---
title: Southern Methodist University — PickACampus
description: Learn about Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Explore stats on its 63% acceptance rate, $65,556 median salary, $19,500 debt, and overall rankings.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/68
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University is a private institution in Dallas, Texas, with a suburban campus and a total enrollment of 7,277 students. The university maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and reports an 84% graduation rate and a median starting salary of $65,556. Admission is selective with a 63% acceptance rate and average test scores of 1428 on the SAT and 33 on the ACT.

## Overview
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Type: Private
- Setting: suburban
- Total enrollment: 7,277

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Average SAT: 1,428
- Average ACT: 33
- Average GPA: 3.85

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $67,040
- Out-of-state tuition: $67,040
- Room and board: $19,064
- Average financial aid: $30,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $19,500

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 84%
- 4-year graduation rate: 76%
- Freshman retention: 90%
- Employment rate: 88%
- Average starting salary: $65,556

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Average class size: 22
- Classes under 20 students: 50%

## Notable
["SMU's campus is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Center.","The university's mascot, Peruna, is a Shetland pony.","Dallas Hall, the iconic main building, was modeled after the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.","SMU is located just five miles north of downtown Dallas."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Boulevarding","description":"Students gather on the main lawn before football games for tailgating."},{"name":"Peruna","description":"SMU's live mustang mascot attends football games and campus events."},{"name":"Rotunda Passage","description":"New students walk through Dallas Hall's Rotunda at convocation and graduation."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Laura Bush","description":"Former First Lady of the United States"},{"name":"Lamar Hunt","description":"Founder of the American Football League and Kansas City Chiefs"},{"name":"Kourtney Kardashian","description":"Reality television personality and businesswoman"},{"name":"Kathy Bates","description":"Academy Award-winning actress"},{"name":"Troy Aikman","description":"Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback"}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Southern Methodist University's acceptance rate?
A: Southern Methodist University's acceptance rate is 63%.

Q: How much does Southern Methodist University cost?
A: Tuition at Southern Methodist University is $67,040 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Southern Methodist University located?
A: Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?
A: The average SAT score at Southern Methodist University is 1,428.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Southern Methodist University?
A: Southern Methodist University has a 6-year graduation rate of 84%.

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