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Southern Methodist University
9.8(2)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)0
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide
About Southern Methodist University
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
Southern Methodist University is a prestigious global research institution with a liberal arts tradition. SMU offers 109 bachelor's degrees, 120 master's degrees, 32 doctoral-research degrees, one doctoral-professional degree, and one specialized degree. Applications for admission to Southern Methodist University are invited twice a year, in early November for Spring semester and in mid-January for the Fall semester.
The average cost of studying in an undergraduate course in the Southern Methodist University for an international student is 54,493 USD (equivalent to 40,30,000 INR). For those on a budget, the university offers different scholarship and work study programs for 80% first year students. Also Check: Cost of Living in USA.
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Southern Methodist University Rankings
The Southern Methodist University has been ranked by various ranking agencies on different aspects. Here are some of the ranks achieved by the institution recently:
- #68 in National Universities by US News & World Report 2022
- #158 in Best Value Schools by US News & World Report 2022
- #94 US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education
- #801-1000 QS World University Rankings 2022
- #121-130 US Universities by QS Ranking 2022
Southern Methodist University Highlights
| Type of University | Private |
| Annual Endowment | 1.6 Billion USD |
| Student Retention Rate | 96.7% |
| Graduation Rate | 71.3% |
| Work Study Program | Yes |
| Campus Housing Capacity | 3200 (approx) |
| Annual Acceptance Rate | 47% |
| International Students | 1,117 students (9%) |
| Application Season | Fall and Spring |
| Application Fee | 60 USD |
| Application Deadline | November 1, January 15 |
| Standardized Test Requirements | SAT or ACT |
| English Language Proficiency Tests | IELTS, TOEFL, DET, and equivalents |
| Financial Aid | Available as scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans |
| Website | https://www.smu.edu/ |
| Admission Helpdesk | [email protected] |
Southern Methodist University Top Courses
Southern Methodist University offers a diverse range of courses with a vision to expand in the field of education. Not only this, the university even offers double and triple major program opportunities and accelerated degree programs for quicker education.
Some of the top programs offered by the Southern Methodist University are:
| Courses | Scores Required |
|---|---|
| M.Sc. Business Analytics | GMAT: 600-650 SAT or ACT Scores IELTS, TOEFL or DET result |
| M.Sc. Computer Science | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or relevant field. |
| M.B.A | GMAT: 600-650 |
| M.S. in Software Engineering | Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field IELTS, TOEFL or DET result |
| M.S. Engineering Management | Core course completion IELTS, TOEFL or DET result |
| M.Sc. Finance | GMAT: 550-600, or GRE IELTS, PTE or TOEFL result |
| M.Sc. Security Engineering | Bachelor’s in quantitative or engineering degree IELTS, TOEFL or DET result |
| M.S. Telecommunication and Network Engineering | Bachelor’s in numerate course IELTS, TOEFL or DET results |
| M.S. in Computer Engineering | Bachelor’s in Computer Science and related field IELTS, TOEFL or DET results |
| M.Sc. Manufacturing Systems management | B.S. in Engineering or related field IELTS, TOEFL or DET results |
Southern Methodist University Campus
Keeping academics as a priority, the university's on-campus residence is focused on various academic initiatives like classes near where the students live, technology, faculty, workshops, and study rooms.
- The campus hosts more than 500 cultural events every year. The university arena includes four basketball courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, extensive free weight, and a cardio area that remains open until 6 pm.
- The graduation rate of the athletes of the Southern Methodist University is 78%, according to the NCAA. The university takes care of its 16 sports clubs. Intramural sports offer over 30 events throughout the year.
- SMU encourages the assimilation of students from all faiths. The university offers resources to the students willing to pursue a spiritual path. There are religious programs and different worship groups for the major religious communities.
Southern Methodist University Accommodation
The Southern Methodist University takes good care of travel and accommodations in the USA by offering on-campus residence for international students. The first-year students get an opportunity to stay with their faculty in the 11 Residential Commons (RCs). The average cost of living in a double occupancy room along with the work's dining plan is around 17,438 USD (equivalent to 12,88,110 INR).
In case the aspirants are planning to stay off-campus instead of living in the university student housing in the USA, the students can live in the non-SMU housing or apartments close to the university. The prices or rents of these apartments or duplex are similar to the other apartments in Dallas.
Also Check: Part time jobs in USA.
Southern Methodist University Admission Process
The Southern Methodist University follows a streamlined admission process. Below are the step-by-step instructions for applying for the courses in the Southern Methodist University for international students.
Application Portal: The common application | Applytexas | The MyCoalition Application | SMU Online Application
Application Fee: 60 USD (equivalent to 4,500 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Application
- Completed Early Decision application for Early Decision applicants
- Official transcripts
- Official IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test (DET) results
- Copy of passport
- Letter of Recommendation
- Official or self-reported SAT and ACT scores
- Extracurricular resume
- Home school supplement if applicable
- Portfolio requirements and review audition for the students of Dance, Music, Theatre, Art or Film
- English Language Proficiency test scores
- TOEFL iBT- 90 with specific subscores
- IELTS- 6.5
- DET- 115
The requirements for the graduate courses are course dependent. Generally, a four year undergraduate degree in a relevant field is required. Official English language proficiency test results, LoR, and other personal documents are necessary. Sometimes the university prioritizes the students with relevant work experience.
Southern Methodist University Cost of Attendance
For the young aspirants, the estimated budget to study in the USA for the international undergraduate students for 2022-2023 is provided below:
| Expenses | Amount in USD | Equivalent in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 53,464 | 51,958 |
| General Student Fees | 6,772 | 6,582 |
| Residence and Meals | 17,110 | 12,860 |
| Transportation | 1,000 | 73,700 |
| Books/ Loan Fees/ Supplies | 876 | 64,500 |
| Personal/ Miscellaneous Expenses | 1,600 | 1,180 |
Southern Methodist University Scholarships
Southern Methodist University is passionate about offering nearly 80% of the first-year students with scholarships and/ or award grants. The financial packages offered by the university are combined need based financial aid with academic awards. There are a number of scholarships for Indian students in the USA offered by Southern Methodist University.
The protocol is committed to considering all the applicants for SMU Awards right after they submit their applications. The university fulfills the unique need based requirements of the students and partners with the candidate through all forms of means like grants, loans, and work-study options.
For institutional aid, like the SMU Opportunity Award, the student needs to submit a CSS Profile financial application. The CSS Profile gives a clear picture of the needs of the student to the financial aid advisors. The cost for completing the CSS Profile is 25 USD (equivalent to 1850 INR).
Here’s a list of the renowned scholarship awards of the Southern Methodist University:
- President’s Scholars: The highest academic merit award of full tuition and fees awarded to 20-25 meritorious first year students every year.
- Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars: Up to 25 first year students get this full tuition and fees, less the amount of resident tuition and fees at the leading public university of the student’s state, transportation costs to one of the study abroad programs, opportunity to meet eminent leaders in various fields.
- Second Century, SMU Distinguished and Provost Scholarships: These scholarships are based on a comprehensive and holistic review of the applications. The unique awards are sometimes combined with other academic scholarships and the students receive notification of other scholarship awards directly from each specific scholarship.
- International Baccalaureate Scholars: Students completing IB Diploma Program receive 7,500 USD (equivalent to 5,55,000 INR) per annum as a scholarship grant.
Note: There are various other course specific scholarships offered by Southern Methodist University.
Southern Methodist University Alumni
The Southern Methodist University has created many genius personalities in different fields. The university has more than 1,25,000 alumni worldwide. Some of the notable alumni of the university includes:
- Laura Bush- Former First Lady of Texas and the USA
- Late William P. Clements, Jr.- former governor of Texas and Deputy Secretary of Defence
- Robert Haley- The medical researcher who defined Gulf War Syndrome
- Michael Bunnell- Won the 2010 Scientific and Engineering Academy Award
- Academy Award Winners- Kathy Bates, William Joyce, James V. Hart, and Ron Judkins
The abundant scholarship programs, good employment opportunities, and the wide range of amenities and facilities available on the campus of the Southern Methodist University are the major reasons of captivating the young aspirants.
Southern Methodist University Placements
The Southern Methodist University not only produces entrepreneurs, but also the employment outcomes are remarkably high. There are a number of plans for the post degree options in the USA for international students. According to a study by American Enterprise Institute, Dallas-Fort Worth is ranked the #1 metro area in STEM jobs. The majority of the MBA students of the university got employed immediately after their graduation.
Also Check: High paying jobs in USA.
93% of the graduates get employed after 2 years of graduation from Southern Methodist University. The median earnings of the graduates of SMU after 2 years of graduation is around 54,300 USD per year. After 6 years of graduation the median earning of the SMU graduates is 60,700 USD per year.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
51
Fee from
₹4,63,655.76
Exams
TOEFL · IELTS
Showing 5 of 23 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 50.8 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 54,300 /Yr
Living Expense₹1624574
Estimated Total₹1746293
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
Southern Methodist University Admissions 2022
- Programs: Southern Methodist University offers 109 bachelor's degrees, 120 master's degrees, 32 doctoral-research degrees, one doctoral-professional degree, and one specialized degree. Also Check: Student Reviews of SMU.
- Enrollment: The number of applicants received by SMU was 13,959 and among them, candidates were offered admissions at an acceptance rate of nearly 47%. Being one of the leading Universities, it is the home of more than 12,000 students from all parts of the world. Explore: Ranking of SMU.
- Admission Intake: Southern Methodist University takes student intakes during two seasons of fall and spring.
- Financial Aid: Southern Methodist University offers scholarships of about 140 million USD to domestic as well as international students. President’s Scholars is the highest academic merit award of full tuition and fees awarded to 20-25 meritorious first-year students every year. Also Check: Scholarships in USA.
Highlights
| Mode of application | Online |
| Acceptance Rate | 52.7% |
| Application Fee | Undergraduate: 60 USD; Graduate: 75 USD |
| SAT score range | 1280 - 1460 |
| ACT score range | 29 - 33 |
| Average high school GPA | 3.7 |
| International student strength | 14% |
| Official website | https://www.smu.edu/ |
| Financial aid | Academic and need-based financial aids are awarded |
Southern Methodist University Admission Deadlines
Students seeking admission at the university must submit their applications prior to their dates and must take note of the following dates imperative for admission:
| Programs/ Type | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Deadlines | |
| Early Decision 1 and Early Action | November 1 |
| Early Decision 2 and Regular Decision | January 15 |
Note: The deadlines for graduate admissions vary according to the course. They are mentioned in the graduate admission section below.
Southern Methodist University: International Student Admissions
International students seeking admission have a few additional requirements depending on their country’s education system. The basic admission requirements for any program admission are:
Application portal: SMU Online Application | The Common Application | ApplyTexas | MyCoalition Application
Application Fee: 60 USD
Basic Admission Requirements:
- Official high school or college transcripts
- Exams to Study in the USA
- English proficiency test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or essay
- Resume or CV
- Financial statement form
- Interview/ review audition/portfolio
- Copy of passport/visa
Also Check:
English Proficiency Test Scores
For admission at Southern Methodist University, the university recommends international students to take various English Proficiency Tests like TOEFL iBT or IELTS, approves the following minimum scores:
Visa Process for International Students
International Students who are seeking admission into a degree program at Southern Methodist University are required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) in order to enter and/or remain in the U.S. as an F-1 student. The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the institute can issue the forms required to obtain a Visa to Study in the USA. This requirement applies both to international students coming from abroad and those transferring from another U.S. university or institution.
For SMU to issue the Form I-20, students will need to submit the following:
- The International Student Financial Statement Form.
- A copy of the picture page from the passport
- Original Financial Verification from Bank or Financial Institution. The bank letter must be translated into English and the current balance in U.S. dollars.
The I-20 form needs to be submitted along with all the required supporting documents and the payment of the SEVIS I-901 fees, after which it is processed. The students will then have to schedule an interview with the embassy/consulate. The documents required for the F-1 visa interview are:
- A valid passport
- The non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160
- The SEVIS application fee payment receipt
- Original I-20, approved and signed by the university
- Copy of interview appointment letter.
Also Check:
Southern Methodist University Undergraduate Admissions
The University has five schools that offer engineering, business management, arts, education, and human development. The college is known for following a holistic approach in the selection criteria. They pay more importance to volunteer and extracurricular activities than academic records and grades.
Application Portal: Online
Application Fee: 60 USD
Eligibility Requirements:
- Official Transcripts
- GPA (No minimum cut off though)
- SATs (600 to 800) and ACT score (25-35)
- Essay (250 - 650 words length)
- Any Foreign language
- TOEFL score for students from non-English backgrounds
- Required documents
- Filled online application
- Application fee
- Test scores proof
- Transcripts of high school and other programs attended
- Personal statement and letter of recommendations
- Passport and VISA permit for international students
Southern Methodist University Graduate Admissions
Southern Methodist University offers about 120 master’s degrees, 32 doctoral-research degrees, one doctoral-professional degree, and one specialist degree. There are different schools that offer graduate degrees and each of them has a separate application process, requirements, and deadlines.
Application Portal: Graduate Application
Application fee:75 USD (except for masters of education 40 USD)
Some of the most popular programs offered by SMU’s various schools are mentioned below, along with their admission requirements and deadlines.
| Requirements | MS Economics | MS in Chemical Engineering | MA in Art History | MS Education Program | MBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadlines | May 1 | Fall: May 15 Spring: September 1. |
January 1 | Summer: March 1 Fall: June 1 |
Round 4: March 1, 2022 Round 5: May 3, 2022 |
| Academic requirements | 3.0 cumulative GPA in bachelor's. | - | - | 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in bachelors | - |
| Transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Letters of recommendation | Not required | Not required | Three required | Three required | Two references |
| Statement of purpose | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Additional requirements. | GRE required. (310 minimum score) | GRE scores required. | Resume and GRE or GMAT scores. | Resume. | Resume; 2 years of work experience, GRE, or GMAT scores. |
In addition to GPA, the admission committee weighs many factors during the course of the application process, including classroom performance, the rigor of high school curriculum, quality of essays and recommendations, extracurricular activities, talents, character, and life experiences. The university has its Early Decision I and Early Decision II on November 1 and January 15 which is its binding agreement that requires admitted students to withdraw all other applications and enroll themselves in SMU.
The admission letter guides the student about further procedures and requirements for admission. The university grants several academic scholarships and need-based financial aids which students can apply for within the university deadline of November 1 for Early Decision I and January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision After acceptance, International students need to apply for an I-20 form and comply with the further formalities.
FAQs
Ques. What are the options for students without internet for accessing to still connect with the Office of Undergraduate Admission?
Ans. Students are free to call 1-800-323-0672 during normal business hours to speak with a member of our team.
Ques. Are there any changes with the orientation process?
Ans. Due to COVID-19 and unfortunate circumstances, AARO (Academic Advising, Registration, and Orientation) sessions in their traditional form (in-person, mandatory sessions) are not able to occur for the summer of 2020. Orientation will take place virtually, including advising and class registration
Ques. Does the university require the necessary supporting documents to be translated?
Ans. The necessary documents must be translated only if they are not in English.
Ques. What is the average GPA to be considered for admission at SMU?
Ans. The average GPA at SMU is 3.7 which make it Strongly Competitive. Nevertheless, if a student has a lower GPA, then he/she can contact the admission office to see if any possibilities prevail.
Ques. How long does it take to hear back from the university after application?
Ans. Students who apply for Early Decision I by the November 1 deadline will be notified of the decision on their application by mail in mid-December. Students who apply Early Decision II by the January 15 deadline will be notified by mail by March 1.
Ques. How are students notified by the university?
Ans. The admission seeking students are notified by email by the university. However, the students can keep a track of their application using the login credentials.
Placements & Recruiters
Southern Methodist University Placement Details
Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Dallas, Texas, United States.
Recruiters
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Placement Metric
Average Package
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Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.
Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2022
Highlights
2022
2022
- Best overall country rank: #46
- Physics: #25 in country
- Top source: ARWU
- 5 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Physics
- 6 ranking records in 2022
2023
Highlights
2023
2023
- Best overall country rank: #85
- Computer Science: #28 in country
- Top source: US News
- 2 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Computer Science
- 2 ranking records in 2023
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Best overall country rank: #36
- Overall: #36 in country
- Top source: US News
- 2 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2024
2025
Highlights
2025
2025
- Best overall country rank: #99
- Chemistry: #26 in country
- Top source: US News
- 4 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2025
2026
Highlights
2026
2026
- Best overall country rank: #102
- Overall: #102 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall
- 1 ranking record in 2026
Contact Information
Student Reviews & Ratings
Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary
Overall score
9.8/10
Top Rated
Based on 2 ratings
Rating Breakdown
Visual summary of rating distribution and categories
Live Summary
Academic
9.5/10
Faculty
9.5/10
Infrastructure
10.0/10
Accommodation
10.0/10
Placement
10.0/10
Extracurricular
10.0/10