Southern Methodist University Southern Methodist University (SMU), founded in 1911 in Dallas, Texas, is a prestigious private research university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The 234-acre campus offers comprehensive programs through seven schools, with particular strengths in business, law, and the performing arts. SMU maintains a 11:1 student-faculty ratio and is classified as an R2 research university. Campus landmarks include the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the state-of-the-art Meadows Museum. SMU's athletic teams, the Mustangs, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the American Athletic Conference.
SMU takes pride in its commitment to academic excellence and its location in one of America's most dynamic metropolitan areas. The university's Engaged Learning program ensures all undergraduates complete research, internships, or creative projects. Campus life includes over 200 student organizations and vibrant Greek life. Recent additions include the renovated Fondren Library Center and the new Residential Commons. SMU's combination of academic rigor, beautiful campus, and Dallas location makes it one of the Southwest's leading universities.
Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 61.22%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Southern Methodist University Admission Requirements
SMU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SMU is 3.68. SMU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.38 and 3.68, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
SMU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at SMU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.68, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.68 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.48 – 3.67 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.28 – 3.47 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.27 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At SMU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Southern Methodist University Average SAT Score: 1424
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Southern Methodist University is 1424 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1424 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1480 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Southern Methodist University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1320, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to SMU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 705 | 660 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 695 | 660 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1424 | 1320 | 1480 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1320 then you are below most of the admitted students at SMU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1480 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Southern Methodist University (SMU) are good but the admission staff at SMU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SMU is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Southern Methodist University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 32 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 30 | 34 |
Can I get into Southern Methodist University with a 34 ACT?
With a 34 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Southern Methodist University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 32.SMU Profile
Name: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
City: Dallas
URL: https://www.smu.edu/
State: Texas
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 75275-0221
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from SMU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Southern Methodist University is USD: 82532. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Southern Methodist University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
11.86% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.74 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SMU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Southern Methodist University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SMU as your choice in the form.
How much a SMU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 78354. An average SMU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Southern Methodist University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Simpson College, IA | 1410 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Southern Methodist University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Mount Holyoke College | Mount Holyoke College, MA | 1422 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Southern Methodist University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Methodist University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $78354 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82532 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Southern Methodist University is 61.22 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.68. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.38, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.38, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.38 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.28 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Southern Methodist University if my GPA is below 3.28
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.68, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Southern Methodist University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1424 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1320-1480
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Southern Methodist University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.