Southern Methodist University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Dallas, Texas with 7,277 undergraduates. It admits 63% of applicants, costs an average of $39,816 a year after grants and graduates 83% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Southern Methodist University acceptance rate and admissions
Southern Methodist University admitted 63% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1340 to 1490
4001600
ACT composite
30 to 34
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 670 to 740, math 670 to 750). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Southern Methodist University application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Early decision
Nov 1, 2026 (passed)
Early decision II
Jan 15, 2027
Early action
Nov 1, 2026 (passed)
Regular decision
Jan 15, 2027
Next deadline: Early decision II, Jan 15, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Southern Methodist University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Southern Methodist University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees (2025-26)
$69,722
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$19,794
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$88,892
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$39,816
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $39,816 a year after grants and scholarships, $49,076 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Southern Methodist University graduation rate, earnings and debt
83%finished within 6 years91%came back for year two18%get a Pell Grant
83% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $90,037 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $18,750 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Southern Methodist University$90,037
Texas median, private nonprofit 4-year$56,676
U.S. median, private nonprofit 4-year$59,582
Debt compared
Southern Methodist University$18,750
Texas median$22,000
U.S. median$23,250
Median debt is 21% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Southern Methodist University majors and what graduates earn
Southern Methodist University awarded bachelor's degrees in 56 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from finance ($133,852).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Southern Methodist University
83 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University admitted 63% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Southern Methodist University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $69,722. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $39,816 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 670 to 740 in reading and writing and 670 to 750 in math, and 30 to 34 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Southern Methodist University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Southern Methodist University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Methodist University?
83% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Southern Methodist University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $90,037 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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