Rhodes College vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rhodes College in Memphis, TN 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 Rhodes College based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 1,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rhodes College is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Rhodes College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rhodes College 9:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Rhodes College vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rhodes 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 Rhodes College than SMU ($31,037 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhodes College are 28.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($13,620 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 17.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rhodes College (about $9,930 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $57,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.4% higher at SMU than at Rhodes College (about $9,930 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $57,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rhodes College than at Southern Methodist University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhodes College students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($40,180 vs. $37,520).

Rhodes College vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 30 points higher than at Rhodes College (1390).
• Incoming SMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Rhodes College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhodes College 1300/1486; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhodes College 26/32; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rhodes College - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rhodes College Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rhodes College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Rhodes College (50.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Rhodes College vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Rhodes College vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rhodes 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).

• The graduation rate at Rhodes College is the same as at Southern Methodist University (75% vs. 75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $13,600 more per year than Rhodes College graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $59,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $4,717 lower median loan debt than Rhodes College graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,217).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rhodes College graduates ($222 vs. $271).
• More Rhodes College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.