Hendrix College vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hendrix College in Conway, AR 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 Hendrix College based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hendrix College is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Hendrix College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hendrix College 11:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Hendrix College vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hendrix College 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 Hendrix College than SMU ($24,699 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hendrix College are 22.1% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($14,852 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 75.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hendrix College (about $28,840 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $38,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.5% higher at SMU than at Hendrix College (about $28,840 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $38,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hendrix College than at Southern Methodist University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Hendrix College students ($37,520 vs. $29,930).

Hendrix College vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hendrix College 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 Hendrix College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 180 points higher than at Hendrix College (1240).
• Incoming SMU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at Hendrix College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hendrix College 1123/1348; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hendrix College 23/31; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hendrix College - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hendrix College Jun 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hendrix College students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Hendrix College (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Hendrix College vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Hendrix College vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hendrix College 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 Hendrix College's (73%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $26,800 more per year than Hendrix College graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Hendrix College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hendrix College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hendrix College students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.