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Austin College

Sherman, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Nil nisi per aspera(Nothing but the fierce)

1849
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,125
Total Students
$155M
Endowment
(2020)
$47K
Tuition (In-State)
$47K
Tuition (Out-State)
$23K
Avg Net Price
47%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Rebecca Cantor

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Austin College

Austin College: A storied liberal arts journey, building leaders since 1849.

Austin College stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution, fostering academic excellence and a vibrant community spirit since its founding in 1849. With a close-knit student body of 1,223, it offers an intimate and engaging educational experience rooted in its rich history and forward-thinking vision. This enduring legacy, coupled with a substantial $0.2 billion endowment, ensures a robust and innovative environment for its students.

The college's roots run deep in Texas history, established in Huntsville by Daniel Baker with a charter modeled after esteemed institutions like Harvard and Yale. Notable figures such as Sam Houston and Anson Jones served on its early board. Resilience has been a hallmark, demonstrated by the community's unwavering commitment after the devastating Old Main fire in 1913. Landmark presidencies, including Oscar Page's transformative "Campaign for the New Era" which raised $120 million, and Marjorie Hass's pioneering leadership as the first female and Jewish president, have continually propelled Austin College into new eras of growth and development.

Academically, Austin College provides a dynamic learning landscape, exemplified by the 103,000 square foot, LEED Gold certified IDEA Center. This state-of-the-art facility features multi-disciplinary classrooms, advanced laboratories, lecture halls, and the Adams Observatory, home to the largest telescope in the region. These modern resources underscore the college's dedication to providing cutting-edge educational opportunities across the liberal arts.

Prospective students and families will find Austin College to be a place where tradition meets innovation, where a supportive community rallies together, and where a comprehensive liberal arts education prepares graduates for a lifetime of intellectual curiosity and impactful contributions.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1849 by Daniel Baker, making it one of the oldest colleges in Texas.
  • A private liberal arts college with a close-knit student body of 1,223.
  • Boasts a substantial $0.2 billion endowment, supporting its mission and student success.
  • Achieved its largest fundraising success with the "Campaign for the New Era," raising $120 million.
  • Home to the 103,000 sq ft, LEED Gold certified IDEA Center, featuring multi-disciplinary classrooms and the region's largest telescope in Adams Observatory.
  • Pioneering leadership: Marjorie Hass served as the college's first female and Jewish president, overseeing significant campus expansion.

Timeline

1849
Founded on October 13 in Huntsville, Texas, by Daniel Baker.
1878
Relocated its campus from Huntsville to Sherman, Texas.
1913
The historic Old Main building was destroyed by fire, galvanizing the college community.
1994
Oscar Page began his presidency, later initiating the successful "Campaign for the New Era."
2009
Marjorie Hass became the college's first female and Jewish president, overseeing the construction of the IDEA Center.
🏛️
177 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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