Baylor vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

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

Baylor University is larger than SMU based on total student enrollment (20,626 students vs. 12,116 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Baylor University is located in Waco, TX (Midsize City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Baylor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Baylor University 15:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Baylor vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Baylor 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 Baylor University than SMU ($47,001 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Baylor University are 19.7% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($15,314 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 15.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Baylor (about $8,940 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $58,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at SMU than at Baylor University (about $8,940 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $58,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Baylor University than at Southern Methodist University (98% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 37.8% larger than aid received by Baylor University students ($37,520 vs. $27,232).

Baylor vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Baylor 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 Baylor.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 120 points higher than at Baylor (1300).
• Incoming SMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Baylor).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Baylor University 1200/1400; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Baylor University 27/32; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Baylor - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Baylor Feb 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Baylor students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Baylor (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Baylor vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Baylor vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Baylor 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).

• Southern Methodist University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Baylor University's (72%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $16,800 more per year than Baylor graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Baylor graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Baylor graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Baylor students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 73%)

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.