Southern Methodist University
SMU
Dallas, Texas 75275-0221
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
Southern Methodist University is a private suburban institution in Dallas, Texas. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1424.
A mid-sized campus of 7.1K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
83% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $78,354 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $41,778.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History The university was chartered on April 17, 1911, by the southern denomination of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
- •Constructed in 1915, Dallas Hall remains the centerpiece of the campus.
- •At the 1914 meeting of the General Conference, Southern Methodist University was designated the connectional institution for all conferences west of the Mississippi River.
- •SMU named its first building Dallas Hall in gratitude for the support of Dallas leaders and local citizens, who had pledged $300,000 to secure the university's location.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1424
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
78.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,311
Programs (228)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
51
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from TX state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Dallas
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Dallas, from real bookable tour times.
- The University of Texas at Arlington · University of DallasBig and small70 days
- University of Dallas · The University of Texas at DallasBig and small48 days