SMU vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 1,440 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

SMU vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SMU or SU? 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 Southwestern University than SMU ($32,228 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern University are 20.9% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($15,072 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 24.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $13,227 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $53,813.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.6% higher at SMU than at Southwestern University (about $13,227 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $53,813.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwestern University than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 6.7% larger than aid received by Southwestern University students ($37,520 vs. $35,162).

SMU vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SMU or SU? 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 SU and SMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 200 points higher than at SU (1220).
• Incoming SMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 1340/1490; Southwestern University 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 30/34; Southwestern University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SMU - Test optional; SU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027; SU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SMU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at SU (3.5).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than SU (43.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at SMU vs. 13.8% at SU.

SMU vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SMU and SU? 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 Southwestern University's (73%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $57,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,393 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,893).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($222 vs. $278).
• More SU 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.