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Southern Methodist University

#3 in Best Christian Colleges in America
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Dallas, TX
  • 1,429 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Value
      A
    3. Diversity
      A
    4. Campus
      A
    5. Athletics
      A
    6. Party Scene
      A+
    7. Professors
      A+
    8. Location
      A+
    9. Dorms
      A-
    10. Campus Food
      A-
    11. Student Life
      A+
    12. Safety
      B
    View Full Report Card
    Southern Methodist is a highly rated private, Christian university located in University Park, Texas in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 6,240 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the Southern Methodist acceptance rate is 49%. Popular majors include Economics, Finance, and Accounting. Graduating 81% of students, Southern Methodist alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $54,300.
    About Southern Methodist University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I-FBS
    Athletic Conference
    American Athletic Conference
    Address
    6425 Boaz St
    Dallas, TX 75275
    Website
    smu.edu
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    Southern Methodist University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    49%
    Application Deadline
    January 15
    SAT Range
    1270-1440
    ACT Range
    28-32
    Application Fee
    $60
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    Yes

    Test Prep

    SAT and ACT Prep Options
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    Cost

    Net Price
    $36,458/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $33,203/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    79%

    Academics

    Professors
    A+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    11:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    89%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.72 responses
    57%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.89 responses
    61%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.89 responses
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    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Economics
      193 Graduates
    • Finance
      185 Graduates
    • Accounting
      105 Graduates
    • Marketing
      88 Graduates
    • Sport and Fitness Management
      83 Graduates
    • Communications
      73 Graduates
    • Mechanical Engineering
      73 Graduates
    • Mathematics
      67 Graduates
    • Biology
      65 Graduates
    • Psychology
      63 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    6,240Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    212
    Undergrads Over 25
    2%
    Pell Grant
    10%
    Varsity Athletes
    7%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 60 responses
    Report
    • Work hard Play hard
      25%
    • Rich
      18%
    • Hot, smart, rich, rude, work hard play hard
      15%
    • High acheiving
      8%
    • High achievers & entitled
      8%
    • White, upper-middle class, not street-smart at all
      8%
    • Cold
      3%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    99%
    Poll
    62%
    of students say that Greek life is pretty big.117 responses
    Poll
    54%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.125 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 64 responses
    Report
    • Work hard, play hard
      34%
    • Fratty
      17%
    • Growing
      17%
    • Engage yourself
      8%
    • Lavish
      8%
    • A lot of cliques
      6%
    • Interesting
      3%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $60,700/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    81%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    93%
    National
    83%
    88%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.50 responses
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    Southern Methodist University Reviews

    1,429 reviews
    All Categories
    SMU is very well supported and connected. As a fine arts major, it helps to be near the center of the city where the arts scene is most active (as opposed to UTD, U of D, or UNT, which are a little more off the beaten path)... so location is a big plus! It's a bit homogenized, being located in the Park Cities; it has a high tuition (the "Ivy League" of the South) and draws from an affluent base, and it could benefit from greater diversity; but Meadows School of the Arts at SMU is better in that regard than some of the other programs/schools here. There are endless opportunities to get involved, and get funding for projects or learning opportunities that you're passionate about. I've been to Taos, NM and NYC with SMU, and I'm going to Poland later this year. They also helped me fund independent travel that supported my education and professional development: last year I went to a conference in PA and a workshop in NM. Overall, I've had a great experience!
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    SMU has provided a unique establishment of community in order for all students to feel welcome! However, the diversity presented within the school is quite low. There are sparse percentages of Latinos, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. Even though this is the case, the gradual enrollment of multiple international students does decrease the evident ethnic gap among students. Additonally, many of the teachers and remainder of the faculty are friendly and supportive for all students to succeed. With constant reminders regarding the A-LEC center and its workshops, students are free to ask questions from a variety of multiple disciplines to tutors who are readily available! Without a doubt, the student life at SMU is the best!
    Loved my experience at SMU. I completed a graduate degree while I was working a full time job. The professors (with very little exception) were amazing. They really catered to working professionals. The best part of my experience was their job placement program. When I graduated, I was able to find a new job with Cisco. I am very thankful to this school! It’s well run and worth the investment!