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Southern Methodist University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as SMU

Southern Methodist University accepts 63% of applicants. It is a private university in Dallas, Texas, with about 7,277 undergraduates. The sticker price is $89,516 a year, but after aid the average family pays $39,816.

63%Acceptance rate
1340–1490Middle 50% SAT
30–34Middle 50% ACT
$39,816Average cost after aid / year
83%Graduation rate
$77,754Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for SMU?

Admitly estimates a typical applicant needs about a 3.6 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 78%.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Southern Methodist University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1425, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAEstimated chance
2.514% Reach
2.714% Reach
3.014% Reach
3.329% Reach
3.543% Target
3.759% Target
3.972% Target
4.078% Target

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Southern Methodist University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $89,516 a year including room and board.

Family incomeCost per year
Under $50k$23,200
$50k – $100k$23,200
$100k – $150k$28,000
$150k – $250k$61,900
Over $250k$67,600

Outcomes

83%Finish their degree
91%Return for second year
$77,754Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Southern Methodist University

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University admits 63% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Southern Methodist University?

Admitly estimates a typical applicant needs about a 3.6 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 78%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1340–1490 on the SAT and 30–34 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Southern Methodist University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $89,516 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $39,816 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $23,200.

What is the graduation rate at Southern Methodist University?

83% of students finish their degree, and 91% return for a second year.

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