Average SAT & ACT Scores for Southern Methodist University
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
660
730
695
SAT Math
660
750
705
SAT Total
1320
1480
1400
ACT Composite
30
34
32
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
15,092
Students Admitted
9,240
Students Enrolled
1,592
Yield Rate
17.2%
Southern Methodist University Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#89
2025
Southern Methodist University Overview
Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX with 13,332 students. With a 61.2% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Communication. Graduates earn a median of $78,354 ten years after enrollment.
Is Southern Methodist University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
Southern Methodist University accepts 61.2% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
Your Profile
Southern Methodist University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
Southern Methodist University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at SMU. Families earning $30-48k pay around $20,038 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $58,213. 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating SMU enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $19,500 is very manageable relative to the $65,556 median salary six years out.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$23,544
$94,176
$30-48k
$20,038
$80,152
$48-75k
$24,152
$96,608
$75-110k
$33,477
$133,908
$110k+
$58,213
$232,852
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$18,230
Total Cost of Attendance
$85,606
Popular Majors at Southern Methodist University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
29.9%
Social Sciences
10.5%
Communication
8.9%
Engineering
6.5%
Visual/Performing Arts
6.1%
Psychology
5.9%
Biological Sciences
5.1%
Parks/Recreation
4.7%
Computer Science
4.6%
Mathematics/Statistics
4.1%
Student Demographics
White
59.9%
Black/African American
5.2%
Hispanic/Latino
14.9%
Asian
8.4%
International
4.2%
How to Get Into Southern Methodist University
SMU is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — SMU still offers strong programs and outcomes. Graduates earn $78,354 within 10 years, making it a solid return on investment.
1400
Target SAT Score
32
Target ACT Score
61.2%
Acceptance Rate
15,092
Total Applicants
What Southern Methodist University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Southern Methodist University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Southern Methodist University EA/ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Action
Nov 1
Early Decision
Nov 1
Early Decision II
Jan 15
Regular Decision
Jan 15
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Southern Methodist University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Southern Methodist University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
12.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$65,556
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Methodist University
What is SMU's acceptance rate?
SMU has an acceptance rate of 61.2%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for SMU?
The middle 50% SAT range at SMU is 1320-1480. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 30-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at SMU?
The most popular majors at SMU by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (29.9%), Social Sciences (10.5%), Communication (8.9%), Engineering (6.5%), Visual/Performing Arts (6.1%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do SMU graduates earn?
SMU graduates earn a median salary of $78,354 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is SMU worth the cost?
With median earnings of $78,354 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $19,500, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making SMU a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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