SMU vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Methodist University 11:1; Seattle University 10:1.

SMU vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SMU or Seattle U? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Seattle University than SMU ($36,948 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 17.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($15,702 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $10,319 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at SMU than at Seattle University (about $10,319 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Southern Methodist University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 6.1% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($37,520 vs. $35,351).

SMU vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SMU or Seattle U? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Seattle U and SMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 100 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming SMU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 1340/1490; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Methodist University 30/34; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SMU - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SMU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than SMU (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at SMU vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

SMU vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SMU and Seattle U? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Southern Methodist University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.