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College Comparison

California Institute of Technology vs Southern Methodist University

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

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

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pasadena, CA

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

2,430

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

987

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

3:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

2.6%

63.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.66

SAT Range

1530–1580

1340–1490

ACT Range

35–36

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$60

Total Applicants

13,856

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,762

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$18,902

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$58,479

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,479

$55,012

Room & Board

$20,283

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$72,373

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$128,566

$78,354

More Comparisons
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California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Caltech has an acceptance rate of 3%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Caltech is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Caltech is $22,876 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 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.

Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. Caltech offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Caltech, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $72,373. At Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Caltech tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA in a city: midsize setting. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.