What does it cost to attend Southern Methodist University?
The 2025 tuition & fees of Southern Methodist University is $67,040 and the 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $37,278. Its undergraduate tuition & fees is much higher than the average tuition for R2 Universities' tuition of $31,790.
Based on the last year increase rate, The 2026 estimated tuition & fees at SMU is $69,723 for Texas residents and $69,723 for out-of-state students, a 4.0% increase compared to 2025's rate.
SMU 2025 Tuition & Fees
| Year | Tuition & Fees | R2 Universities' Average |
|---|
| 2023-2024 | $64,460 | $30,674 |
| 2024-2025 | $67,040 | $31,790 |
| Change % 2024-2025 | 4.00% | 3.64% |
| 2025-2026 Estimate | $69,723 | $32,947 |
How much do you actually pay at SMU?
The living costs at SMU is $21,762 when living on campus. The on-campus living costs increased by 4.47% compared to the previous year. The off-campus living costs increased by 4.50%.
The SMU's 2025 COA is $89,602 for on-campus living and off-campus COA is $81,852.
68% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $37,410. It could cover 55.80% of the full tuition amount.
After receiving the financial aid, the net price is $52,192.
Southern Methodist University 2025 Cost of Attendance (COA) | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $67,040 |
|---|
| Room & Board | $19,064 | $11,314 |
|---|
| Personal Expenses | $2,698 | $2,698 |
|---|
| Books & Supplies | $800 |
|---|
| COA | $89,602 | $81,852 |
|---|
| COA with Financial Aid | $52,192 | $44,442 |
|---|
SMU 4-Years Tuition
How Much is SMU tuition for 4 years?
SMU's 4-years tuition is $274,672, based on current tuition and change rate.
Since the tuition & fees at Southern Methodist University have risen very slightly (very lower than national average) over the last 4 years, the actual costs may differ from the estimation based on the school or University system's new tuition policy.
SMU 4 Years Tuition & Fees Estimates
| Admission Year | Freshmen | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | 4 Years Total |
|---|
| Class of 2029 | Fall 2025 | $67,685 | $68,336 | $68,994 | $69,657 | $274,672 |
|---|
| Class of 2030 | Fall 2026 | $68,336 | $68,994 | $69,657 | $70,328 | $277,315 |
|---|
| Class of 2031 | Fall 2027 | $68,994 | $69,657 | $70,328 | $71,004 | $279,983 |
|---|
| Class of 2032 | Fall 2028 | $69,657 | $70,328 | $71,004 | $71,687 | $282,677 |
|---|
| Class of 2033 | Fall 2029 | $70,328 | $71,004 | $71,687 | $72,377 | $285,397 |
|---|
Net Price for 4 Years at SMU
Based on recent tuition increase rate, for the students who were admitted in Fall 2025, the estimated 4-years COA is $367,275.
SMU 4 Years COA
| Admission Year | Freshmen | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | 4 Years Total |
|---|
| Class of 2029 | Fall 2025 | $90,480 | $91,367 | $92,262 | $93,167 | $367,275 |
|---|
| Class of 2030 | Fall 2026 | $91,367 | $92,262 | $93,167 | $94,080 | $370,875 |
|---|
| Class of 2031 | Fall 2027 | $92,262 | $93,167 | $94,080 | $95,002 | $374,511 |
|---|
| Class of 2032 | Fall 2028 | $93,167 | $94,080 | $95,002 | $95,934 | $378,182 |
|---|
| Class of 2033 | Fall 2029 | $94,080 | $95,002 | $95,934 | $96,875 | $381,890 |
|---|
Actual COA after Receiving Financial Aid
After receiving the financial aid, the net price for 4 years of attending the school is $217,635.
SMU 4 Years COA after Receiving Financial Aid
| Admission Year | Freshmen | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | 4 Years Total |
|---|
| Class of 2029 | Fall 2025 | $53,070 | $53,957 | $54,852 | $55,757 | $217,635 |
|---|
| Class of 2030 | Fall 2026 | $53,957 | $54,852 | $55,757 | $56,670 | $221,235 |
|---|
| Class of 2031 | Fall 2027 | $54,852 | $55,757 | $56,670 | $57,592 | $224,871 |
|---|
| Class of 2032 | Fall 2028 | $55,757 | $56,670 | $57,592 | $58,524 | $228,542 |
|---|
| Class of 2033 | Fall 2029 | $56,670 | $57,592 | $58,524 | $59,465 | $232,250 |
|---|
SMU's Graduate Tuition
The graduate school tuition at Southern Methodist University is $37,278. Detailed graduate program tuition and majors can be found at SMU graduate program page.
Southern Methodist University has a law school and its tuition is different from other graduate programs, usually higher. The law school tuition is $70,750. See the detailed law school tuition at Dedman School of Law page.
SMU Graduate Tuition & Fees
| Year | Gradaute Tuition & Fees |
|---|
| 2023-2024 | $37,062 |
| 2024-2025 | $37,278 |
| Change % 2024-2025 | 0.58% |
|---|
| 2025-2026 | $37,495 |
Tuition Per Credit Hour
For part-time and/or full-time students who take additional credits at SMU is $2,484. The graduate tuition per credit hour is $1,755.
Per Credit Hour Charge at SMU
| Year | Tuition Per Credit Hour |
|---|
| Undergraduate | 2023-2024 | $2,389 |
|---|
| 2024-2025 | $2,484 |
|---|
| 2025-2026 (Estimate) | $2,583 |
|---|
| Graduate | 2023-2024 | $1,755 |
|---|
| 2024-2025 | $1,755 |
|---|
| 2025-2026 (Estimate) | $1,755 |
|---|
SMU Tuition Charts
The following charts visualize tuition, fees, living costs, and other expenses at SMU. You can enlarge the chart to view detailed information.
Compare Tuition with Similar Colleges
The following table compares tuition & fees between Southern Methodist University and its similar schools.
Tuition Comparison between SMU and Similar Colleges
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Southern Methodist University | $67,040 |
|---|
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $13,363 | $28,697 |
|---|
| University of Memphis | $10,728 | $15,384 |
|---|
| Temple University | $23,005 | $38,805 |
|---|
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $17,929 | $37,441 |
|---|
| University of Central Florida | $6,368 | $22,467 |
|---|
SMU Tuition Frequently Asked Questions
For the academic year 2024-2025, the undergraduate tuition & fees at SMU are $67,040 for all students.
The total cost of attendance (COA) at SMU for the academic year 2024-2025 includes tuition & fees, books & supplies, and living expenses. For in-state students, the estimated COA is $89,602 per year. Actual costs may vary depending on housing choices and personal expenses.
The 2025 undergraduate tuition has been risen by 4.00% compared to the previous year. The graduate tuition has been risen by 0.58% compared to the previous year.
68% of SMU undergraduates receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $37,410 per student. Additional financial aid options are available through SMU's financial aid office.
The projected 4-year cost for a degree is approximately $367,275. The tuition and fees are around $69,657 per year, totaling about $274,672 over four years.
SMU charges $2,484 per credit hour for all undergraduates. Graduate students pay $1,755 per credit hour.
The undergraduate tuition at SMU is higher than the average for similar schools ($50,844 - private (not-for-profit) Research University (high research activity)).The graduate tuition at SMU is a little bit higher than the average for similar schools ($30,754 - private (not-for-profit) Research University (high research activity)).