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
    B+
  10. Campus Food
    B+
  11. Student Life
    A+
  12. Safety
    C+
View Full Report Card
Southern Methodist University is ...
Private not-for-profit, Methodist
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-A
Athletic Conference
American Athletic Conference
Address
6425 Boaz St
Dallas, TX 75275
Website
smu.edu

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
52%
SAT Scores Range
1220-1400
ACT Scores Range
28-31
Application Fee
$60
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Will You Get In?

Test Scores and GPA for Southern Methodist University

Cost

Net Price
$34,189/ year
National
$15,431

Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.

Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $20,936/ year
  • $30-48k
    $21,741/ year
  • $49-75k
    $27,708/ year
  • $76-110k
    $31,062/ year
  • $110k+
    $41,679/ year

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
59%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.76 responses
66%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.76 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Economics
    164 Graduates
  • Finance
    159 Graduates
  • Accounting
    125 Graduates
  • Mathematics & Statistics
    102 Graduates
  • Psychology
    99 Graduates
  • Sport and Fitness Management
    85 Graduates
  • Public Relations
    83 Graduates
  • Marketing
    75 Graduates
  • Mechanical Engineering
    72 Graduates
  • Advertising
    66 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
6,193Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
3%
Pell Grant
12%
Varsity Athletes
7%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 47 responses
Report
  • Work hard Play hard
    32%
  • Rich
    17%
  • Hot, smart, rich, rude, work hard play hard
    13%
  • High achievers & entitled
    11%
  • High acheiving
    9%
  • White, upper-middle class, not street-smart at all
    9%
  • Different
    2%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
98%
Poll
62%
of students say that Greek life is pretty big.104 responses
Poll
54%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.112 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 51 responses
Report
  • Work hard, play hard
    31%
  • Growing
    20%
  • Fratty
    18%
  • Lavish
    10%
  • A lot of cliques
    6%
  • Engage yourself
    6%
  • Interesting
    4%

After Southern Methodist University

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$52,200/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
77%
National
47%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
94%
National
83%
88%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.50 responses
Colleges like Southern Methodist University
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Southern Methodist University Reviews

1,350 reviews
All Categories
SMU is not perfect, nor is any school, but I am so thrilled to be a part of the amazing community here. The campus is beautiful, the professors are world-class, and everyone actually wants to see each student succeed. I am a science student (which SMU is not known for) but I still find myself learning and being challenged as much as my friends at big STEM schools. The Cox business school is unparalleled, the Meadows art school is highly regarded, and a degree from SMU sets you up for a bright future. There is nothing like being so connected to campus through boulevarding (tailgating before football games, a very SMU-experience), being in the MOB (basketball student section), and having access to everything the school has to offer its students. I love SMU and am looking forward to another three amazing years here!
Review Southern Methodist University
Looking back, I wouldn't have chosen to go anywhere else! There are things I would change about SMU, but it is already changing so much every year and improving. Campus life is severely lacking, but the new freshman dorms are helping to change that. SMU's professors are some of the best! They are easy-going, smart, dedicated and very accessible. Small class sizes were very important to me and SMU has that. Also, don't believe anyone when they tell you SMU isn't accepting. Yes, the students are somewhat conservative, politically, but they aren't hateful people. SMU's location is Dallas is very valuable for internships and post-grad employment as well, not to mention how fun it is just to live there.
If you want amazing academics and an amazing social life, this is the place for you! My classes are interesting and the professors really care about your experience. The parties are insane! We have a social scene unlike any other school. Greek life dominates, but in a good way!