Creighton University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Methodist University is larger than Creighton University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 8,581 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Creighton University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Creighton University 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 Creighton University than SMU ($32,636 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Creighton University are 28.4% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($13,652 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 37.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Creighton University (about $18,184 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $48,856.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at SMU than at Creighton University (about $18,184 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $48,856.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Creighton University than at Southern Methodist University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 21.4% larger than aid received by Creighton University students ($37,520 vs. $30,913).

Creighton University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Creighton University 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 Creighton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 80 points higher than at Creighton University (1340).
• Incoming SMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Creighton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Creighton University 1243/1428; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Creighton University 26/31; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Creighton University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Creighton University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at SMU (3.68).
• Creighton University has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than SMU (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Creighton University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Creighton University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Creighton University 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).

• Creighton 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 $6,400 more per year than Creighton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $66,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $3,832 lower median loan debt than Creighton University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,332).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Creighton University graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More Creighton University 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.