College Comparison
Southern Methodist University vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dallas, TX
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
12,116
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
7,285
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
11:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
63.4%
12.1%
Average GPA
3.66
3.96
SAT Range
1340–1490
1500–1570
ACT Range
30–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$75
Total Applicants
15,245
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$74,076
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$41,778
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$55,012
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$55,012
$59,420
Room & Board
$19,064
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
67.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$37,520
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
82.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
75.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
91.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$78,354
$86,182
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Southern Methodist University is $41,778 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is $19,661 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Southern Methodist University typically score between 1340-1490 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Southern Methodist University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $37,520. At Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Southern Methodist University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $78,354, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from Washington University in St Louis tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.

