Deciding on the right university to attend for higher education is a crucial decision in a student’s life. In this article, we will compare two well-known universities, Texas Southern University (TSU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU), to help you make an informed choice. We will discuss various aspects, including costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes, to provide a comprehensive comparison of both institutions.
TSU Overview
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public, historically black university (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1927, TSU offers a wide range of programs and degrees through its various colleges and schools. With a diverse student body and commitment to providing quality education, TSU aims to equip its students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their careers and communities.
TSU Costs & Tuition
TSU offers affordable tuition rates, making it more accessible for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The estimated tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate student per academic year are around $9,173, while for out-of-state students, it is approximately $21,623. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students.
TSU Admissions
Admission to TSU is moderately competitive, with a 57% acceptance rate. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a completed application form. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 920 and 1080, while the average ACT score ranges from 17 to 22.
TSU Degrees Offered
TSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university has several schools and colleges, including Business, Education, Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Public Affairs, and Science, Engineering & Technology. Some popular majors at TSU include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Health Services.
TSU Academics
TSU is committed to providing a quality education to its students. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty. The university also offers various academic support services such as tutoring, academic advising, and career services to help students succeed in their studies.
TSU Diversity
TSU is known for its diverse student body, with students representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds. The university is committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect for all students. As an HBCU, TSU has a significant African American student population and also welcomes students from other ethnicities and backgrounds.
TSU Students
TSU has a vibrant and active student community, with numerous student clubs, organizations, and activities available for students to participate in. The university offers various support services, including counseling, health services, and disability services, to ensure the well-being and success of its students. In addition, TSU has a strong focus on community engagement and encourages its students to get involved in community service projects and initiatives.
TSU Campus
TSU’s campus is located in the heart of Houston, providing students access to numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. On-campus housing is available for students, with a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
TSU Alumni
TSU has a strong alumni network, with graduates pursuing successful careers in various industries. Some notable TSU alumni include Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Grammy-winning musician Yolanda Adams, and former NFL player Michael Strahan.
TSU Rankings
TSU ranks #293-#381 in the National Universities category in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks #12 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
TSU Outcomes
TSU is committed to preparing its students for success in their careers and communities. The university offers numerous internship and networking opportunities, as well as career services to help students find employment after graduation. In addition, TSU’s strong alumni network provides valuable connections for students looking to enter the workforce.
SMU Overview
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university located in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1911, SMU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its seven schools. The university is known for its strong academic programs, excellent faculty, and vibrant campus life, offering students a well-rounded educational experience.
SMU Costs & Tuition
SMU has a relatively high tuition cost compared to public universities. The estimated tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student per academic year are around $58,540. However, financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students to help offset the cost of attendance.
SMU Admissions
Admission to SMU is competitive, with a 47% acceptance rate. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a completed application form. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1280 and 1460, while the average ACT score ranges from 29 to 33.
SMU Degrees Offered
SMU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university’s schools include Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education & Human Development, Dedman School of Law, and Perkins School of Theology. Some popular majors at SMU include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Visual & Performing Arts.
SMU Academics
SMU is known for its strong academic programs and excellent faculty. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty. The university also offers various academic support services, including tutoring, academic advising, and career services, to help students succeed in their studies.
SMU Diversity
SMU has a diverse student body, with students representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds. The university is committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect for all students, offering various resources and support services to ensure the success of its diverse student population.
SMU Students
SMU has a vibrant and active student community, with over 240 student clubs, organizations, and activities available for students to participate in. The university offers various support services, including counseling, health services, and disability services, to ensure the well-being and success of its students. In addition, SMU has a strong focus on community engagement and encourages its students to get involved in community service projects and initiatives.
SMU Campus
SMU’s beautiful campus is located in the heart of Dallas, providing students access to numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. On-campus housing is available for students, with a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
SMU Alumni
SMU has a strong alumni network, with graduates pursuing successful careers in various industries. Some notable SMU alumni include former First Lady Laura Bush, business magnate H. Ross Perot, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Horton Foote.
SMU Rankings
SMU ranks #66 in the National Universities category in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks #37 in Best Value Schools and #51 in Best Colleges for Veterans.
SMU Outcomes
SMU is committed to preparing its students for success in their careers and communities. The university offers numerous internship and networking opportunities, as well as career services to help students find employment after graduation. In addition, SMU’s strong alumni network provides valuable connections for students looking to enter the workforce.
TSU vs SMU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending TSU and SMU, TSU is significantly more affordable, particularly for in-state students. With an in-state undergraduate tuition of approximately $9,173 per academic year, TSU’s costs are significantly lower than SMU’s tuition of $58,540 per year. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities for qualifying students to help offset the cost of attendance.
TSU vs SMU Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both TSU and SMU is competitive, with TSU having a 57% acceptance rate and SMU at a 47% acceptance rate. SMU typically requires higher SAT and ACT scores for admission, with average scores of 1280-1460 and 29-33, respectively, while TSU’s admitted students average between 920-1080 on the SAT and 17-22 on the ACT. This indicates that SMU may be more challenging to gain admission to compared to TSU.
TSU vs SMU Academic Difficulty
Both TSU and SMU are known for their strong academic programs and excellent faculty. SMU has a lower student-faculty ratio of 11:1 compared to TSU’s 18:1, which may allow for more personalized attention and support from faculty at SMU. However, both universities offer various academic support services to help students succeed in their studies.
TSU vs SMU Outcome Comparison
Both TSU and SMU are committed to preparing their students for success in their careers and communities. Each university offers numerous internship and networking opportunities, as well as career services to help students find employment after graduation. While SMU is ranked higher overall in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report, TSU also has a strong reputation, particularly among HBCUs. Ultimately, the choice between TSU and SMU will depend on individual factors such as cost, desired academic program, and personal preferences.
