Planning a campus visit or a graduation trip to Waxahachie or the Dallas area? Whether it's a first tour at Nelson University, move-in week, or a commencement at UTA, TCU, or Baylor, this guide has the 2026-27 dates, the venues, where to park, and where to celebrate.
We host a tiny home just outside Waxahachie that sleeps up to 7, so we've also covered where to celebrate, where to stay, and a full graduation weekend.
College visits near Waxahachie, at a glance
- Nelson University
- Formerly SAGU, 1200 Sycamore St., about 10 minutes
- Nelson commencements
- Dec. 11, 2026 and Apr. 30, 2027, in the Sheaffer Center
- Nelson visit days
- Daily, Mon to Fri; Campus Days Nov. 5 to 6
- Homecoming
- Sat., Oct. 31, 2026
- Navarro College
- Waxahachie campus, 1900 John Arden Dr.
- DFW campuses
- UNT Dallas about 25 min; DBU 40; SMU 45; UTA 50; TCU 55
- Big December dates
- UTA Dec. 2; Nelson Dec. 11; DBU Dec. 17 to 18; SMU Dec. 19
- From our tiny home
- About 4.7 miles to Nelson, roughly 10 minutes
- Sleeps
- Up to 7, with a full kitchen and washer and dryer
From each school's 2026-27 catalog, academic calendar, or commencement page, checked October 4, 2026. Schools can move dates, so confirm with yours.
Colleges near Waxahachie
Waxahachie has its own university, Nelson (the former SAGU), and a Navarro College campus, and it sits within an hour of most of the big DFW schools. That makes it a practical home base for a family touring several campuses, or for a graduation weekend when hotels near campus are sold out.
If you searched for hotels near Nelson University, SAGU graduation lodging, a place to stay for a UTA or TCU graduation, or an Airbnb for a campus visit near Dallas, this guide is for you.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU)
Nelson University
1200 Sycamore St., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Southwestern Assemblies of God University took its founder's name, P.C. Nelson, in fall 2024. It started in 1927 as Southwestern Bible Institute and celebrates its centennial in 2027; the campus itself is on the National Register. A Christian university affiliated with the Assemblies of God. Main line 1-888-937-7248; offices weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a noon lunch hour.
Visiting Nelson University
- Daily visits: Monday to Friday, year-round, mornings and afternoons, with a campus tour and an admissions counselor. Wednesday to Friday mornings include a free lunch and chapel.
- University Friday: breakfast, a class, chapel, a tour, an admissions meeting, and free merchandise, for juniors and seniors.
- Saturdays at Nelson: an administration talk, a tour, admissions info, and lunch.
- Private and Homeschool Preview Day: a class, chapel, a tour, breakfast, lunch, and merchandise.
- Campus Days: a free overnight in the dorms with classes, a block party, and late-night worship.
- Group visits: custom dates for church or school groups.
Register for any visit on nelson.edu. Visitors say the campus library is open to the public for study, a quiet spot while your student is in a class visit.
Nelson University 2026-27 dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 12 to 17, 2026 | Fall break |
| Oct. 23, 2026 | Private and Homeschool Preview Day |
| Oct. 31, 2026 | Saturdays at Nelson: Homecoming |
| Nov. 5 to 6, 2026 | Campus Days (free overnight) |
| Nov. 13, 2026 | University Friday |
| Nov. 25 to 27, 2026 | Thanksgiving break |
| Dec. 11, 2026 | Fall commencement |
| Jan. 11, 2027 | Spring classes begin |
| Jan. 29, 2027 | University Friday |
| Feb. 20, 2027 | Saturdays at Nelson |
| Mar. 15 to 19, 2027 | Spring break |
| Apr. 16, 2027 | University Friday |
| Apr. 30, 2027 | Spring commencement |
Move-in weekend
For fall 2026, new students checked in Friday, August 21, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hagee Communication Center (lobby and room 1050), with orientation and a parent and family session that afternoon in the Sheaffer Center auditorium, a family lunch Saturday, and the Lion's Fair and a family chapel and goodbye on Sunday morning. Expect a similar schedule in August 2027, and book that weekend early.
Nelson University commencement
- Where: the Sheaffer Center, 1260 Savell Circle, on campus.
- Tickets: required for every guest over age 2.
- Parking: Nelson recommends Lot I off Brummett Drive near Teeter Hall, and Lots H and G off Savell Circle by Bridges, the Wellness Center, and the Sheaffer Center.
- After: graduates are escorted to the Sheaffer gym, so pick a meeting spot ahead of time.
- Regalia: through the Nelson bookstore.
Nelson Lions games
The Lions play in the NAIA's Sooner Athletic Conference and the NCCAA: football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, track, and esports. Football plays at Lumpkins Stadium, 200 Indian Dr., which seats about 9,500 and is shared with Waxahachie High School; basketball and volleyball are in the Sheaffer Center. Schedules are at nelsonlions.com. Bring a cushion and a hat: the stadium has metal seats and little shade.
Navarro College
Navarro College, Waxahachie
1900 John Arden Dr., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Navarro's second-largest location, with more than 25 degree programs for dual-credit students and working adults, including health professions, EMT, and fire programs. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (972) 937-7612.
Navarro College, Midlothian
899 Mt. Zion Rd., Midlothian, TX 76065
The newest campus, with academic, career and technical, continuing, and adult education. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (972) 775-7200.
Navarro commencement, Corsicana
Wolens Special Events Center, 3200 W. 7th Ave., Corsicana
Navarro holds graduation on the main campus. Recent ceremonies opened doors an hour early with first-come seating and a livestream at live.navarrocollege.edu. Watch the registrar's page for 2026-27 dates.
DFW and Waco campuses
| School | Address | From the tiny home |
|---|---|---|
| UNT Dallas | 7300 University Hills Blvd., Dallas, TX 75241 | About 25 min |
| Dallas Baptist University | 3000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75211 | About 40 min |
| SMU | University Park, Dallas, TX 75205 | About 45 min |
| UT Arlington | 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76019 | About 50 min |
| Texas Wesleyan | 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105 | About 50 min |
| TCU | 2800 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76109 | About 55 min |
| Baylor | 1311 S. 5th St., Waco, TX 76706 | About 1 hr 10 min |
Touring several schools? UNT Dallas, DBU, and UTA make an easy one-day loop up I-35E and I-20.
Commencement calendar, December 2026 to May 2027
| Date | School | Venue and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wed., Dec. 2, 2026 | UT Arlington | Globe Life Field, Arlington. Three ceremonies of 2 to 2.5 hours; guest tickets through Tassel; clear-bag policy. 817-272-4050. |
| Fri., Dec. 11, 2026 | Nelson University | Sheaffer Center, Waxahachie. Guest tickets required. |
| Early to mid-December | TCU | Schollmaier Arena, with fireworks on the lawn after (it was Friday, Dec. 12 in 2025). No tickets needed; clear-bag policy. |
| Dec. 17 to 18, 2026 | Dallas Baptist University | Pilgrim Chapel: Thursday 10 a.m., Friday 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a reception after each in Hillcrest Great Hall. |
| Sat., Dec. 19, 2026 | SMU | December conferral; school ceremonies in Moody Coliseum and around campus. |
| Fri., Apr. 30, 2027 | Nelson University | Spring commencement, Sheaffer Center. |
| Early May 2027 | TCU | All-university ceremony Friday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium with fireworks, then college ceremonies (May 8 to 9 in 2026). |
| May 14 to 15, 2027 | Baylor | Spring commencement; recent ceremonies in the Ferrell Center. |
| Sat., May 15, 2027 | SMU | May commencement. |
High school graduations in Ellis County
Late May and early June bring every high school graduation in the county, and grandparents from all over book rooms for the same few nights. Nelson's Sheaffer Center hosts some local ceremonies; Waxahachie ISD's Global High graduated there on May 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. with first-come seating and a livestream. Watch your district's page for dates, and book as soon as they post.
Nelson University parking, directions, and map
From the tiny home, Nelson is about 4.7 miles, roughly 10 minutes, across the north side of Waxahachie. For commencement and big events, use Lot I off Brummett Drive or Lots H and G off Savell Circle by the Sheaffer Center.
Open the Sheaffer Center in Google Maps.
Where to celebrate after graduation
Places marked Family pick are our own go-tos. Reserve for graduation weekends.
Prime 115
114 S. Rogers St., downtown · about 8 min
Steaks, seafood, and a full bar on the square. Lunch from 11 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday, dinner nightly, Sunday brunch 11 to 3.
Panza's Tapping Italy
107 N. Rogers St.
A small Italian spot with sidewalk tables. Dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 4 p.m.
Atkins Seafood
400 W. Main St.
A casual seafood dinner for a crowd. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cajun Bros
507 N. Hwy 77 · about 10 min
Seafood boils, open every day. The messy, happy family dinner.
The Dove's Nest
105 W. Jefferson St.
Lunch and pie the day after. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Farm Luck Soda Fountain
109 W. Franklin St.
Shakes and floats for the graduate. Open daily, until 3 p.m. Sunday.
Details checked October 2026. Hours change, so call ahead. More in our where to eat guide and nightlife guide.
Dorm and move-in supplies
Everything is on Hwy 77, about 10 minutes from the tiny home and close to Nelson and Navarro:
| Store | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Target | 1316 N. Hwy 77 | 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 11 p.m. Fri and Sat |
| Walmart Supercenter | 1200 N. Hwy 77 | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| H-E-B | 800 Hwy 77 | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with curbside |
| ALDI | 401 US-77 | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| The Home Depot | 1315 N. Hwy 77 | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 8 to 8 |
| Lowe's | 1420 N. Hwy 77 | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 8 to 8 |
More in our shopping guide.
Make a visit day of it
A campus tour takes a morning. Fill the rest of the day so a prospective student sees what living here is like.
- The square: coffee, boutiques, and a bookstore in an old house, about 5 minutes from Nelson. See our shopping guide.
- Hooky Entertainment, 108 Broadhead Rd.: bowling, an IMAX theater, and an arcade, open until midnight every day.
- The Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail: about four paved miles along the creek past Getzendaner Park.
- The courthouse and museum: a free hour of local history. See our history guide.
- Friday night football: Waxahachie High and the Nelson Lions both play at Lumpkins Stadium.
- Spring: the Scarborough Renaissance Festival runs weekends, April 10 to May 31, 2027, about 15 minutes away.
For parents of students
- Urgent care: Expedian Urgent Care, 1601 N. Hwy 77, about 8 minutes away; weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekends 9 to 5. Call ahead.
- Hospital: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie, 2400 N. I-35E, about 10 minutes, with a 24-hour emergency room.
- Flying in: Dallas Love Field is about 45 minutes away; DFW International about an hour. Love Field is usually the easier airport for Waxahachie.
- Stocking the dorm: H-E-B curbside is the easy way to fill a mini fridge.
- Longer stays: for a semester-start week or a family move, see moving to Waxahachie.
Weekend plans
Plan A: Nelson graduation weekend
Friday Commencement
- AfternoonCheck in and settleSelf check-in; the campus is about 10 minutes away.
- Before the ceremonyPark in Lots H and GTickets in hand, and a meeting spot picked for after.
- EveningCelebration dinner downtownPrime 115 or Panza's; reserve ahead.
Saturday Show off the town
- MorningCoffee on the squareThen the courthouse and our history walk.
- AfternoonShopping or a napThe graduate earned it.
- EveningPorch, grill, and starsFreight trains in the distance.
Plan B: a three-campus visit day
Weekday I-35E loop
- 9:00 a.m.Nelson University daily visitTour and admissions counselor.
- NoonLunch at The Dove's NestDowntown Waxahachie.
- 2:00 p.m.UNT Dallas or DBUAbout 25 to 40 minutes north.
- EveningBack to the porchCompare notes over dinner at the house.
Where to stay near Nelson University
Looking for hotels near Nelson University (SAGU), lodging for a graduation in Waxahachie, or a family Airbnb for a DFW commencement? Here's an honest comparison:
| The Waxahachie Tiny Home | Typical hotel room | Staying with the student | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeps | Up to 7 in one place | Usually 2 to 4 per room | A dorm floor or couch |
| Cost for a family | One home, split | Two or three rooms | Free, if allowed |
| Kitchen | Full kitchen | Usually none | Shared |
| Laundry | Washer and dryer | Usually shared or none | Dorm laundry |
| To Nelson | About 10 minutes | 5 to 15 minutes | On campus |
| Parking | Free, at the door | Varies | Campus permits |
Who it works for
- Graduation families. Parents, siblings, and grandparents under one roof, with a queen bedroom and bath on the main floor for the grandparents.
- Campus-tour road trips. One base for several schools across DFW.
- Move-in crews. Room for a truck or trailer with approval, and a washer for new bedding.
Book when the date posts. Commencement and move-in weekends are the busiest nights around Nelson. Check the calendar on VRBO or Airbnb.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
- Get guest tickets early. Nelson requires them for everyone over 2.
- Arrive the night before any DFW ceremony; morning traffic on I-35E and I-20 is the real risk.
- Check the bag policy. Stadium and arena ceremonies like UTA's and TCU's use clear-bag rules.
- Pick a meeting spot for after the ceremony, before it starts.
- Reserve dinner early. Every family in town wants the same table.
- Don't forget the 7-guest limit: everyone overnight must be on the booking.
- For stadium parking and drive times, see our game day guide.
How far is everything from the tiny home?
| From the tiny home to | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Nelson University (Sheaffer Center) | 4.7 mi | About 10 min |
| Lumpkins Stadium | 4.1 mi | About 10 min |
| Navarro College, Waxahachie | 5.1 mi | About 10 min |
| Downtown Waxahachie (the square) | 3.7 mi | About 8 min |
| Navarro College, Midlothian | 13.2 mi | About 25 min |
| UNT Dallas | 22 mi | About 25 min |
| Dallas Baptist University | 30.5 mi | About 40 min |
| SMU | 36.3 mi | About 45 min |
| Globe Life Field (UTA fall commencement) | 38.8 mi | About 50 min |
| UT Arlington | 38.9 mi | About 50 min |
| Navarro College, Corsicana | About 40 mi | About 50 min |
| TCU | 44.8 mi | About 55 min |
| Baylor | About 70 mi | About 1 hr 10 min |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | 37 mi | About 45 min |
| DFW International Airport | 50 mi | About 1 hour |
Estimated drive times without traffic, October 2026. Ceremony days and rush hour add more.
Questions we get
Is SAGU now Nelson University?
Yes. Southwestern Assemblies of God University became Nelson University in fall 2024, named for founder P.C. Nelson. The campus is still at 1200 Sycamore St. in Waxahachie.
When is Nelson University graduation?
Fall commencement is December 11, 2026, and spring commencement is April 30, 2027, according to the 2026-27 catalog.
Where is Nelson University commencement held?
In the Sheaffer Center, 1260 Savell Circle, on campus. Guests over age 2 need tickets. Nelson recommends Lot I off Brummett Drive and Lots H and G off Savell Circle.
When is Nelson University homecoming?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, which is also a Saturdays at Nelson visit day.
How do I schedule a Nelson University campus visit?
Daily visits run Monday to Friday year-round, with a tour and an admissions counselor; Wednesday to Friday mornings add lunch and chapel. Register on nelson.edu. Campus Days, November 5 to 6, 2026, include a free overnight in the dorms.
Where do the Nelson Lions play football?
At Lumpkins Stadium, 200 Indian Dr. in Waxahachie, which seats about 9,500. The Lions compete in the NAIA's Sooner Athletic Conference.
When was Nelson University move-in day?
For fall 2026, new students checked in Friday, August 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hagee Communication Center, followed by parent sessions and a family chapel that weekend.
Where is Navarro College in Waxahachie?
At 1900 John Arden Dr., Waxahachie, TX 75165. Navarro's Midlothian campus is at 899 Mt. Zion Rd., and its commencements are held in Corsicana.
When is UTA graduation in December 2026?
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, with three ceremonies of about 2 to 2.5 hours each. A clear-bag policy applies.
When is SMU commencement?
December 19, 2026, and May 15, 2027, according to SMU's academic calendar.
When is DBU graduation in December 2026?
Dallas Baptist University holds winter commencement December 17 at 10 a.m. and December 18 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., in Pilgrim Chapel.
When is Baylor graduation in May 2027?
Baylor's spring 2027 commencement is May 14 to 15, 2027. Recent ceremonies have been held in the Ferrell Center.
How far is Waxahachie from TCU?
About 45 miles, or about 55 minutes without traffic, from our tiny home.
How far is Waxahachie from Baylor?
About 70 miles, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes south on I-35E.
What airport is closest to Waxahachie?
Dallas Love Field is about 45 minutes from our tiny home; DFW International is about an hour.
Can the whole family stay together?
Yes. The tiny home sleeps up to 7 overnight guests, all registered on the booking.
When should I book lodging for graduation?
As soon as the school posts the date. Rooms near campus fill fast on commencement weekends.
About this guide
Written by the hosts of The Waxahachie Tiny Home, a family-run rental on farmland just outside Waxahachie. We checked the details on this page against official sources and update it as things change. Hours, prices, and dates move around, so confirm before you go.
Last updated October 4, 2026
