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.

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 help@smu.edu

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.