enhanced by our 20 partner universities in 17 countries.
13. Serving Others Is a Hallmark of Our Mission
Our commitment to social justice and working for a better world is inspired by our Catholic, Holy Cross tradition. Hilltoppers contribute 70,000+ hours yearly to volunteer activities and take part in Service Break Experiences in 10 states and six countries.
14. Hilltoppers Win Prestigious Awards
Since 2008, our students have received a significant number of awards and recognition, including over 200 national and international fellowships, scholarships and awards, such as the Truman Scholarship, Gilman Scholarship and the Presidential Management Fellowship, and 75 Fulbright Student awards.
15. Our Alumni Follow Their Dreams
Hilltoppers enter top graduate and professional schools, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia and Oxford universities. They land rewarding jobs in almost every career field. And many create their own companies, such as this alumna did with her national food brand.
16. A Wilderness Escape Provides Research and Relaxation
Fewer than 10 miles from campus, the St. Edward’s Wild Basin Creative Research Center in Austin is part of a 227-acre preserve that serves as an outdoor laboratory for student research, internships and creative projects. Hilltoppers can enjoy trail hikes, wildlife, nature programs and volunteer activities.
Hilltop Spirit Is Sparked by a GOAT
Our lively mountain goat mascot shows up at all the right moments to join us in celebrating our hilltop pride. We love it when Topper brings a few real goat friends along to share in the festivities!