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College Comparison

Boston University vs Southern Methodist University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

37,737

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

63.4%

Average GPA

3.79

3.66

SAT Range

1420–1530

1340–1490

ACT Range

32–34

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$60

Total Applicants

78,769

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$55,012

Room & Board

$19,020

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$78,354

More Comparisons
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Boston is in Boston, MA

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Boston University is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Boston University is $14,782 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Boston University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. Boston University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Boston University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.