Wesleyan University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT 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 Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wesleyan University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University than SMU ($23,025 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 4.1% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,064 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $3,302 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Wesleyan University than at Southern Methodist University (about $3,302 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Wesleyan University (67% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 75.9% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($65,995 vs. $37,520).

Wesleyan University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 60 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Wesleyan University 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: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Wesleyan University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($17,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($180 vs. $222).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.