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Colleges / TX / Dallas
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Southern Methodist University

Private nonprofit Dallas, TX · Suburban · Southwest · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
84%
Graduation Rate
$78,354
Earnings (10yr)
$40,892
Net Price
63%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Southern Methodist University is a great fit for students who are looking for a vibrant campus life in a dynamic city like Dallas. With an acceptance rate of 63%, this private university attracts a diverse group of learners. Students here often dive into popular areas like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Communications, among others. The strong focus on these programs means you can expect a well-rounded education that prepares you for real-world challenges.

Looking ahead, graduates from SMU can anticipate solid financial outcomes. Those who finish their degrees can expect to earn around $78,354 within ten years of graduating. This level of earnings is a good indicator of the value of the education here. While the net price is $40,892, many students find that the investment pays off, especially when considering the 84% graduation rate, which suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs.

When it comes to the bottom line, the median debt for graduates stands at $19,500, which is manageable given the earning potential after graduation. Financial aid options help make education here more accessible, though only 13% of students receive Pell Grants. Those who thrive at SMU are often ambitious and eager to engage with both their studies and the rich opportunities available in Dallas. This environment supports not just academic success but also personal growth and career readiness.

Rankings

How Southern Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation84%Earnings 10yr$78KNet Price$41KRetention91%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate13%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$24K$0-30K$20K$30-48K$24K$48-75K$58K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%445.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3972.7%MOBILITY176.79%

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,040
In-State Tuition
$67,040
Out-of-State
$40,892
Avg Net Price
$19,500
Median Debt
13%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$23,544
Family Income $0–$30K
$20,038
Family Income $30K–$48K
$24,152
Family Income $48K–$75K
$58,213
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$65,556
6 Years After Entry
$77,799
8 Years
$78,354
10 Years
0.25x
Debt-to-Earnings
80%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$65,556 6yr $77,799 8yr $78,354 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

176.79%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3972.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
445.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$176,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.83
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.0%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.564%
Inventor Rate
28
Total Patents
47
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 63%
Retention Rate 91%
SAT Average 1428
ACT Midpoint 33
SAT Range 1340–1490
ACT Range 30–34
Full-Time Faculty 69%
Faculty Salary (mo) $14,916
Diversity Index 0.64
First-Gen Students 16%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 28%
Social Sciences 13%
Communications 9%
Visual & Performing Arts 7%
Psychology 7%
Engineering 6%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Computer Science & IT 4%