Tulsa University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Tulsa in Tulsa, OK 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 Tulsa University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Tulsa is located in Tulsa, OK (Large City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Tulsa 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 Tulsa 10:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Tulsa University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tulsa University 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 Tulsa than SMU ($13,095 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Tulsa are 36.5% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($12,108 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 33.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tulsa University (about $16,979 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $50,061.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.9% higher at SMU than at University of Tulsa (about $16,979 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $50,061.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Tulsa than at Southern Methodist University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Tulsa students is 38.5% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($51,968 vs. $37,520).

Tulsa University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tulsa University 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 Tulsa University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 40 points higher than at Tulsa University (1380).
• Incoming SMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Tulsa University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Tulsa 1223/1530; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Tulsa 25/34; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tulsa University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tulsa University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Tulsa University (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at Tulsa University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Tulsa University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tulsa University 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 Tulsa's (68%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Tulsa University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,486 lower median loan debt than Tulsa University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,986).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tulsa University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tulsa University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 73%)

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.