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Southern Methodist University

Dallas, Texas · Private (nonprofit)

Ranked #88 US News

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
A-Academics
C+Admissions
A-Student Life
B+Overall

About

Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, Texas. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 7,106 students.

smu.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$64,460
Out-of-state tuition$64,460
Room & board$18,230
Avg aid package$36,850
Students receiving aid12%
Pell grant recipients12%

Southern Methodist University offers a range of financial aid options, with 73% of students graduating without any student debt. Three out of four undergraduate students receive scholarships and/or financial aid. Merit scholarships, along with need-based aid, help to make the university accessible to a wide range of students.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%1320–1480
4001600
ACT · middle 50%30–34
136

Application info

Acceptance rate61%
Average GPA3.75
Student–faculty ratio11:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$60

SMU has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. For the class entering Fall 2020, the university admitted 52.7% of applicants. The university seeks to enhance the intellectual, cultural, technical, ethical, and social development of a diverse student body.

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Academics

Graduation rate83%
Retention rate90%
Student–faculty ratio11:1
Full-time faculty68%

SMU is known for its dedication to academic rigor and intellectual growth, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to education. With a student-to-faculty ratio of just over 11:1, SMU ensures personalized attention and mentorship. The university cultivates an environment that encourages questioning, exploration, and discovery.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$78,354
Avg starting salary$90,860
Job placement rate95%
Earn more than HS grad81%
Economic mobility177%
Loan default (3 yr)2%
Loan repayment (3 yr)75%

SMU prepares students for success in their chosen fields, emphasizing career services and a strong alumni network. The university integrates internships and experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to build experience before applying for jobs. Relationships in the Dallas area provide a platform for launching careers throughout the world.

Student life

Demographics

Medium School
7,106Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

BalancedGender ratio
Female 51%Male 49%
58% WhiteRacial diversity
White 58%Hispanic 16%Asian 8%Black 5%Other 12%
Greek lifeYes
Campus housingYes

SMU offers a quintessential college experience right in the heart of Dallas, with a vibrant campus life and long-standing traditions. Approximately 43% of the undergraduate student body is affiliated with the Greek system. Students benefit from the innumerable social and academic opportunities available to them.

Student reviews

Professors

Alumni

There is typically a lot of student overlap between the programs, but I know that within my class all of us graduated with jobs, with most of us going the Invesment Banking or Private Equity route. When I was interviewing for IB jobs and invited to Super Saturdays I was always shocked to learn that I was up for the same job as Ivy League graduates and that SMU was considered on par with these schools.

Campus and vibes

Current Student

SMU is the best decision I made. I am so happy with every aspect of the school. From the professors, to the dorms, to the athletics, it is the perfect fit for me. I am a BBA Scholar and I am enrolled in the Cox Business School.

Parent

As a parent, I have not been able to speak to my child's counselor. Everything is extremely hard to understand, from the finance department to academics. My daughter was at a state school before this and everything from the ethics to the professors was much better.

Student

Overall, my experience at Southern Methodist University has been positive. I appreciate the strong sense of community, supportive faculty, and the wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students. I also value the campus environment and the resources that support both academic success and personal growth.

Student

I think SMU is very proficient at making both students and staff feel welcome with all the different clubs and events held there. However, I would like to see more updates on the older dorms and the science building; it feels as if more care is being put into the law and business buildings when more students have STEM classes.

About Southern Methodist University

The security and well-being of the community is a high priority for Southern Methodist University. The SMU Police Department and all University employees are dedicated to keeping the campus a great place to live, learn, and work. SMU offers late-night transportation or safety escorts for students.

SMU offers the University Honors Program (UHP), a liberal arts honors experience that supplements the basic University Curriculum. First-year students in the top 10% of their class are invited to join UHP. The program culminates with a final senior project or experience, allowing students to pursue projects in their area of study or about their passions.

SMU attracts students from across the United States and internationally, with 3% international students contributing to a globally diverse campus community. As of the Fall 2020 semester, the university's international student population comes from 83 countries. SMU is committed to nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging environment for all of our graduate students.

Endowment$2,024,326,000
Avg faculty salary$171,888

Southern Methodist University FAQ

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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