Southern Methodist University
A good fit for students considering a private nonprofit institution in Texas. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $77,900 within 10 years; strong 84% graduation rate.
About This School
Southern Methodist University is a private nonprofit institution located in Dallas, Texas with approximately 7,277 undergraduate students enrolled. Southern Methodist University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $40,892 per year. The graduation rate is 84%, and the typical graduate earns $77,900 within 10 years of enrollment.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university in University Park, Texas, United States, with a satellite campus in Taos County, New Mexico. SMU was founded on April 17, 1911, by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South—now part of the United Methodist Church—in partnership with Dallas civic leaders. It is currently non-sectarian in its teaching and enrolls students of all religious affiliations. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending and doctorate production".
This is a strong option for students drawn to a well-resourced research university in one of the country's most dynamic business cities, with a solid 83% graduation rate and median earnings of $77,900 a decade out — respectable numbers for a private institution. The relatively low median debt at graduation ($15,311) is a genuine bright spot, though the $41,778 annual net price is still a significant commitment, so make sure aid packaging works for your family before getting attached to the brand. The 61% acceptance rate means it's accessible for a wide range of applicants, making it worth a serious look if you want a mid-sized private school experience with strong career proximity in Dallas.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 30% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,277 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Texas
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX · Public
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX · Public
Dallas College
Dallas, TX · Public
Houston Community College
Houston, TX · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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