ACCEPTANCE RATE
61.2%
More selective than 31% of listed universities.
SelectiveAccessible
Private University
Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University, located in the vibrant city of Dallas, offers a diverse community and innovative academics for aspiring leaders.
61.2%ACCEPTANCE
$45,792AVG NET PRICE
83%GRAD RATE
11.8KSTUDENTS
University data profileIPEDS 2023
Dallas, TXsuburb
THE SIGNATURE
Southern Methodist University Report Card
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private nonprofit institution founded in 1911, situated in the suburb of Dallas, Texas. With a total enrollment of over 11,000 students, SMU emphasizes a strong academic foundation alongside a vibrant campus life, ensuring that students are prepared for their future endeavors.
The university's strong ties to the Dallas area provide students with access to top employers and numerous internship opportunities, benefiting from its proximity to more than 20 Fortune 500 companies. SMU fosters a welcoming and spirited community, where students can thrive academically and socially, building friendships and networks that last a lifetime. With a commitment to individualized education and hands-on experiences, SMU shapes confident graduates ready to tackle the challenges of the professional world.
AT A GLANCE
TypePrivateFour or more years
Founded1911
Settingsuburb234 acres
Calendarsemester
Religious affiliationUnited Methodist
GETTING IN
Admissions
SMU has an acceptance rate of 61.2%, with nearly 15,100 applicants seeking admission. The university attracts a diverse pool of students, ensuring a vibrant community of learners.
Source: IPEDS 2023
SAT RANGE (MID 50%)
1,320–1,480
4001600
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Jul 31regular
Early Action Nov 1
Early Decision Nov 1
Undergraduate application fee $60.
WHAT IT COSTS
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$64,460/yr
Out-of-state: $64,460/yr.
Net price by income band
$0–$30,000
$30,001–$48,000
$48,001–$75,000
$75,001–$110,000
$110,001+
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$45,792/yr
▲ 9% since 2020-2170% receive aid
Average aid package $36,450.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Academics
SMU is recognized for its academic strength across various disciplines, particularly in research and hands-on learning experiences. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, the university provides personalized attention and mentorship to its students.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
11:1
6-year graduation rate
83%
▲ 4 pts since 2016
First-year retention
90%
Compared with the 89% public-university median.
Undergrad majors
86
Undergraduate majors and programs
MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY
Finance, General.16.7%
Economics, General.6.5%
Psychology, General.5.9%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.5.1%
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.5.1%
Computer Science.4.9%
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus & Housing
Campus housing shows how many students live on-campus — which means nearby housing can be essential to the college experience.
On-campus beds
3,251
Housing for approximately 45% of students.
Students needing off-campus housing
6,513
Estimated from enrollment and reported on-campus housing capacity.
Setting
suburb
234 campus acres.
IN CONTEXT
SMU vs. peer institutions
How SMU compares with officially identified or editorially reviewed peer institutions.
Southern Methodist University
$45,792
Rice University
$20,587
Trinity University
$32,264
University of Texas at Dallas
$13,464
University of Texas at Austin
$18,036
AFTER GRADUATION
Student outcomes
What graduates earn and how reliably they land work — the bottom-line return on the degree.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$78,354
Working after 10 yrs
89.3%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
85.6%
85.6% of students out-earn the typical high-school graduate — a core measure of mobility.
Neighborhoods near SMU
Where students live around Southern Methodist University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
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Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics. University Apartments is not affiliated with Southern Methodist University.