About
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1911, SMU is the oldest and largest private university in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The university offers 170+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Southern Methodist University is home to 12,000+ students.
What is the acceptance rate at the Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 53%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, with an average class size of 22 students.
Southern Methodist University's student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and 80+ countries. SMU is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, by offering various student organizations and activities, including fraternities and sororities, sports teams, student government, and clubs and organizations. The average annual tuition fee for international students seeking an undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University is $58,540.
Southern Methodist University is known for its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and vibrant campus life. The university's academic strengths include business, law, engineering, and the arts. SMU is also home to the Meadows School of the Arts, one of the most comprehensive art schools in the country. Southern Methodist University has been ranked in the top 20% of national universities (U.S. News & World Report 2023.)
Top Reasons to Study in the Southern Methodist University
- DEDICATED FACULTY: Southern Methodist University's faculty are known for their commitment to teaching and their passion for their fields of study. They are also actively involved in research and scholarship, providing students with opportunities to learn from experts in their respective fields.
- DIVERSE STUDENT BODY: SMU is a diverse campus, with 12,050 students representing 50 states and 88 countries, creating a stimulating learning environment where students can learn from each other and grow as individuals.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Southern Methodist University has strong ties to the Dallas-Fort Worth community, providing students with opportunities to engage in internships, volunteer work, and other experiences that connect them to the real world.
- CAREER-DRIVEN: Southern Methodist University has a strong alumni network that can help students find internships and jobs after graduation. The university also offers various career development resources, helping students prepare for their future careers.
- BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS: SMU's campus is located in the heart of Dallas and is home to beautiful buildings, gardens, parks, and various museums and art galleries, providing students with opportunities to explore the arts and study in a serene environment.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
53%
Application Fee
$40 - $100
How to Apply at Southern Methodist University
UNDERGRADUATE
Here are the steps on how to apply to Southern Methodist University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:
Visit the SMU website and review the admission requirements for international students, including:
- Official transcripts from your high school or university.
- English proficiency scores.
- A personal essay.
- Counsellor recommendation.
- A financial certification form.
- Audition and portfolio requirements (students applying for Art, Film (BFA), Dance, Music, or Theatre.)
- Create an account on the SMU admissions website and submit your application: The application fee is $60 for international students.
- Request official transcripts from your high school or university and have them sent to SMU: The transcripts must be translated into English if they are not already in English.
- Submit your English proficiency scores: SMU accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, and Pearson Test of English (PTE).
- Write your essay: The essay should discuss your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and why you want to attend SMU.
- Request letters of recommendation: The letters should discuss your academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential for success at SMU.
- Complete the financial certification form: The form will ask for information about your financial resources and how you plan to pay for your education.
- Wait for a decision.
POSTGRADUATE
Here are the steps on how to apply to Southern Methodist University for postgraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Visit the SMU website and click on the "Apply" tab.
- Select the "International Applicants" link.
- Review the admission requirements for your program of interest.
- Create an account and begin your application.
Submit your application materials, including:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
- Personal statement.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Resume or CV.
- Pay the application fee of $75.
- Submit your application by the deadline.
MASTER'S AND PhD
Here are the steps on how to apply to Southern Methodist University for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:
- Choose your program: Visit the SMU Graduate Studies website to explore the different master's and PhD programs offered.
Meet the application requirements: The application requirements for international applicants vary by program. In general, you will need to submit the following:
- A completed online application.
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education you have attended.
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay.
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS.)
- Official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (if required.)
- Resume or CV.
- Pay the application fee: The application fee for international applicants is $75.
- Track your application status: Track your status online through the SMU Graduate Studies website.
Documents Required to Apply to Southern Methodist University
UNDERGRADUATE
Here are the documents you need to apply to Southern Methodist University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Application for admission.
- Personal essay.
- Official high school transcript.
- Official English proficiency scores.
- Counsellor recommendation.
- Financial certification form.
- $60 nonrefundable application fee.
Optional:
- SAT or ACT scores.
- Extracurricular resume.
- Teacher recommendation.
POSTGRADUATE
Here are the documents you need to apply to Southern Methodist University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Application for admission.
- Personal essay.
- Official transcripts from all previous institutes.
- Official English proficiency scores.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Financial certification form.
- $75 nonrefundable application fee.
Additional:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Writing sample
MASTER'S AND PhD
Here are the documents you need to apply to Southern Methodist University for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:
- Application for admission.
- Personal essay.
- Official transcripts from all previous institutes.
- Official English proficiency scores.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Financial certification form.
- $75 nonrefundable application fee.
Additional:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Writing sample
Exams Accepted By Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University accepts the following minimum scores in English language proficiency tests:
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- IELTS: 7.0
- PTE: 65
- DET: 115
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
Dallas is a car-friendly city, but there are also various public transportation options available, including:
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is the main public transportation provider in Dallas, operating a light rail system, a bus system, and a commuter rail system.
- GoLink On-Demand is a micro-transit service that provides rides in smaller vehicles that are dispatched based on demand.
- Dallas Streetcar is a streetcar system that operates in downtown Dallas.
- Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a commuter rail system that connects Dallas and Fort Worth.
- Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Dallas, serving as a more affordable option than taxis.
- Biking and walking are great ways to get around Dallas, especially in the downtown area. There are many bike lanes, trails, pedestrian-friendly streets, and sidewalks available.
Services offered by the university
Southern Methodist University offers various services to its students, including:
- Academic support: Southern Methodist University offers several academic support services, including tutoring, writing assistance, and learning strategies workshops, available to all students, regardless of their academic level.
- Health and wellness: SMU has a state-of-the-art health centre that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. It also offers various wellness programs and resources, such as fitness classes, stress management workshops, and nutrition counselling.
- Financial aid: Southern Methodist University offers many financial aid programs to help students pay for their education, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
- Career services: SMU's Career Services office helps students find internships, jobs, and graduate schools, through various resources, such as resume writing workshops, mock interviews, and career counselling.
- Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS): DASS assists students with disabilities to effectively utilize resources and obtain appropriate and reasonable accommodations.
Student life at Southern Methodist University
- A vibrant campus community: Southern Methodist University is a private university with a student body of just 12,000+ students, giving the campus a close-knit feel, and making it easier to get involved in student activities and make friends.
- Diverse student organizations: SMU offers 200+ student organizations, so there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in Greek life, athletics, service, or something else, you will surely find your calling.
- Strong athletics program: Southern Methodist University is a member of the Big 12 Conference, and its teams compete in various sports. The Mustangs are especially known for their football and basketball programs. SMU also offers several intramural sports for you to participate in, including basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball.
- Study abroad: SMU offers over 150 study abroad programs in 50 countries, allowing students to study abroad and experience another culture.
- A thriving cultural scene: Dallas is a major metropolitan area with a ton to offer in terms of culture. SMU students have easy access to museums, theatres, and other cultural attractions.
On campus accomodation at Southern Methodist University
Here are the on-campus accommodation offered at Southern Methodist University:
- Residential Commons: These are SMU's traditional residence halls, offering various living options, including single-gender and coed halls, suites, and apartments. Residential Commons are divided into six colleges, each with its unique identity and community.
- Upper-Division Housing: Upper-division students may choose to stay in their Residential Commons or move to Upper Division options, which facilitate self-discovery for residents with independent learning opportunities. These options include SMU-managed fraternity housing, the Service House, and SMU Apartments.
- SMU Apartments: SMU owns and manages four apartment buildings that are located next to campus, offering students the privacy of independent living with the convenience of campus location. And at multiple price points, there is a unit in everyone's budget!
- Service House: The SMU Service House (SMUSH) is a residence hall for 28 students dedicated to service and social change. SMUSH residents live and learn together, and they are committed to making a difference in the world.
Cost:
The cost of a single room in a Residential Commons ranges from $10,400 to $12,400 per year. The cost of an apartment ranges from $11,000 to $15,000 per year.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
Enlisted below are some facts about Southern Methodist University's faculty:
- SMU has over 1,200 full-time faculty members, including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers.
- The student-faculty ratio at Southern Methodist University is 11:1.
- SMU faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research across varied disciplines. The university's research expenditures totalled over $100 million in 2022.
- In 2022, Southern Methodist University's faculty members were awarded 10 Fulbright Scholarships, 2 Guggenheim Fellowships, and 1 MacArthur Fellowship.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Internship opportunities at Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers various internship and part-time job opportunities for students, including:
- On-campus jobs are available in several departments, including the library, the dining hall, the bookstore, and the athletic department. These jobs usually involve customer service, clerical work, or food service.
- Off-campus jobs can be found through the Handshake Job Board. These jobs are located in the Dallas area and can involve several industries, including business, finance, technology, and healthcare.
- Internships are available in many fields, including business, engineering, law, and the humanities. Internships can be found through the Hegi Family Career Center, the Handshake Job Board, and the Tower Center.
To find internship and part-time job opportunities at SMU, students can:
- Visit the Hegi Family Career Center website.
- Visit the Handshake Job Board.
- Visit the Student Employment Office.
- Attend career fairs.
- Contact faculty members in their departments.
Placement of Southern Methodist University
Job placement: According to the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business, 94% of the Class of 2022 had job offers within 6 months of graduation. The most popular industries for SMU graduates are finance, consulting, and technology.
Hiring companies: Some of the top employers for Southern Methodist University graduates include:
- Morgan Stanley
- Goldman Sachs
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group
- Bain & Company
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- PwC
- EY
Salaries: The average starting salary for Southern Methodist University graduates is approximately $119,316. This varies by concentration, with accounting and finance graduates earning the most, and human resources graduates earning the least.
Photo Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated August 14, 2026