CAMPUS · DALLAS, TX · PRIVATE

Southern Methodist University

61.2%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

SAFETY

Southern Methodist University is a safety for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

61.2%

of 15,092 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$78,354

across all majors

Southern Methodist University at a Glance

61.2%

Acceptance Rate

1400

Average SAT

Average ACT

13,332

Total Enrollment

$78,354

Median Salary (10yr)

$19,500

Median Debt

12.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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.

Full Name	Southern Methodist University
Location	Dallas, TX 75275-0221
Type	Private
Website	smu.edu/
Total Enrollment	13,332
Undergrad Enrollment	7,529
Female Students	50.5%

International Students at Southern Methodist University: By the Numbers

4.2%

International Undergrads

314

International Undergrad Count

797

International Graduate Students

8.3%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending Southern Methodist University as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$18,230/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$72,920

Good news for international applicants: Southern Methodist University is a private university — there's no in-state vs out-of-state tuition difference.

How to Apply to Southern Methodist University as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

SAT: 1400+, ACT: 32+

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, Southern Methodist University will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

Southern Methodist University Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of Southern Methodist University's undergraduate student body.

White

59.9%

Black/African American

5.2%

Hispanic/Latino

14.9%

Asian

8.4%

International

4.2%

Career Outcomes for Southern Methodist University International Graduates

International students at Southern Methodist University can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$78,354

Median Earnings (10yr)

$65,556

Median Salary (6yr)

$19,500

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from Southern Methodist University, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

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

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.