SMU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 63.35%. Moderately selective, indicating a less competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 1420. Excellent SAT scores, indicating highly competitive applicants and often placing them in the top percentiles nationally.
Tuition Overview:
- Tuition: $67,040
- Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.
Student Population at SMU:
- Total Enrollment: 12,116, including 669 online students
- 7,285 Undergraduate, 4,831 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 49.9% men, 50.1% women.
- This is a medium-sized institution, offering diverse programs and student activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 84%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 10%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 91%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 245 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 29 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 138 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
SMU Overview
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University was newly classified as an R1 University in 2025 due to its significant growth in research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The SMU's tuition & fees is $67,040 for the academic year 2024-2025. 68% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $37,410.
The school has a total enrollment of 12,116 and the students to faculty ratio is 11 to 1 (9.09%).
SMU's acceptance rate is 63.35% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 17.77%. The median SAT score is 1420 and the ACT score is 32.
SMU ranked 61st in National Universities and 5th in Texas Colleges rankings. Southern Methodist University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Southern Methodist University is $67,040. For graduate programs, its 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $37,278.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $69,723 based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $37,495.
| Undergraduate | $67,040 |
|---|
| Graduate | $37,278 |
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| Undergraduate | $69,723 |
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| Graduate | $37,495 |
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The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Southern Methodist University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at SMU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, Air Force |
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| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
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| Teacher Certification | Yes |
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| Study Abroad | Yes |
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| On-Campus Services |
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| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
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| Employment services for students | Yes |
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| Placement services for completers | Yes |
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| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
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Southern Methodist University Directory Information
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