SMU vs. Trinity

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Methodist University is larger than Trinity based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 2,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting); Trinity University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Trinity University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Methodist University 11:1; Trinity University 8:1.

SMU vs. Trinity Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SMU or Trinity? 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 Trinity University than SMU ($32,224 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Trinity University are 22.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($14,750 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Trinity (about $13,364 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $53,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.9% higher at SMU than at Trinity University (about $13,364 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $53,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Trinity University than at Southern Methodist University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 4.3% larger than aid received by Trinity University students ($37,520 vs. $35,990).

SMU vs. Trinity Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is the same as at Trinity (1420).
• Incoming SMU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Trinity (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 1340/1490; Trinity University 1340/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 30/34; Trinity University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SMU - Test optional; Trinity - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027; Trinity Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SMU students have the same average high school GPA (3.68) as students at Trinity (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Trinity (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at SMU vs. 20.1% at Trinity.

SMU vs. Trinity Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SMU and Trinity? 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).

• Trinity University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Trinity graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $62,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Trinity graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Trinity graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Trinity graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.