Emory vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

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

Emory University is larger than SMU based on total student enrollment (15,175 students vs. 12,116 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Emory vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory 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 Emory University than SMU ($27,303 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 5.7% lower than at Emory University ($19,064 vs. $20,220).
• Southern Methodist University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emory (about $2,760 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at SMU than at Emory University (about $2,760 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Emory University (67% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory University students is 50.1% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($56,319 vs. $37,520).

Emory vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory 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 Emory.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory University (1510) is 90 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Emory 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: Emory University 1470/1550; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 32/35; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emory students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Emory (10.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Emory vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory 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).

• Emory University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Emory University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,500 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emory University graduates have a $4,267 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($17,233 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Emory graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($178 vs. $222).
• More Emory 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.