gradeA
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?Data Sources
Academics
gradeA
Value
gradeB
Diversity
gradeA minus
Campus
gradeA+
Athletics
gradeA
Party Scene
gradeA+
Professors
gradeA+
Location
gradeA+
Dorms
gradeB+
Campus Food
gradeA minus
Student Life
gradeA+
Safety
gradeB
About
About Southern Methodist...
- Christian
- Common App Accepted
- Private
- SAT/ACT Optional
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FBS
Athletic Conference
American Athletic Conference
- Texas
- University Park
From Southern Methodist University
For more than 100 years, SMU has shaped minds, explored the frontiers of knowledge and fostered an entrepreneurial spirit in its eight degree-granting schools. Taking advantage of unbridled experiences on the University's beautiful campuses and SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - alumni, faculty and more than 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students become ethical leaders in their professions and communities who change the world.
Upcoming Events
Southern Methodist University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
See All Southern Methodist University Rankings
Admissions
Application Deadline
Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
January 15
Acceptance Rate
53%
SAT Range
1340-1510
ACT Range
31-34
Application Fee
$60
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Accepts Common App
Yes
Read More About Admissions
Will You Get Into SMU?
Test Scores and High School GPA for Southern Methodist University See Other Colleges
YouTube Video
Cost
Net Price
$41,986/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$34,940/ year
National
$7,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
77%
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Academics
Professors
gradeA+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
8:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
87%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.79 responses
60%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.103 responses
64%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.103 responses
Read More About Academics
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Finance
297 Graduates
Economics
195 Graduates
Biology
95 Graduates
Mathematics
86 Graduates
Psychology
85 Graduates
Sport and Fitness Management
84 Graduates
Marketing
74 Graduates
Mechanical Engineering
73 Graduates
Statistics
67 Graduates
More
See All Majors
Lyle School of Engineering
The Lyle School of Engineering prepares students for DFW's thriving business environment. Lyle is recognized with the ASEE Bronze award for diversity and inclusion, having double the national percentage of female engineer students. With an elite technical education and exceptional professional development resources, we produce world-changing engineers.
Online
Programs Offered Entirely Online
Total number of complete undergraduate programs offered online or through distance learning.
Offers Online Courses
College offers distance education courses.
Yes
Online Certificate Programs
Total number of certificate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Associates Programs
Total number of associate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Bachelor's Programs
Total number of bachelor's degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Explore All Online Majors
How Students Learn
Based on class setting of student enrollment.
Mix of Online and on Campus
7%
On Campus
93%
Online
0%
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
6,728Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
180
Undergrads Over 25
2%
Pell Grant
9%
Varsity Athletes
7%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on
73 responses
Work hard Play hard
23%
Rich
19%
Hot, smart, rich, rude, work hard play hard
12%
High acheiving
11%
White, upper-middle class, not street-smart at all
10%
High achievers & entitled
8%
Cold
3%
More
Read More About the Students
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
88%
Poll
60%
of students say that Greek life is pretty big.131 responses
Poll
51%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.139 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on
78 responses
Work hard, play hard
31%
Fratty
17%
Growing
14%
Lavish
9%
A lot of cliques
6%
Engage yourself
6%
Home away from home
4%
More
Read More About Campus Life
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$60,700/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
82%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
93%
National
83%
89%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.54 responses
Read More About Life After Graduation
Southern Methodist University Reviews
Rating 3.86 out of 5 1,576 reviews
Rating 5 out of 5
I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees. SMU’s propounded Simmons school of Education’s Education program especially the Early childhood to 6 and the esteemed teaching faculty is the gravity force for me. After I graduate from college, I aspire to be a teacher in Texas and teach technology to kids with special needs. With the shortage of quality teachers in Texas, I conceive high caliber teachers can make the most impact in students to pursue their careers. Therefore, I am writing an application to get a degree from SMU and build a stronger society of future students. I want to be a proud Texan to serve the Texas education system by studying in the best Texas University.
- Freshman
- 3 days ago
Rating 4 out of 5
I really enjoyed my time attending Southern Methodist University. Students often called the campus "the bubble", because it is a self-contained environment with everything that a student would want on campus. For those more adventurous students, there are multiple shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs within walking distance to the campus. Snuffer's is a must with their heart-stopping cheese fries! The campus now houses the President George W. Bush library as well.
- Alum
- 2 months ago
Rating 5 out of 5
My time at SMU has been nothing but exceptional. Imagine the qualities of classic "movie" college: the fun, the friends, the encouraged healthy work-life balance, and the community feeling. Now imagine that same school also has the qualities of a typically "rigorous" educational institution: the variety in course offerings, the absolutely incredible professors and faculty members, the innumerable opportunities to be involved, the opportunities for academic recognition, the aid in securing your dream internship or job, and the constant feeling that you are supported educationally, financially, and emotionally. That is SMU. Southern Methodist University has shaped me. It has transformed me into a better, stronger, smarter, more driven, more confident, and more centered human being. The alumni network can't be beat, and the professors go above-and-beyond daily, catering to each individual student they have as needed. Everyone wants to help you, and everyone wants you to thrive. 10/10
- Junior
- 2 months ago