Header Navigation User SEU Search Block MENU History & Mission Breadcrumb Home About St. Edward's History & Mission Main menu Facts & Awards History & Mission Holy Cross Brothers 200th Anniversary Strategic Plan Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Our Leadership Accreditation Our past inspires our future. In 1841, equipped with an enduring vision (and courage), Father Edward Sorin, CSC, set sail from France to the new world to establish Notre Dame and St. Edward’s universities. For more than 135 years, we’ve carried his passion for educating all who seek to realize their full potential, regardless of social standing, spiritual path or ability to pay. And along the way, we’ve changed a lot, too. See how far we’ve come and the mission we share. 2021 In its most recent ranking, U.S. News & World Report named St. Edward’s a top 25 university in the West for the 19th year in a row. The university is ranked No. 8. 2016 International partnerships grow to universities in 17 countries, expanding global learning. Currently, the university has partners in 19 countries. Next We share a common purpose. As international borders dissolve and technology and media explode daily, the mission of St. Edward’s and a Holy Cross education continue to transcend the times. The tectonic shifts and challenges of our world community require thoughtful minds, caring hearts and clarity of leadership. A St. Edward’s liberal arts education and its ability to instill the critical skills that weather life’s tests have never been more essential. Our Mission St. Edward’s University is an independent Catholic university that welcomes qualified students of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs and serves a culturally diverse student body. The university’s undergraduate programs achieve a balance among the humanities, the sciences and the professions. These programs seek to make graduates competent in a chosen discipline, help them understand and appreciate the contributions of other disciplines and prepare them to further their life goals. Graduate and professional development programs enhance students’ knowledge and skills in order to prepare them to take advantage of more challenging employment opportunities. Graduates in all programs should be prepared, through training in critical and creative thinking as well as moral reasoning, to analyze problems, propose solutions and make responsible decisions. They should be able to express themselves articulately in both oral and written form. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the human person that is derived from reason and open to faith. The university promotes excellence in teaching and learning in an environment that encompasses innovative pedagogy in the curriculum and co-curriculum as well as engagement with the broader community. A caring faculty and staff, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process, teach the skills needed to be independent and productive. They encourage individuals to confront the critical issues of society and to seek justice and peace. Students are helped to understand themselves, clarify their personal values and recognize their responsibility to the world community. The university gives the example of its own commitment to service. St. Edward’s was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds. St. Edward’s expresses its Catholic identity by communicating the dignity of the human person as created in the image of God, by stressing the obligation of all people to pursue a more just world and by providing opportunities for religious studies and participation in campus ministry. St. Edward’s seeks to provide an environment in which freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed. St. Edwards University St. Edward’s University 3001 South Congress Austin, Texas 78704-6489 855-468-6738 (toll free) 512-448-8400 Campus Information Maps & Directions Contact Directory Careers Site Map Policies Disclosures Accessibility Title IX Covid-19 St. Edward's on Social Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube Sticky bar Apply Now Request Info Visit Deposit HIDE