John Brown University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than John Brown University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 2,350 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Brown University is located in Siloam Springs, AR (Rural Fringe setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• John Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Brown University 15:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Brown University are 45.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($10,362 vs. $19,064).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.1% higher at SMU than at John Brown University (about $35,284 more per year; $67,040 vs. $31,756).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Brown University than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 61.9% larger than aid received by John Brown University students ($37,520 vs. $23,173).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 8 points higher at SMU than at John Brown University (32 vs. 24, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both John Brown University and SMU.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at John Brown University average a 3.77 high school GPA, 0.09 higher than at SMU (3.68).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at John Brown University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $443 lower median loan debt than John Brown University graduates ($21,500 vs. $21,943).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than John Brown University graduates ($222 vs. $226).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former John Brown University students, three years after graduation (76% vs. 73%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.