Southern Methodist University
A 234-acre tree-lined think tank.
Acceptance rate
63.3%
SAT (mid 50%)
1340–1490
Avg net price
$40,892
after aid
Testing
optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Southern Methodist University’s admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Getting in is the hard part. Southern Methodist University admitted 63.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.
Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1340–1490 on the SAT and 30–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.
The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Southern Methodist University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.
What they value
Rigorous Learning, Hands-On Experience
SMU's singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with hands-on experience will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined.
The SMU Common Curriculum offers flexibility for nearly unlimited combinations of over 100 majors and 85 minors, including double and triple major opportunities and accelerated degree programs.
- AccountingCPA Exam, public accounting, industrial accounting
- AdvertisingTemerlin Advertising Institute, industry connections
- Anthropologyarchaeology, cultural/social, linguistic, physical
Verified from smu.edu and smu.edu and smu.edu and smu.edu and smu.edu and smu.edu.
Cost and aid
What you will actually pay
The sticker price is about $85,606, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $40,892.
SMU rewards academic achievement and considers family financial situations, offering financial packages that combine academic awards and need-based aid, including federal, state, and SMU-funded grants, loans, and work-study options.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $78,354.
Verified from https://www.smu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Campus life
The feel of the place
“Grab a late-night dinner with friends, cheer on your favorite teams, and feel at home in your Residential Commons, a typical day on the Hilltop.”
Dallas Hall, the academic heart of SMU, overlooks the quad, the tree-lined Boulevard, and the Dallas skyline.
Quick answers
Southern Methodist University FAQ
- Is Southern Methodist University test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Southern Methodist University is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Southern Methodist University?
- Very hard. Southern Methodist University admits 63.3% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1340 to 1490 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Southern Methodist University cost?
- The list price is about $85,606, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $40,892.
- Is Southern Methodist University worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $78,354 ten years after enrolling, and 84% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Southern Methodist University.
Spike answers from Southern Methodist University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.