College Comparison
Santa Clara University vs Southern Methodist University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Dallas, TX
Total Enrollment
9,728
12,116
Undergrad Enrollment
6,577
7,285
Student-Faculty Ratio
11:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
48.0%
63.4%
Average GPA
3.74
3.66
SAT Range
1350–1490
1340–1490
ACT Range
31–33
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$70
$60
Total Applicants
18,970
15,245
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$76,773
$74,076
Avg Net Price
$50,959
$41,778
Tuition (In-State)
$56,880
$55,012
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$56,880
$55,012
Room & Board
$19,893
$19,064
% Receiving Aid
71.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$28,368
$37,520
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
82.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
85.0%
75.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
91.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$109,183
$78,354
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Explore by Location
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Santa Clara University is $50,959 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Southern Methodist University is $9,181 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Santa Clara University typically score between 1350-1490 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.
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Santa Clara University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. Southern Methodist University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $28,368. At Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.
The median earnings for Santa Clara University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $109,183, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Santa Clara University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.

