AU vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than SMU based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 12,116 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

AU vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or SMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at American University than SMU ($39,676 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 5.7% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($17,982 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $8,269 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at SMU than at American University (about $8,269 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at American University as at Southern Methodist University (67% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by American University students ($37,520 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or SMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SMU and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 50 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming SMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 17.8% at SMU.

AU vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and SMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($222 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.