About Southern Methodist University

Founded in 1911, Southern Methodist University. is a Private college. Located in Texas, which is a city setting in Texas, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 6,521 full time undergraduate students, and 5,218 full time graduate students.

The Southern Methodist University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 748 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Southern Methodist University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate48%
Application Deadline
Application Fee60
SAT Range1220-1410
ACT Range28-32

Admissions at SMU are considered More Selective, with ,49% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

96% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 76% were in the top quarter, and 47% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Southern Methodist University.

9%
“We”re apathetic”
38%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
28%
“Sometimes, but not often”
50%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
65%
“I feel extremely safe”
9%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
34%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
21%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
47%
“They keep regular office hours”
40%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
2%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
50%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
47%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
17%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
34%
“We only party on weekends”
47%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
38%
“There might be people who do”
43%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
11%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
9%
“We”re apathetic”
38%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
28%
“Sometimes, but not often”
50%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
65%
“I feel extremely safe”
9%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
34%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
21%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
47%
“They keep regular office hours”
40%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
2%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
50%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
47%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
17%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
34%
“We only party on weekends”
47%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
38%
“There might be people who do”
43%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
11%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    98 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    72 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    105 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    105 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    105 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 61 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    104 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    105 Students rated local services 4.5 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    105 Students rated academics 4 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

Southern Methodist University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Southern Methodist University?

51 Students rated Southern Methodist University

Haven - 04/27/2024

My opinion is people are entitled and work hard play hard mentality. People tend to flash the money that they have. Professors are hit and miss and when signing up for classes you need to read the rate my professor because they tend to be spot on. Very intense workload and hold to a high standard at the same time. Some professors and resources make you feel stupid for reaching out and needing help.

Nurhan - 03/26/2024

I believe Southern Methodist University has a beautiful campus with lots to do. They have tutoring for students who need help on their work. Their cafeteria has a variety of food and it’s all good in my opinion. There are all types of people there from different backgrounds so there’s always someone you can relate too.

Ernani - 10/12/2023

It is a unique experience. Southern hospitality will greet you by every corner you turn, and professors give you freedom to experiment and learn the way you feel comfortable and at your own pace. If you like sports, than SMU can confidently be at the top.

Jack - 06/27/2023

It's not a bad school, academics are good for the most part but you'll occasionally have some incompetent professors, but this is the case at most schools. The controversial aspect however, is the social life. Whether you have a great experience socially at SMU really depends on how much you fit in or conform as it's very tough to meet people outside of that lifestyle, particularly people who aren't preppy. The social scene and party scene are very gate kept for that matter, as unless you have a close friend who's a part of greek life and is aware of it, you'll likely be sitting in your room alone every night. There are no open house parties, everyone goes clubbing, which very mediocre and aren't a great way to meet people. The dorms feel less like a community and more like a hotel, with everyone being very aloof and cold. People aren't open to befriending others in class unless it's for the purposes of studying or working together for a better grade. The school's organizations that you can join are either dead, too niche for some, or have a tough process to join and be accepted. SMU is very cliquey and is very hush hush about giving out info regarding the popular venues students visit. If you're not making connections within the first week of classes or even prior to that, you're likely going to struggle socially. TL;DR Easiest way to figure out if SMU is for you is to if you're any combination of the following: white, preppy, rich, an athlete, joining greek life, have existing connections to the school/student body, have a fake ID, and "conventionally" attractive. As that is what the student body is mostly made of and there's nothing wrong with that, but it's a lot different than what is advertised by the students and the administration who often say it's "very diverse." Good school, but only for a certain group of people.

Southern Methodist University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Southern Methodist University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University is 48%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would tell myself to try harder. When I was in high school all of my classes were dual-credit during my junior and senior years so I ended up graduating with an associates in science before attending university as a "freshman". My last two years I did not try as hard as I could; instead working at getting straight A's I goofed off and mainly recieved B's and A's. When joing this dual-credit program at a local community college I was granted all the freedom of a college student. I was allowed to leave campus as I pleased and classes were just exams. Like any freshman college student I relaxed and slacked off because I was not accustomed to making decisions and governing myself. Yes I did not do badly and ended up making A's my last semester but I should have tried harder. All in all I'm happy that I followed through with the program. Currently my grades can get me into a medical school but it is just a bit sad knowing if I would have tried harder my chances of attending the medical school of dreams would have increased.

    Read all 88 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates at SMU are centrally driven toward a specific goal for their future and will dedicate themselves to the fulfillment of this goal.

    Read all 63 answers

  4. What are the academics like at your school?

    I enjoy classes when teachers call out the people who are not working hard or focused on their academics. I hate when other students waste the teacher and other students' time. I wish we could take more than one class with teachers we specifically enjoyed, it's too difficult to get to know teachers over your four years here, which causes challenges when consideirng who to get recommendation letters from.

    Read all 54 answers

  5. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I love that the campus is relatively small. Another great thing is the the bulidings look very old and they have shape to them rather than at some campuses all the buildings are square and look the same. When I tell people that I attend SMU, they automatically think I am smart then they always ask how much it costs to go there. I am neutral towards the administration. I have had good and bad experiences with professors.

    Read all 52 answers

  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    YES!!!! Barbies and Kens are everywhere. Money/Greek/parties are a huge part of the campus life. Southern 'Millionaires" University

    Read all 52 answers

  7. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    stereotypes stem from some truth, so yes

    Read all 48 answers

  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    VERY incolved activities, and SOOO much going on everyday. I am alwasy busy, so I dont personally attend very many events.

    Read all 45 answers

  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    SMU has many traditions that make it somewhat unique - a long history where both academics and athletics play prominent roles. Due to its standing in Texas, it attracts many noteworthy speakers and lecturers and entertainment. It is far more conservative than other schools I had considered, in part for it's Texas location and Methodist orientation.

    Read all 27 answers

  10. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    It is very expensive but very worth it.

    Read all 22 answers

  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Are you a person who is uncomfortable watching countless numbers of dollars go into an education, you should not attend SMU. As soon as you see your school bill, you will either a: lose your lunch, b: lose your religion, c: both, or d: learn how to cope and be thankful that you have financial aid and a transfer scholarship. It is for this reason that if you are not one to stand idly by and watch zeros pile up in the name of something that you are doing, beware.

    Read all 22 answers

  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    business school

    Read all 20 answers

  13. What's unique about your campus?

    The opportunity to be involved in a variety of extracurricular activites.

    Read all 19 answers

  14. What kind of person should attend this school?

    asdf

    Read all 18 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Its like a melting pot, there are a mix of all different stereotypes.

    Read all 13 answers

  16. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known to go out more first semester to meet potential greek ties. But it really wasn't a big deal. There is nothing too important I didn;' know.

    Read all 12 answers

  17. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    SMU has small classes, and a lot of interaction with professors. It is easy to get help, either using professors' office hours or the tutoring center. Classes were challenging, and there was always something to do around campus or in Dallas.

    Read all 12 answers

  18. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about our school is stereotypes of different groups on campus.

    Read all 8 answers

  19. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The Greek life is VERY competitive. If you want to go Greek then go into it with an OPEN MIND and don't set your mind on a particular Greek organization.

    Read all 7 answers

  20. What are your classes like?

    Most of my classes are small about 5 to 20 students, just one class Biology is pretty big because that class is an introductory class and most students take it since it is super easy. I love my MWF classes because not only are they fifty minutes long but there most of my interesting courses, my Tuesday and Thursday class is one hour and twenty minutes and even though that seems pretty long trust me it goes my so fast, and since I have public speaking that day, it goes by so much faster than you could ever think. I love my classes sizes and it is so much easier to get to know your classmates and professors.

    Read all 5 answers

  21. Where is the best place to get work done on campus?

    One of the best places to study or get your work done is Fondren Library which is open 24 hrs, and Fondren is a little loud if you study at the main area because people usually go and do group projects there but if you want to have peace and quiet you can always go upstairs and get a room. There is also Bridwell Library which is a longer walk for most people and it is a really quiet place, talking is not allowed unless you want to go down stairs for the computers. I like Fondren because if I need to meet with my friends we can in the talking area and if I need time to study I can just go and get my own room or a corner desk.

    Read all 5 answers

Student Body

Students

50%

female

50%

male

6,521

Total Undergrad Enrollment

5,218

Total Grad Students

55%

Out-Of-State

38%

In-State

7%

International

Organizations

180

Student Organizations

13

Fraternities

14

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

18%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
6%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
11%
% White or Caucasian
65%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

73% of students attending Southern Methodist University receive some sort of financial aid. 9% were awarded federal grants. While 24% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$50,358

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$800

Books and Supplies

$16,125

Room and Board

67,283

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$16,072
$30 - $48K
$20,784
$48 - $75K
$25,405
$75 - $110K
$31,567
$110K & UP
$43,860

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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