SMU vs. BYU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with Brigham Young University in Provo, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brigham Young University is larger than SMU based on total student enrollment (35,873 students vs. 12,116 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting); Brigham Young University is in Provo, UT (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brigham Young University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Methodist University 11:1; Brigham Young University 21:1.

SMU vs. BYU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SMU or BYU? 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 Brigham Young University than SMU ($16,694 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brigham Young University are 45.5% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($10,396 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 902.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than BYU (about $60,352 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $6,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 902.4% higher at SMU than at Brigham Young University (about $60,352 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $6,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Brigham Young University (67% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 516.3% larger than aid received by Brigham Young University students ($37,520 vs. $6,088).

SMU vs. BYU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SMU or BYU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BYU and SMU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 50 points higher than at BYU (1370).
• Incoming SMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (32 vs. 30 at BYU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Methodist University 1340/1490; Brigham Young University 1270/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Methodist University 30/34; Brigham Young University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SMU - Test optional; BYU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027; BYU Dec 16, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman BYU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at SMU (3.68).
• BYU has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than SMU (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at SMU vs. 77.5% at BYU.

SMU vs. BYU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SMU and BYU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Brigham Young University's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than BYU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $69,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brigham Young University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($11,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, BYU graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($113 vs. $222).
• More BYU 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.