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Dallas , TX
Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, Texas, is a prestigious private institution known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and engaged community. With a history dating back to 1911, SMU has flourished into a leading research university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across seven schools and colleges. The university prides itself on providing a liberal arts education foundation, combined with professional preparation, creating well-rounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of today's world.
SMU offers students a diverse and inclusive community, embracing a culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation. The university is known for its commitment to fostering leadership, critical thinking, and global perspectives. Students have access to world-class faculty who are experts in their fields and renowned for their research, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Additionally, SMU's vibrant campus life offers numerous extracurricular activities, including over 200 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a thriving arts scene, providing students with ample opportunities to explore their passions and develop new skills.
Located in the heart of Dallas, SMU benefits from its diverse and dynamic surroundings. The city offers endless career opportunities, internships, and cultural experiences, enabling students to translate their classroom knowledge into real-world applications. SMU's strong ties to the Dallas business, cultural, and political communities provide students with unique networking opportunities and connections that can lead to internships, fellowships, and career placements. With its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and global innovation, SMU is a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded, impactful education experience.
Southern Methodist University is a private upper-level higher education institution with graduate programs located in Dallas, TX. This institution follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 63%. The freshman retention rate at Southern Methodist University is 91% and the six-year graduation rate is 84%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is July 31. Here are some latest information on important things to consider about Southern Methodist University.
Quick Facts
7,285
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$61,880
Tuition
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
84%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you discover as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will greatly increase. Here are the most important information you have to know about admission policy and requirements at Southern Methodist University.
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 9,657 in 2025.
Test Scores
Out of the number of applicants who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 15.5% and ACT scores 9.3%. 60.5% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 34.6% between 1,200 and 1,399 and 4.9% between 1,000 and 1,199. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 82.5 and 17.5 between 24-29.
The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 32 and the average GPA was 3.67. This implies that you'll probably need a GPA above the average to secure admission, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 698 for the newly enrolled students, while the average SAT Math score was 706.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by July 31.
Retention Rate
What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. Why is that information important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Southern Methodist University was 91%, which is an amazing retention rate only the most prestigious institutions achieve.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 84%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. Gaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Southern Methodist University in 2025 was 12,116.
That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 54.1. There was a total of 7,285 undergrad students, including 279 international students. The school admitted a total of 314 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 4,742 male and 4,937 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
In order to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 603, and the number of African American students was 398. 1,291 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 341 identified with more than one race. The school also had 7 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 23 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 248 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you submit an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. Here are some details you should know about the cost of attendance for Southern Methodist University.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition fees for this university.
As a full-time domestic student, you were required to pay tuition of $61,880 in 2025. Southern Methodist University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Full-time students in 2025 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $7,842.
Books and Supplies
Another important financial factor to consider is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $876.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do colleges and universities typically charge for accommodation and meals?
At Southern Methodist University, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $19,794. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school reached $12,170, according to the data from 2025.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 61,880 |
| Room and Board | $ 19,794 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 876 |
| Total Expense | $ 82,550 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial aid can be a great deal for a number of students. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Southern Methodist University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent records show that 573 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $58,545 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 2,172 students who acquired need-based financial aid of any kind. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 2,217. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $8,677,252, and state $4,984,405. The students of Southern Methodist University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $89,204,114, and external in the amount of $2,593,698.
$29,414
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 621 students overall (including freshmen) at Southern Methodist University in 2025. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 196 full-time freshmen. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $70,402,916. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $3,134,729 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
Majors
Faculty
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio represents the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
In 2025, this ratio at Southern Methodist University was 11:1. That means that there were 11 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 1,163 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 676 male and 487 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Southern Methodist University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some info about students' life at Southern Methodist University.
Its campus spans 240 acres.
Student Organizations
Exploring a variety of student organizations can contribute to a more vibrant and rewarding educational experience.
According to the most recent information, there are 231 open-membership organizations at Southern Methodist University. That includes sororities and fraternities. The percentage of male students who are members of organizations is 38 and female students 44. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Hillel @ SMU, followed by Entrepreneurship Club and Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU. Other popular organizations among the students at Southern Methodist University are Asian Council and BBA Finance Club.
Students who have a talent for music can join the Southern Methodist University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. For individuals with an interest in media and communication, Southern Methodist University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Southern Methodist University provides a number of services crucial for a pleasant and secure life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. The school's dormitory entrances are operated electronically. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Southern Methodist University.
All in all, campus life at Southern Methodist University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Southern Methodist University.
Career Counselling
At Southern Methodist University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
Students who find employment within six months of graduating can expect an average base annual starting salary of 90,860 USD.
$90,860
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX.
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The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Southern Methodist University is 61,880 USD, based on the most recent data.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent reported acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University is 63%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Southern Methodist University is 91%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
