Villanova vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Villanova University in Villanova, PA 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 Villanova based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 10,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Villanova University is located in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Villanova University 10:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Villanova vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Villanova 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 Villanova University than SMU ($37,201 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 7.2% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($17,694 vs. $19,064).
• Villanova University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $736 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Villanova than at Southern Methodist University (about $736 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Villanova University (67% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($47,609 vs. $37,520).

Villanova vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Villanova 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 Villanova.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 30 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at SMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Villanova University 1395/1510; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Villanova University 32/34; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Villanova - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Villanova Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.7% at Villanova vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Villanova vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Villanova 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).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $4,997 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($222 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.