John Brown University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare John Brown University in Siloam Springs, 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 John Brown University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 2,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Brown University is located in Siloam Springs, AR (Rural Fringe setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• John Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Brown University 15:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

John Brown University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, John Brown 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 John Brown University than SMU ($21,537 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Brown University are 45.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($10,362 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 111.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than John Brown University (about $35,284 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $31,756.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.1% higher at SMU than at John Brown University (about $35,284 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $31,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Brown University than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 61.9% larger than aid received by John Brown University students ($37,520 vs. $23,173).

John Brown University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, John Brown 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 John Brown University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 210 points higher than at John Brown University (1210).
• Incoming SMU students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 24 at John Brown University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Brown University 1070/1340; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Brown University 21/28; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: John Brown University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman John Brown University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at SMU (3.68).
• John Brown University has a higher acceptance rate (76.1%) than SMU (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at John Brown University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

John Brown University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for John Brown 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).

• Southern Methodist University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than John Brown University's (66%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $19,400 more per year than John Brown University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $53,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $443 lower median loan debt than John Brown University graduates ($21,500 vs. $21,943).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than John Brown University graduates ($222 vs. $226).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former John Brown University 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.