| Putting together a list of the top universities in the | | | | careers. For those seeking an education in the |
| Southwest opens one up to criticism from many | | | | Southwest, it is hard to better than acquiring one |
| different factions. Alums from the great | | | | of the sought-after enrollment slots at this |
| Southwestern schools take it very personally | | | | prestigious institution. |
| when they see their alma mater losing rank and | | | | 2. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX |
| swell with pride at a gain. Faculty and staff are | | | | Texas A&M University was the first of |
| also eager to see their schools rank well. Happily, | | | | Texas's public schools and has grown into a |
| this list has not been composed to stroke the | | | | top-notch institution. The university has expanded |
| egos of graduates and employees but to help | | | | beyond its "agriculture and machinery" roots into |
| guide those who are searching for the school that | | | | all fields, exhibiting excellence in many. At the |
| is right for them, the students of tomorrow. | | | | same time, Texas A&M has retained a spirit |
| Choosing a school can be a grueling and anxiety | | | | of tradition. The combination of academic |
| provoking process. Will this decision change the | | | | excellence and old Texas spirit makes Texas |
| course of your life? Actually, it very well may. | | | | A&M an irresistible choice for many and lands |
| Your friendships, your understanding of the world, | | | | the school at number two on this list. |
| and your future life course can all be shaped | | | | 3. Brigham Young University, Provo, UT |
| during the crucial years of education. In fact, if the | | | | Brigham Young University earns the third place on |
| school you choose does not somehow determine | | | | this list with its outstanding educational programs |
| who you are and who you become, then you | | | | and high quality of student life. BYU sits among |
| have chosen unwisely. It is the job of our | | | | spectacular mountains, offering acclaimed language |
| educational institutions to help shape us and guide | | | | and performing arts programs. Note that the |
| us toward becoming the best that we can be at | | | | school's sponsor is the Church of Jesus Christ of |
| whatever it is we set out to do. | | | | Latter-day Saints; all programs are designed to be |
| With this in mind, those researching this list have | | | | consistent with the principles of that faith. |
| taken into careful consideration not only high | | | | 4. Baylor University, Waco, TX |
| academic standards (an absolute must), but also | | | | The third of four Texas campuses to make this |
| the quality of campus life, along with several other | | | | list, Baylor University in Waco earns top marks |
| factors essential for an enriching university | | | | with its uniquely effective combination of high |
| experience. And so, with no further ado, here is | | | | academic standards and Baptist faith. The Baylor |
| the list: | | | | seals sums up the mission of the school: "Pro |
| 1. University of Texas, Austin, TX | | | | Ecclesia, Pro Texana." That is, "For Church, For |
| It will be no surprise to those who gauge | | | | Texas." |
| Southwestern universities to see the University of | | | | 5. Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX |
| Texas topping this list. Nestled in Austin, Texas, | | | | Rounding out the top five Southwestern schools is |
| one of the most beloved Southwestern cities, the | | | | Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas. |
| University of Texas consistently delivers | | | | SMU gains its high ranking by offering relatively |
| outstanding performance throughout the | | | | small class size and easily accessible professors. |
| spectrum of qualities deemed most important in a | | | | SMU's urban location affords students the |
| school: Academics are stellar; student life is rich | | | | additional benefit of cultural enrichment as well as |
| and fulfilling; alums go on to rewarding and varied | | | | internship experience in the university's host city. |