The institutional mission is a broad statement of fundamental purpose that embraces the social and intellectual aspirations of the institution. It is through the mission statement that the institution makes known its aspirations to develop the human resources and to serve education and society.

St. Edward’s University is an independent Catholic university open to qualified students
of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs.

The university provides a culturally diverse student body with an education that achieves a balance among the humanities, the sciences and the professions. St. Edward’s seeks to make its graduates competent in a chosen discipline and to help them understand and appreciate the contributions of other disciplines. Graduates 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 derived
from reason and open to faith.

The university promotes excellence in teaching and learning in an environment which encompasses the campus classrooms, the student life programs, and the broader community. A caring faculty, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process, teaches 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 obligations 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.