Southern Methodist University Overview

Southern Methodist University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Dallas, TX. It has an enrollment of 6,894 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 53.13%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $40,452. Tuition is $60,236.00 without financial aid.

Southern Methodist University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Southern Methodist University, 90.58% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Southern Methodist University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Southern Methodist University Website

Southern Methodist University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 53.13%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1448.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 33.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Southern Methodist University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $40,452.

The average tuition is:

• $32,478, when family income is less than $30,000

• $31,208, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $31,744, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $35,728, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $47,278, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 22.02% of students received a federal student loan and 11.13% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $60,236.00 without financial aid.

Southern Methodist University Net Price Calculator

Southern Methodist University Majors/Salaries

Southern Methodist University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Southern Methodist University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,044
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,560
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,344
• Graphic Communications. (Master’s Degree) – $59,873
• Graphic Communications. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $38,289
• Computer Systems Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $81,491
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• Education, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $57,017
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,737
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,713
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,035
• Systems Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $101,072
• Manufacturing Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $109,763
• Operations Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• Operations Research. (Master’s Degree) – $90,412
• Engineering-Related Fields. (Master’s Degree) – $86,867
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,426
• Law. (First Professional Degree) – $81,554
• Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $78,971
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,748
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,128
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Master’s Degree) – $41,565
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,814
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
• International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,625
• Theological and Ministerial Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $46,380
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,852
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,012
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,941
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,728
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Master’s Degree) – $42,682
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,276
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $30,771
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $40,768
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,198
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $120,363
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,673
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $66,541
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $111,196
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,446
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Master’s Degree) – $101,558
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,576
• Marketing. (Master’s Degree) – $101,072
• Real Estate. (Master’s Degree) – $106,421
• Taxation. (Master’s Degree) – $66,941
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260

Southern Methodist University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Southern Methodist University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.25%
• Asian: 8.41%
• Black: 4.82%
• Hispanic: 13.65%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.04%
• Non-resident alien: 4.40%
• Two or more races: 4.35%
• Unknown: 1.33%
• White: 62.75%

At Southern Methodist University, 1.95% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Southern Methodist University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Southern Methodist University?

School spirit at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is generally very high. The campus community takes pride in their athletic teams, especially football, and participates in a variety of events and traditions throughout the year to show their support. During football season, students can be seen wearing their “red, blue, and white” to support the mustangs at games, and there are also pep rallies, tailgates, and other events leading up to the games. SMU also has a strong Greek life presence and organizations often organize service projects, philanthropic events and social events to help create a sense of community and school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University, also known as SMU, offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students. Here are some of the popular extracurriculars at SMU: 1. Greek Life: SMU has a vibrant Greek community with 21 fraternities and sororities on campus. 2. Student Government Association: SMU’s student government association represents student interests and facilitates communication with university administration. 3. Club Sports: SMU offers a variety of club sports, including rugby, ultimate frisbee, and lacrosse. 4. Performing Arts: SMU has a strong performing arts program, including theater productions, musical performances, and dance shows. 5. Service Organizations: SMU’s service organizations, such as SMU Big iDeas and Alternative Breaks, allow students to give back to the community and make a positive impact. 6. Student Publications: SMU has several student-run publications, including a newspaper, magazine, and literary journal. 7. Religious and Spiritual Life: SMU has many religious and spiritual groups on campus, providing students with opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service.

How are the food choices at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University has a variety of food options available to students. The dining options include cafes, food courts, and restaurants, with options ranging from American comfort food to ethnic cuisines. There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. SMU has partnerships with popular dining companies like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. In addition, there are also on-campus dining locations like Umphrey Lee Dining Hall, Hughes-Trigg Student Center, and RFoC at Umphrey Lee, which offer a variety of cuisine choices. Overall, students at Southern Methodist University have a variety of food choices available to them that should meet the dietary needs and preferences of most students.

Is there Greek life at Southern Methodist University?

Yes, Southern Methodist University (SMU) has a strong Greek Life presence with over 25 fraternities and sororities on campus. Approximately 35% of undergraduate students at SMU are members of fraternities or sororities, which are governed by the Office of Student Activities. The Greek Life community at SMU is known for its philanthropic efforts and active involvement on campus.

What is Southern Methodist University known for?

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is known for its strong undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, law, and the arts. Its business school, the Cox School of Business, is particularly renowned and consistently ranks among the best business schools in the country. SMU is also known for its commitment to research, with opportunities for students and faculty to engage in innovative research across a wide range of disciplines. Additionally, SMU is known for its beautiful 234-acre campus in Dallas, Texas, which includes the Meadows Museum of Art and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

What are the most popular school clubs at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has a wide range of student clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests. Some of the most popular clubs at SMU include: 1. Student Government Association 2. Mustang Heroes Service Organization 3. Mustang Activities and Programming Board 4. SMU Program Council 5. Best Buddies 6. SMU Ambassadors 7. Students for a Better Society 8. Association of Black Students 9. Asian Council 10. Latino Student Association These are just a few examples of the many clubs and organizations available at SMU. Students are encouraged to explore and join clubs that align with their interests and passions.

Is the campus at Southern Methodist University safe?

Southern Methodist University is generally considered a safe campus, with campus security officers on patrol 24/7. In addition, the university has implemented various safety measures, including a 24/7 emergency alert system, surveillance cameras across campus, and a campus escort service. Like any university campus, there may be isolated incidents of crime, but SMU works hard to prevent them and keep students safe.