LeTourneau University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare LeTourneau University in Longview, TX 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 LeTourneau University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,330 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

LeTourneau University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LeTourneau 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 LeTourneau University than SMU ($29,799 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at LeTourneau University are 41.7% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($11,120 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 80.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than LeTourneau University (about $29,880 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $37,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.4% higher at SMU than at LeTourneau University (about $29,880 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $37,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at LeTourneau University than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 74.2% larger than aid received by LeTourneau University students ($37,520 vs. $21,540).

LeTourneau University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 260 points higher than at LeTourneau University (1160).
• Incoming SMU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 25 at LeTourneau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: LeTourneau University 990/1330; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: LeTourneau University 21/30; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LeTourneau University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SMU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at LeTourneau University (3.66).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than LeTourneau University (38%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.3% at LeTourneau University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

LeTourneau University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LeTourneau 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 LeTourneau University's (50%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than LeTourneau University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,584 lower median loan debt than LeTourneau University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,084).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LeTourneau University graduates ($222 vs. $280).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LeTourneau University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 55%)

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.