Overview
Enrollment
Southern Methodist University (SMU), founded in 1911, stands on a 234-acre campus in the upscale neighborhood of University Park in Dallas, Texas. Characterized by its Georgian Revival architecture, SMU offers a picturesque setting amidst a major metropolitan area, providing students with both a tranquil academic environment and the vibrancy of city life. The university is committed to a personalized academic experience, evident in its smaller class sizes and a student-faculty ratio that encourages mentorship. SMU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with notable emphasis on business, law, and the arts. The school maintains a selective admissions process, seeking to enroll a capable and diverse student body. Residential life is integral to the SMU experience, with a majority of undergraduate students living on campus in one of the 11 residential commons. Though not the core focus, SMU's athletic teams, known as the Mustangs, compete in the NCAA Division I, with its football program often drawing attention.
In the most recent statistical year 16,150 prospective students applied, and 8,439 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,639 enrolled in the school. 9,284 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,769 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $55,012 plus fees of $6,968. SMU is ranked 67 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SMU is rated within the top 16% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Southern Methodist University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#67 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#61 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Texas
#2 in Best Private Colleges in Texas
#332 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Value Colleges in Texas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1370/1510 |
| ACT | 31/34 |
| GPA | 3.68 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $6,968 |
| Room and Board | $17,750 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $83,130 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Communication | 11% |
| Engineering | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Southern Methodist University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=228246 IPEDS survey data for Southern Methodist University.
Current students may use the Southern Methodist University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024