SMU vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Methodist University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Methodist University 11:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

SMU vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SMU or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond than SMU ($30,037 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 10.1% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($17,140 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $1,810 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at SMU than at University of Richmond (about $1,810 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at University of Richmond (67% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 36% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($51,039 vs. $37,520).

SMU vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SMU or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and SMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 50 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at SMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 1340/1490; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 30/34; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SMU - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at SMU vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

SMU vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SMU and University of Richmond? 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).

• University of Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $900 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $352 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($21,148 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($218 vs. $222).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 75%)

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.