Why TLU?
Become Part Of Our Community
You have a vision of what your future could be, but you want an adventure along the way. You want to jump into your college years heart first—to seize ideas and experiences in equal measure. You want to give. You want to serve. You want to connect. You want to make friends who will last a lifetime.
You want to be included, to be part of something bigger than yourself. You want to change the world. You want a university where you’ll be surprised, challenged, and welcomed.
Six Great Reasons to Attend
1. You’re Instantly Part of a Community
On average, you’ll be in a classroom approximately 12 and 20 hours a week. What will you do with the rest of your time?
- Hang out with your fellow TLU Bulldogs (who hail from 23 states and nine countries)
- See what’s going on at your residence hall (where more than 65% of students live)
- Go to a meeting of one of the 70+ student organizations on campus (or start your own)
We’re a warm, welcoming, opportunity-filled campus, and we’re standing by to help every student find their place.
The TLU community doesn’t end at the edge of campus: We offer countless ways to serve the community in and around the San Antonio/Austin area, including our hometown of Seguin. And no matter where you go in the world, you won’t be far from another loyal, passionate TLU alum.
2. You'll Graduate into a Career
Why do our graduates thrive? Because we set them up for success long before graduation day. We devote enormous resources to securing internships for students, assisting with career development, and networking with area businesses and TLU alumni. We help our students discover their professional passion and turn it into a lucrative career path. That’s why TLU is regularly named a "Best Value” by U.S. News & World Report.
3. You’ll Get to Know Your Professors
The average class size at TLU is 19, and no class is larger than 50 students. At larger public universities, classes may be 10 times that size. By keeping class size small, TLU professors can quickly adapt their curriculum, encourage more participation, and offer you personalized feedback. In smaller classrooms, students connect more easily and learning is more hands-on.
Simply put, small class size provides a richer university experience.
Plus, every student at TLU can work with their professors to conduct and publish undergraduate research. Recently, TLU students and faculty have answered questions such as:
- Is there a bacteria that can transform grass clippings into alcohol?
- How can you predict which communities will have the highest voter turnout?
- Which educational tactics reduce the rate of diabetes in Spanish-speaking communities?
- How can we take better photos of our solar system from here on earth?
4. You'll Be Able to Explore or Expand Your Faith
Lutheran education celebrates academic freedom, critical inquiry, community, inclusiveness, joy, and a holistic understanding of mind, body, and spirit.
Since our founding more than 130 years ago, TLU has embodied and promoted these principles. Here, your spiritual development is as important to us as your academic development.
You do not have to be Lutheran or Christian to attend TLU. We welcome students of any faith—or those who are still exploring faith. Whatever your religious identity, Texas Lutheran University is where you can be, and become, fully yourself.
5. You Can Afford TLU
We believe all students should be able to afford a small, private college experience.
When you’re admitted to Texas Lutheran University you will receive at least $25,000/year for four years if you have a high school core academic GPA of 4.0. We are test optional, so no SAT/ACT score is required to qualify for academic scholarships.
More than 95% of our students receive financial aid—making TLU just as affordable as a public university.
6. You’re Part of a Place that Cares Deeply About our World
Take a moment to read through our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. They perfectly embody what it Texas Lutheran University is all about —and they’re setting a course for our future.
We hope you’ll join us.
Welcome To TLU
President Cottrell addresses the essence of TLU and how our faculty and staff serve students and prepare them “to learn boldly and live to inspire.”