Top Five Colleges in the Southwest
Putting together a list of the best colleges in the Southwest opens a door to criticism from many different factions. Alumni of the great schools of the Southwest take it very personally when they see their alma mater drop in rank and are proud to have won. Faculty and staff are also eager to see their schools rank well. Fortunately, this list has not been compiled to stroke the egos of graduates and employees, but rather to help guide those seeking the right school for them, the students of tomorrow.
Choosing a school can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking process. Will this decision change the course of your life? Actually, it very well can. Your friendships, your understanding of the world, and your future course of life can be shaped during the crucial years of education. In fact, if the school you choose does not somehow determine who you are and who you become, then you have chosen unwisely. It is the job of our educational institutions to help shape and guide us to become the best we can be at whatever we set out to do.
With this in mind, those researching this list have taken into account not only high academic standards (an absolute must), but also the quality of campus life, along with several other factors essential to an enriching college experience. And so, without further ado, here is the list:
1. University of Texas, Austin, Texas
It will come as no surprise to those evaluating Southwestern colleges to see the University of Texas topping this list. Located in Austin, Texas, one of the most beloved Southwestern cities, the University of Texas consistently delivers outstanding performance across the spectrum of qualities considered most important in a school: academics are stellar; student life is rich and satisfying; students go on to rewarding and varied careers. For those seeking an education in the Southwest, it can hardly be better than acquiring one of the coveted enrollment slots at this prestigious institution.
2. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University was the first of the Texas public schools and has grown into a world-class institution. The university has expanded beyond its “agriculture and machinery” roots into all fields, exhibiting excellence in many. At the same time, Texas A&M has preserved a spirit of tradition. The combination of academic excellence and old Texas spirit makes Texas A&M an irresistible choice for many and places the school at number two on this list.
3. Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Brigham Young University earns third place on this list with its outstanding educational programs and high quality of student life. BYU is nestled among spectacular mountains and offers acclaimed language and performing arts programs. Please note that the sponsor of the school is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; all programs are designed to be consistent with the tenets of that faith.
4. Baylor University, Waco, Texas
The third of four Texas campuses to make this list, Baylor University Waco earns top marks with its uniquely effective combination of high academic standards and Baptist faith. Baylor’s seals sum up the school’s mission: “Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana.” That is, “For the Church, for Texas.”
5. Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Rounding out the top five schools in the Southwest is Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas. SMU earns its high ranking by offering relatively small class sizes and easily accessible faculty. SMU’s urban location gives students the added benefit of cultural enrichment as well as an internship experience in the university’s host city.