Schreiner University: A Legacy of Education and Leadership in the Texas Hill Country
Schreiner University, a private Presbyterian institution in Kerrville, Texas, boasts a rich history and a commitment to preparing students for meaningful work and purposeful lives. With a focus on personalized, integrated education within a supportive learning environment, Schreiner has evolved from its origins as a military institute to a comprehensive university offering a wide array of academic programs.
From Institute to University: A Historical Overview
The story of Schreiner University begins with Captain Charles Schreiner Sr., a Texas Ranger and prominent figure known as the "Father of the Hill Country." Schreiner, who immigrated to Texas as a teenager and built a successful livestock, retail, and banking empire, envisioned a school that would provide quality education to the people of the Texas Hill Country.
In 1917, Capt. Charles Schreiner Sr. founded "Schreiner Institute" (sometimes called Schreiner Military Institute) and worked toward its establishment until 1923. The Presbytery of Western Texas shared this vision, recognizing the need for accessible education in the region. As early as 1906, the Presbytery expressed its intention to establish a school in Kerrville.
Established in September 1923, the Schreiner Institute was initially a residential school for young boys, offering secondary school and junior college curricula to prepare them for further education. The military institute was created for young boys and included both secondary school and junior college curricula to prepare students for further education. The institute provided military training until 1971.
In 1973, the institution shifted its focus to a college curriculum and adopted the name "Schreiner College". The college experience changed once more in 1981 when it became a four-year college. This transition marked a significant step in the institution's development, expanding its academic offerings and broadening its appeal. Recognizing its growth and expanded mission, the college became "Schreiner University" in 2001 and began offering master's degrees.
Read also: Learn About Schreiner University
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Schreiner University offers over 40 four-year undergraduate programs, an MBA, and a master of education. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) to award certificates as well as associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. The University also holds accreditation by the Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners and is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for teacher certification programs.
Schreiner University prepares students for meaningful work and purposeful lives in a changing global society through personalized, integrated education in a rich learning environment. Schreiner also offers early opportunities for students to identify their career interests, ensuring they can complete their degree plans on time.
Graduate programs at Schreiner University offer students the opportunity to take the next step in their educational journey by enrolling in one of our online master’s programs. SU Online continues this tradition with flexible, 100% online programs. Offering diverse career paths in business, education, healthcare, and more, our expert faculty and affordable tuition ensure you receive a high-quality education.
The university is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education. The Visual and Performing Arts at Schreiner University celebrate creativity as a vital part of whole-person learning. Through music, theater, digital media, and visual arts, students explore identity, expression, and innovation in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Schreiner also offers special programs to help students interested in pursuing a college education including the Schreiner Institute, a college-level service academy preparatory program for those who did not receive appointments or nominations straight out of high school, ROTC, and veteran services.
Read also: Affording Schreiner University
A Focus on Student Success
Schreiner University is here to help all students interested in pursuing a college education. At Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, you get “the personal touch.” Because Schreiner is small, “classes offer more student-teacher interaction and cohesion.” The “knowledgeable, intelligent, worldly professors” are “published researchers, and have a lot to offer academically.” Faculty “work hard…every time we step into a classroom and…during office hours if you need help understanding something in greater detail.”
Schreiner also provides a number of “resources that enable its students to achieve their goals,” including a “STEM Zone, filled with study materials relating to STEM courses” that help students better understand the concepts they are learning in class, “success coaches that advise students on how to organize and balance their schedule,” a Tutoring Center, and “an amazing LSS program for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.” The President of the college is “accessible,” and “attends events put on by the Student Government Association in which he hears the students’ concerns and has open dialogue with us.”
Other notable offerings include the “Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University, a program for re-applicants to the federal service academies,” a “campus ministry program,” plenty of “opportunities for research and study abroad,” and “networking opportunities” through alumni.
Campus Life and Athletics
Schreiner University sports teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Division III. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. At Schreiner University, athletics is a cornerstone of our mission to educate the whole person. As a Division III school, our student-athletes lead with heart, balancing academic excellence with competitive spirit. Guided by mentors and rooted in teamwork, they grow as scholars, leaders, and resilient contributors to their communities.
Greek life began at Schreiner University with the chartering of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon, establishing its Gamma Gamma chapter on January 25, 2003. On May 3 of the same year, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity established its Texas Sigma chapter, being the first fraternity to be officially chartered with 26 founding fathers including Mickey Holt, 2nd baseman of the baseball team. Greek life had been unofficially established on campus earlier, on February 21, 2001, when Chi Phi fraternity founded a colony at Schreiner University; however, the colony was not chartered into the Iota Theta chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity until 2005.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
A Vibrant Campus Community
Schreiner attracts “students from all over the state” who are “friendly” and “supportive.” The student population is “diverse for such a small campus in the middle of the Texas Hill country.” Students tend to be “quiet” and less social than at some schools, but “friendly,” and “always there to help you.” Students have a “great campus life” and “opportunities to make meaningful friendships with others by being in learning communities,” which include STEM students, “a global scholars group, and a religious group, as well.” You don’t have to be in a learning community, but “it is encouraged.”
There is economic diversity, with students “from low-income households…attending Schreiner University with the aid of scholarships.” And there is camaraderie between classes, as well. One first-year student who started off in upper level classes says, “It was a bit intimidating being in a room full of juniors. However, these upperclassmen eventually became my mentors and tutors.
The atmosphere at Schreiner University “can almost be described as…quaint,” one student says.
Shaping Texas Through Education and Leadership
Schreiner University is dedicated to strengthening Texas through education, leadership, and cultural appreciation. The Center for Talent and Workforce Development drives workforce training and community education. The Schreiner Institute prepares future leaders through Academy Prep, ROTC, and Veterans programs.
The Distinguished Lecture Series at Schreiner University brings thought leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to the Hill Country to engage our campus and community in meaningful dialogue. These events explore critical issues, spark new perspectives, and reflect Schreiner’s commitment to academic inquiry, civic engagement, and the pursuit of purpose.
Location and Visiting the Campus
Nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, Kerrville is a vibrant community that is the capital of the Texas Hill Country. Its friendly people and majestic scenery make Kerrville a natural place to live, receive an education, work and play. We boast a community rich in culture and heritage. From enjoying wildlife and nature while camping at exceptional parks to appreciating the fine arts, there is certainly something for everyone here in Kerrville. With acclaimed local attractions and an endless display of natural brilliance, Kerrville is truly a Hill Country paradise. This Hill Country enchantment seems to capture the hearts of those who experience its beauty.
San Antonio provides the closest airport destination. From Austin (101 miles): Take I-35 South toward San Antonio. From Houston (250 miles): Take I-10 West toward San Antonio.
The best way to discover if Schreiner University is the right fit for you is to experience our beautiful Hill Country campus in Kerrville, Texas. During your personalized visit, you’ll connect with faculty, meet current students, and explore how Schreiner’s legacy of whole-person learning and close-knit community can help you enter with hope and leave with achievement.
Daily Campus Visits: The best way to know if Schreiner University is right for you is to visit our campus in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. We offer guided campus tours twice daily, giving you a chance to explore our beautiful grounds, connect with admissions staff, and experience the close-knit community that makes Schreiner unique. Discover Schreiner through our students’ stories!
Schreiner Saturdays and Admitted Student Days are the perfect way to explore campus more fully. These special visit days include a campus tour, sessions tailored to your interests, and time with our Admissions team.
Whether you have questions about applying, transferring, or what life is like as a Schreiner student, we invite you to schedule a one-on-one appointment. Meetings are relaxed, informative, and open to students as early as their junior year of high school. Explore what Schreiner University has to offer through academics and programs.
Financial Stability and Future Growth
In 2017, Schreiner surpassed its five-year capital campaign fundraising goal of $50 million. Since 2012, the institution has received $52.4 million from approximately 3,600 donors. Nearly $30 million of the amount raised is earmarked for student scholarships, which have been previously funded at $13 million. The school will add endowed chairs in mathematics, science, and humanities and hire a visiting artist and performer or designer in residence.
As of March, 2016, the university's endowment was $57.9 million.
By 2030, Schreiner University will continue to preserve, challenge, and expand the story of Texas as its 2,030 students participate in the most unique curricular and co-curricular set of offerings in the State, including opportunities in talent and workforce development, undergraduate degrees, and graduate programs.
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