Southern Methodist University
About Southern Methodist University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
SMU is a private research university in Dallas, Texas. It is known for its Cox School of Business, Dedman School of Law, and strong programs in engineering and the arts. SMU's campus is in the affluent University Park neighborhood and it competes in the ACC.
Founded
1911
Location
Dallas, Texas
Students
12,108
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
63.4%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
84.3%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,040
Per year
Avg Net Price
$40,892
After financial aid
SAT Average
1428
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$78,354
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
63.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Southern Methodist University accepts 63.4% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1428/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
84.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
90.5%
4-Year Grad
75%
6-Year Grad
82%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
69.2%
$/Student
$18.5K
Class Size
Medium
75% graduate in 4 years, and 90.5% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,040
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,064
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$85,606
After Financial Aid
$40,892
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$23,544
Receive Grants
12.8%
Take Loans
21.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $85,606/yr, including $19,064 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $40,892.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern Methodist University fund their education.
While in School
12.8%
Get Grants
Free money
21.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$67,697
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 21.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern Methodist University.
Gender
51.2%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,277
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,831
Graduates
15.7%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
1.9%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 15.7% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,277
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +University Park is one of Dallas's wealthiest neighborhoods
- +Strong business school with Dallas corporate access
- +Beautiful campus with tree-lined boulevards
- +Mustang athletics and spirited social scene
Cons
- -Reputation as a wealthy, preppy school
- -Greek life dominates the social scene
- -Expensive tuition and Dallas cost of living
- -Can feel socially exclusive
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southern Methodist University fields 10 varsity teams with 463 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
463
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
231
Men
232
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern Methodist Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$78,354
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$83K
326 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$72K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
123 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$52K
107 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$39K
101 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$46K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $66K at six years, $67K at eight, and $78K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Methodist University
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Methodist University?▾
How much does Southern Methodist University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern Methodist University?▾
How much do Southern Methodist University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.