Case Western vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Case Western Reserve University is larger than SMU based on total student enrollment (12,475 students vs. 12,116 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Case Western Reserve University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Case Western Reserve University 9:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Case Western vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Case Western 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 Case Western Reserve University than SMU ($44,000 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Case Western Reserve University are 1.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($18,762 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Case Western (about $432 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at SMU than at Case Western Reserve University (about $432 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at Southern Methodist University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Case Western Reserve University students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($41,913 vs. $37,520).

Case Western vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Case Western 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 Case Western.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Case Western Reserve University (1490) is 70 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Case Western students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at SMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Case Western Reserve University 32/34; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Case Western - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Case Western Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Case Western students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Case Western (36.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at Case Western vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Case Western vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Case Western 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).

• Case Western Reserve University's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Case Western Reserve University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($84,700 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $2,566 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More Case Western graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.