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Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Overview

Polish your Dallas dreams at SMU, where Southern charm fuels ambitious careers amid live oaks and skyline views.

Identity
Academics
Culture
Outcomes
Identity

Southern Methodist University sprang to life in 1911 when Dallas oil barons and civic boosters, backed by the Methodist Church, envisioned a cultural beacon for their booming city—though it shed strict denominational ties decades ago to embrace a broader appeal. You'll thrive here if you're polished, goal-driven, and drawn to networking in a preppy Southern setting, but less so if you crave gritty urban edge or bohemian vibes; the affluent University Park enclave feels more country club than counterculture. Surrounded by manicured boulevards and million-dollar mansions, SMU offers easy escapes to Dallas's Fortune 500 headquarters, yet tradeoffs include scorching 100-degree summers that send everyone indoors and a tuition sticker shock that demands serious financial aid hustling.

7,285
Undergrads
4,831
Grad Students
63.4%
Acceptance
82.0%
Grad Rate
Photos
Admission to Southern Methodist University • Verto Education
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The Budd Center: Involving Communities in Education Simmons School ...
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Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University - Talley Associates
Capturing the Beauty of SMU's Neo-Georgian Architecture
Academics
11.0 : 1
Student-Faculty Ratio
91.0%
Retention Rate (Full-Time)
82.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
75.0%
4-Year Graduation Rate
7,285
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,831
Graduate Enrollment
Admissions
63.4%
Acceptance Rate
3.66
Average GPA
Test Optional
Test Policy
$60
Application Fee
Test Score Range
SAT Math

670750

SAT Reading

670740

ACT Composite

3034

Check Your Fit

Enter your scores to see how you compare to admitted students at Southern Methodist University.

School avg: 3.66

0.00 – 4.00 scale

School range: 1340–1490

400 – 1600 (total)

School range: 30–34

1 – 36 (composite)

Enter at least one score above to see your fit

Tip: Add all three scores for the most accurate estimate

This tool provides estimates based on academic metrics only. Actual admission decisions consider many factors including essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and more.
Financial Aid & Costs
Estimated Annual Cost

$74,876

Tuition + Room & Board + Books (before financial aid)
Cost Breakdown

Tuition

$55,012

Room & Board

$19,064

Books & Supplies

$800

Financial Aid
67%
Receiving Aid
13%
Pell Grant Recipients
$37,520
Avg Grant (recipients)
$14,284
Avg Federal Loan
Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.

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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Campus Life
Housing

On-Campus Housing

Yes

Housing Capacity

3,403 beds

Housing Guarantee

Data not available

Dining

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Meal Plan Type

Data not available

Athletics
Atlantic Coast Conference
Quick Facts

Type

Private

Undergraduate Enrollment

7,285

Acceptance Rate

63%

Graduation Rate

82%

Tuition & Room/Board

$74,076

Affiliation

Evangelical Church

Visit Website

smu.edu

Dallas, TX 75275-0221

Suburb: Large
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