Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Southern Methodist University has a 61.2% acceptance rate. Southern Methodist University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Dallas, TX, with a median SAT of 1420 and a median ACT of 32. The average net price is $40,892 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

61.2%

15,092 applicants

SAT Median

1420

Combined score

ACT Median

32

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$40,892

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Southern Methodist University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Southern Methodist University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)132014201490
ACT (composite, 1–36)303234

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.8%

Retention Rate

90.5%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

7,277

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Southern Methodist University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$23,544
$30,001 – $48,000$20,038
$48,001 – $75,000$24,152
$75,001 – $110,000$33,477
$110,000+$58,213

Top Majors at Southern Methodist University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing537
Social Sciences246
Communication & Journalism181
Visual & Performing Arts138
Parks, Recreation & Fitness130
Psychology130
Engineering108
Biological & Biomedical Sciences92
Computer & Information Sciences85
Mathematics & Statistics53

Financial Aid at Southern Methodist University

About Southern Methodist University

Official website: https://www.smu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.smu.edu/admission

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Methodist University

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 61%. it received about 15,092 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1420; the average net price is $40,892 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Southern Methodist University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Southern Methodist University?

Getting into Southern Methodist University is moderately selective — it admits 61% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1420. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Southern Methodist University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Southern Methodist University?

Admitted students at Southern Methodist University typically have a median SAT around 1420 and a median ACT around 32. With a 61% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Southern Methodist University?

The average net price at Southern Methodist University is $40,892 per year after grants and scholarships. about 74% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $36,850 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 91%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Southern Methodist University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Southern Methodist University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Southern Methodist University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1420. With a 61% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Southern Methodist University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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