Academic Comparison between USF and SMU

University of South Florida and Southern Methodist University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. USF is a four-year, public school located in Tampa, FL and SMU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Dallas, TX.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • USF is a public and SMU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SMU has more expensive tuition & fees ($67,040) than USF ($17,324).
  • It is harder to admit to USF than SMU.
  • SMU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,220) than USF (1,220).
  • SMU has higher submitted ACT score (26) than USF (26).
  • USF has more students with 49,622 students while SMU has 12,116 students.
  • SMU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while USF's ratio is 22 to 1.
  • USF has more full-time faculties with 2,197 faculties while SMU has 750 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of South Floridavs.Southern Methodist University
Tampa, FloridaLocationDallas, Texas
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$6,410
Out-Of-State$17,324
2025 Tuition & Fees$67,040
69%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$9,182Average Amount of Financial Aid$37,410
43.19 %Acceptance Rates63.35 %
23.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.77 %
1,220SAT Score1,420
26ACT Score32
77 %Graduation Rate84 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate10 %
91 %Retention Rate91 %
49,622Student Population12,116
2,197Number of Faculties750
22 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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