St. Edward’s University Earns the Seal of Excelencia Again, the Only Catholic Institution Nationwide to Receive Recertification
Austin, Texas — Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, announced that St. Edward’s University has been recertified with the Seal of Excelencia for 2026–2029. St. Edward’s first received this certification in 2023.
“Earning the Seal of Excelencia recertification reaffirms our Holy Cross mission — putting students at the center of their educational experience and surrounding them with resources and support that encourage lifelong success,” said St. Edward’s University Interim President Matthew Shank. “Building on our legacy as the first private university in Texas and the only Catholic university in the nation to earn recertification of the Seal, this recognition honors our 30 years as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and reflects our deep commitment to cultivating an environment where Latino students, and all students, thrive on the Hilltop and beyond.”
In recognizing St. Edward’s, Excelencia in Education commended the university’s efforts to advance strategies, strengthen practices, and set measurable goals that deepen mission-driven investment in intentionally serving Latinos. They highlighted the university’s numerous campus programs and services to promote recruitment, retention, and degree completion for Latino students.
Dedicated to educating both the hearts and minds, St. Edward’s creates a student-centered college experience defined by academic pathways and holistic support inside and outside the classroom. The university places special emphasis on expanding opportunities for all students, including first-generation and Latino students, offering faculty mentorship, personalized tutoring, career readiness and enriching cultural experiences that inspire confidence, foster belonging and drive long-term success. Longstanding programs like the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) — which has welcomed nearly 2,900 scholars over its 54-year history on the Hilltop — exemplify how tailored guidance and high-impact resources create transformative outcomes for students, their families and communities.
St. Edward’s is one of 55 institutions, less than 2% of U.S. colleges and universities, to earn the Seal of Excelencia. The Seal serves as a roadmap for universities — led by data, evidence-based practice and leadership — that creates a pathway to higher education for Latino, and all, students and prepares them for lifelong success.
“Seal of Excelencia certified institutions present strength of purpose and impact at a moment of great change in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. “Excelencia is proud to work with leaders like St. Edward’s University, who show us how it looks when students succeed because of their institutions — not despite them. Together, we are cultivating talent that will ensure America’s future.”
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university with Catholic, Holy Cross values and approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, this top-ranked university offers more than 55 undergraduate programs, six master’s degrees, two doctoral degrees and industry-focused professional certificates. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students with distinctive academics and extensive internships, research, and service-learning opportunities on a vibrant, inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 23 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2027 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #6 among the Best Regional Universities in the West, #5 Top Performers on Social Mobility, #3 Top Private Colleges in the West, #3 for Best Value School and #5 for Best Colleges for Veterans.
