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 Rate
48%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
60
SAT Range
1220-1410
ACT Range
28-32
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”
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?
53 Students rated Southern Methodist University
Jaylie
04/15/2025
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is honestly such a great school. It has amazing programs—especially in business and the arts—and the campus is seriously so pretty. The classes are small, so you actually get to know your professors, which is super helpful. Plus, it’s in Dallas, so there are tons of opportunities for internships, jobs, and fun things to do in the city. The vibe on campus is really friendly, and there’s always something going on, whether it’s a football game, a club event, or just hanging out with friends. SMU really encourages you to get involved, be a leader, and figure out what you’re passionate about. It’s the kind of place where you can totally be yourself and grow into who you want to be.
Kirke
Prospective04/07/2025
Southern Methodist University stands out to me because of its unique combination of rigorous academics, global perspective, and vibrant campus culture. As someone deeply passionate about international relations and political science, I’m drawn to SMU’s Dedman College and its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and leadership development. What inspires me most is the university’s global outreach programs and study abroad opportunities, which would allow me to expand my worldview while staying connected to my Estonian-American heritage. The sense of community at SMU, along with its dedication to service and ethical leadership, aligns perfectly with my values and goals of pursuing a career in law or diplomacy.
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.
Maria
12/26/2022
good
Jeff
08/24/2021
GO HERE. Seriously, I am so happy I chose SMU. This school has so much to offer whatever you are into and academically you can't be more inspired here. I was able to navigate through my major with a a lot of support and guidance from preofessors and the department . I have made great friends and love the school spirit. I am not from Texas and have loved my experience here. I get a lot of "SMU is a great school!" comments when people ask where I go, no matter where I am.
Carter
08/24/2021
I can't imagine these 4 years of college anywhere else. SMU has everything - awesome campus, athletics and school spirit, academics, accessible professors and tons of clubs with social, environmental, sports and internship opportunites. I really feel like I'm building my future at SMU but still enjoying a traditional college experience and having fun. My friends are from all over the country, all backgrounds, some Greek, some not, and the campus has always felt big and inspiring yet still like home. I am a proud Mustang and will be a proud alumni someday.
Sara
08/24/2021
I come from a California middle class family - went to public school, scholar athlete, service, worked hard to attend a great university. I had heard the stereoptypes of SMU but my experience has been the complete opposite. The same with students we know who have attended and their families. Everyone I have met has been welcoming, very nice, down to earth, and motivated! The staff and faculty are extremely helpful and interested. The campus is amazing. Respected academics, big time sports, clubs, and plenty of opportunity within both Dallas and beyond.
Murphy
03/29/2021
I believe it's a great school for academics. But their tuition is just too expensive
Anaya
03/23/2021
SMU is a fantastic university to look into
Hafsa
08/08/2020
One of the best university in Dallas. I visited Southern Methodist University this year with my counselors and school friends. It was a very friendly environment. Everyone was so nice. After that, I started to research more about SMU and I found how great they are with academics. I met with their admissions counselors multiple time and they were very helpful. Hopefully, I will join them in 2021 as Class of 2025
Ellen
05/10/2020
The school provides a relatively close-knit community where it is possible for most students from diverse backgrounds and interests to find a place. The academics at the university are steadily improving with its business and law school being well known for their prestige. If you want a smaller school with good academics and a multitude of opportunities for internships and fun, this might be the college for you.
Caleb
11/17/2019
I really like SMU after visiting the campus and it's a school that I'm very much interested in being a student athlete at. The students on campus are very nice and involved. They encourage you to come to the school and are very helpful and areas that you need help in. To go along with that the professors look very much involved as well. Then to top it all off the campus is beautiful as well.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University is 48%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.24%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
