University of Dallas vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dallas in Irving, TX 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 University of Dallas based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 2,078 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Dallas vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dallas 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 University of Dallas than SMU ($29,209 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dallas are 21.3% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($15,010 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 24.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dallas (about $13,110 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $53,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at SMU than at University of Dallas (about $13,110 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $53,930.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dallas than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dallas students is 5% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($39,401 vs. $37,520).

University of Dallas vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dallas 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 University of Dallas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 170 points higher than at University of Dallas (1250).
• Incoming SMU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 25 at University of Dallas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dallas 1120/1370; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dallas 22/29; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dallas - Required; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dallas Aug 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dallas students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than University of Dallas (53.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at University of Dallas vs. 17.8% at SMU.

University of Dallas vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dallas 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).

• Southern Methodist University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than University of Dallas's (73%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $25,000 more per year than University of Dallas graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than University of Dallas graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dallas graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More University of Dallas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.