Southern Methodist University
Video Play Icon8 Videos,
14 Photos
Southern Methodist University Logo

Southern Methodist University: Courses, Admission, Cost

Shiksha popularity ranking
Info Icon

#649 in World

#160 in USA

Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 4 Nov '25

About Southern Methodist University

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1911
Also known as
SMU
University website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Student website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Total foreign students
1785
Campus size
234 acres
No. of campus
2
Endowment value
USD 1 billion
Scholarships granted
4987
Scholarship amount granted
USD 175 million
Application fees
USD 60
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Optional
Total faculty
831
Faculty/Student ratio
11
UG/PG course ratio
1.52
Total criminal offences
336
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at Southern methodist University?
A: 

Yes, SMU offers a variety of on-campus jobs, internships, and local part-time, and post-graduation career opportunities. The Student Employment Office (SEO) partners with the Hegi Family Career Center, and faculty, the community, and University departments to create employment opportunities for students. Over 1,400 students work on campus at SMU throughout each year, in positions all across campus such as office clerks, library clerks, dining hall and coffee shop help, research assistants for faculty members, website designers, intramurals referees, graders, lifeguards, and more. 

Q:   Is it hard to get into Southern Methodist University?
A: 

The Southern Methodist University acceptance rate is 52% and for early application, the acceptance rate is 73%. This indicates the university follows moderate to easy selection criteria during SMU admissions. Students from hundreds of countries apply to the university due to its core values which include Excellence, Integrity, Open Dialogue, Diversity and Inclusion, and Intellectual Freedom. The university follows a lenient approach to selecting students and judging them based on previous school/ university academic records, standardized test scores, English proficiency scores, GPA, personal essays, teacher and counselor recommendations, and more.

Q:   What is the average SAT scores of students selected at Southern Methodist University?
A: 

The students selected at Southern Methodist University have an average SAT scores of 1370-1500. The University doesnot mandate its students to have SAT scores, but it greatly increases chances for students to get selection and/or getting scholarship at the university.

Southern Methodist University Ranking 2025

#649

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
Info Icon

#160

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
Info Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   What is the Southern Methodist University's ranking?
A: 

In 2024, Southern Methodist University QS ranking under Global Universities Ranking is 1001-1200., As per US News and World Report, Southern Methodist University National Ranking is ranked at 163 among National Universities- USA.

 

Southern Methodist University Admission 2026

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
Lock Icon
Sign-up to view details
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   What are the documents required in the visa process for indian students at Southern methodist University, USA?
A: 

To obtain an F-1 visa to study at Southern Methodist University in the USA, Indian students need to submit the following documents. To obtain an SMU I-20: the International Student Financial Statement form, a copy of the picture page from their passport, and original financial verification from a bank or financial institution, on bank letterhead, from the student or their sponsor, dated within six months of the time of I-20 issuance. Account balance (s) must be shown in an amount greater than or equal to the total estimated costs. Additionally, students must provide proof of their ability to study in the USA.

Q:   How is applying to Southern Methodist University different from applying to other universities in the USA?
A: 

For First-Year Applicants, you need to review the application checklist, which includes the official high school transcript and counselor recommendation. Then submit your application online and ensure that supporting documents are sent from an official at your school. Pay the nonrefundable application fee of $60, unless eligible for a fee waiver.
For Transfer Applicants, decide on the appropriate application method, such as the SMU Application, the Common Application, ApplyTexas, or Apply Coalition with SCOIR and then apply.

SMU
Southern Methodist University Scholarships 2024

SMU Popular Courses

MBA/PGDM
MS
BBA
One-Year MBAicon12 months

₹38.21 LGet Fee Details

Full Time MBAicon21 months

₹38.21 LGet Fee Details

₹38.21 LGet Fee Details

₹38.21 LGet Fee Details

₹38.21 LGet Fee Details

SMU
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.6/5
Verified Icon1 Verified ReviewInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Friendly
Sporty
Academically oriented
Internships4
Part time work4
Post study jobs3
Quality of faculty4
Student Life4
Value for money3
Public transportation4
Safety3
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MS Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.6
College was a fun rollercoaster ride filled with emotions
Tips: The culture is SMU is pretty good, although the course can be a bit hectic as Bachelors and Masters are two different things. But it is something that you will adapt to soon. The college promotes mental health and tries to make it less hectic for students.
Likes (Indian Food): The Indian food here is very expensive and it is better to bring home the ingredients and cook the food as everything you eat at a restaurant is 10 times more expensive than what would you cook in the house. Overall the groceries in Dallas are not that expensive.
Dislikes (Safety): The problem is that there are some homeless people problem in Dallas, but the campus security is tight and there is no room for error. But it is generally advised to stay at your home at night as there could be instances of name calling or harassment which you should stay away from.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1125
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75300
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2023Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
View 1 ReviewRight Arrow Icon

Southern Methodist University Job Outcomes

Visit official career services website External Link Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   Does Southern Methodist University provide any career/placement related service to its students?
A: 

Yes, The Cox Career Management Center offers vast, dedicated resources for students and employers. Students can engage with career coaches as soon as their programme and courses begin. From personal branding and coaching to internship or job searches.

Southern Methodist University Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MBA/PGDM(5 courses)
Duration9-21 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE: 68 & Above, Duolingo, GMAT, GRE
MS(5 courses)
INR 18 L - 38 LGet Fee Details
Duration9-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 90, PTE: 55 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above, GRE, GMAT
BBA(1 course)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   Is a score of 85 in TOEFL good for Southern methodist University?
A: 

Yes, a score of 85 in TOEFL is considered good for Southern Methodist University (SMU) for undergraduate admission. The minimum TOEFL score for application review is 80 for the Internet-based test only. The minimum IELTS score required for admission to SMU is an overall band score of 6.5 on the academic version of the test. 

SMU also accepts the following English proficiency tests:

Duolingo English Test (DET): The minimum score accepted is 115
Pearson Test of English (PTE): The minimum score accepted is 60

Q:   Is Southern Methodist University expensive?
A: 

The Southern Methodist University is quite expensive for international students. The tuition cost is between INR 36L and INR 65L for PG and around INR 54L for UG. Along with tuition, students must pay housing costs; food; book, and supply costs; insurance, and more. The below table suggests the estimated cost of living at SMU:

Direct Costs

On-Campus

Off-Campus

Estimated Tuition (12-18 credit hours enrolled)

USD 59,500 (INR 49L)

USD 59,500 (INR 49L)

Estimated General Student Fees 

USD 7,538 (INR 6.2L)

USD 7,538 (INR 6.2L)

Housing and Food

USD 19,064 (INR 15L)

USD 11,314 (INR 9.4L)

 Total Estimated Direct Costs

USD 86,102 (INR 71L)

USD 78,352 (INR 65L)

Indirect Costs

 

 

Books, Supplies, Loan Fees

USD 876 (INR 73K)

USD 876 (INR 73K)

Transportation

USD 1,098 (INR 91K)

USD 1,098 (INR 91K)

Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses

USD 1,600 (INR 1.3L)

USD 1,600 (INR 1.3L)

Total Estimated Indirect Costs 

USD 3,574 (INR 2.9L)

USD 3,574 (INR 2.9L)

Total Estimated Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
for Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

USD 89,676 (INR 74L)

USD 81,926 (INR 74L)

(USD 1= INR 83.54)







SMU
Student profile

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

71%

Hispanic

14%

Asian

8%

Black

4%

UG Student residence

Out of state

59%

In state

38%

Foreign

2%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

98%

25 and over

1%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

16150
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

82
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

7056
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

4997

Southern Methodist University Notable Alumni

Accordion Icon V3

College comparison

Accordion Icon V3

Compare SMU with other similar colleges

MBA/PGDM
MS
BBA
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 38.21 L#88 US News, 2026
INR 47.88 L - 57.1 L#64 US News, 2026
INR 30.95 L - 52.32 L#97 US News, 2026
INR 21.89 L - 32.63 L -/-
INR 38.74 L - 59.57 L#24 US News, 2026
INR 50.17 L - 55.22 L#251 THE, 2026
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon

SMU
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
347.28M (2025)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
January
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-53
New York-34
Chicago-60
Los Angeles1020
Explore popular study abroad destinations

Southern Methodist University Campus Life

Accordion Icon V3
qna

Comments

qna

SMU

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 months ago

Southern Methodist University offers several housing options to its students. The 2025-26 SMU housing rates for on-campus accommodation are given below. Students can refer to the official univeristy website for more details on the housing cost breakdown based on the room type.

Housing Options2025-26 Rates (USD)INR Equivalent
SMU Residential CommonUSD 6,085 – 7,581INR 5.4L – 6.7L
Upper Division CommunitiesUSD 4,720 – 7,758INR 4.2L – 6.8L
ApartmentsUSD 4,100 – 6,428INR 3.6L – 5.7L

1 USD = INR 88.13

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 months ago

The cost of attendance for international students can be checked out from the table given below for the academic session 2025-26:

UG ParticularsUSD INR
TuitionUSD 61,880INR 54.5L
General Student FeesUSD 7,842INR 6.9L
Housing and FoodUSD 19,794INR 17.4L
Books, Supplies, Loan FeesUSD 876INR 77.2k
TransportationUSD 1,098INR 96.8k
Personal/Miscellaneous ExpensesUSD 1,600INR 1.4L
Total Estimated CostUSD 93,090INR 82.0L

The direct cost for PG students differs depending on their course. Indirect cost for graduates amounts to USD 27,237 or INR 24L

1 USD = INR 88.13

 

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

Southern Methodist University is a moderately competitive university to get into and thus, students must submit impressive academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acqu

...Read more

78591446
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

Usually, the Southern Methodist University acceptance rate is around 52%. For Fall 2023 admissions, Southern Methodist Uni received over 15,000 applications from prospective undergraduates and graduates. Out of these,  more than 9,000 candidates secured an admission offer from the university. Hence,

...Read more

N

Nishtha Rawat

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a year ago

Texas Christian University's acceptance rate stands at 43%, which makes it a moderately selective university to get into. In comparison with the Southern Methodist University acceptance rate of 52%, Texas Christian Uni can be considered more selective in its admission criteria.

As listed, getting int

...Read more

S

Shruti Mishra

Contributor-Level 7

About the author

author image
Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.
SMU Others(1)Front View
SMU Others(2)Main Building
SMU Others(3)Building
SMU Others(1)
SMU Others(2)

SMU
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityDallas, Texas, USA

SMU
Campuses

Departments Icon2   Campuses
Southern Methodist University CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

6425 Boaz Lane Dallas TX 75205 US

Visit official site External Link Icon

SMU
Contact Information

Address

6185 Airline Road Suite 310b,Dallas, Texas 75205
Dallas ( Texas)

Go to College Website ->