Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX 75205, United States

University Type

Private

Texas,

United States

Year Established:

1911

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university in University Park, Texas, with a satellite campus in Taos County, New Mexico.SMU was founded on April 17, 1911, by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South—now part of the United Methodist Church—in partnership with Dallas civic leaders. However, it is nonsectarian in its teaching and enrolls students of all religious affiliations. It is classified among "R-2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity". As of fall 2020, the university had 12,373 students, including 6,827 undergraduates and 5,546 postgraduates, representing the largest student body in SMU history. As of fall 2019, its instructional faculty is 1,151, with 754 being full-time. In the 2020 academic year, the university granted over 3,827 degrees, including 315 doctorates, 1,659 master's, and 1,853 bachelor's degrees and offers over 32 doctoral and over 120 masters programs from eight schools: the Edwin L. Cox School of Business, the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Dedman School of Law, the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, the Algur H. Meadows School of the Arts, the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Perkins School of Theology, and the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

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Rankings

#91

USNews

#1100

QS

Southern Methodist University Program Rankings

  • Business - Rank #42 (US News)
  • Law - Rank #56 (US News)
  • Engineering - Rank #104 (US News)
  • Computer Science - Rank #122 (US News)

Southern Methodist University Highlights

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FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University is renowned for a diverse range of popular graduate programs, notably in the Cox School of Business, Dedman School of Law, and the Lyle School of Engineering. Other sought-after majors include Data Science, Applied Statistics and Data Analytics, and Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship, attracting students with their strong academic and career prospects.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Southern Methodist University?

The annual cost of attendance at Southern Methodist University for the 2023 academic year, including tuition and living expenses, is approximately $78,000 USD. Converted to Indian Rupees at the current exchange rate of approximately 82 INR to 1 USD, this amounts to about ₹6,396,000 INR, rounded to the nearest hundreds.

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University offers a variety of financial aid and scholarships, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and specific awards for international students. Prospective students can apply for scholarships and financial aid by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile to be considered for institutional aid.

What is the reputation and ranking of Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University is highly ranked, particularly for its Cox School of Business and Dedman School of Law. The Cox School of Business often ranks in the top 50 in U.S. national rankings, while the Dedman School of Law is noted for its strong dispute resolution and tax law programs. These rankings reflect SMU's commitment to academic excellence and professional success.

What is the campus culture like at Southern Methodist University?

The campus culture at Southern Methodist University is vibrant and inclusive, featuring a wide range of cultural fests like Celebration of Lights and Family Weekend, alongside numerous student organizations and clubs. SMU also hosts various campus events, including distinguished speaker series, performing arts shows, and community service opportunities, fostering a dynamic and engaging student life.

What are the housing options at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartment living for upperclassmen. For off-campus housing, many students choose to live in nearby neighborhoods such as Highland Park, University Park, and Knox-Henderson, which provide a range of housing options from shared apartments to single-family homes, all within close proximity to campus amenities and Dallas's urban offerings.

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Southern Methodist University Fun Facts

  • Mustang Band's Unique Tradition

    The Mustang Band, known as "The Best Dressed Band in the Land," features members who wear different themed uniforms for each performance.

  • SMU's Fondren Library Center

    The Fondren Library at SMU not only serves as a vast reservoir of knowledge but also famously stays open 24/5 during finals week, offering students round-the-clock support.

  • Famous SMU Alums

    SMU boasts an array of notable alumni, including former First Lady Laura Bush and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Kathy Bates, highlighting its diverse influence on various fields.

  • "Boulevarding" Before Football

    Instead of traditional tailgating, SMU has a unique pre-game celebration known as "Boulevarding," turning Bishop Boulevard into a massive party before football games, a cherished Mustang tradition.