SMU vs. University of Richmond

Southern Methodist University and University of Richmond side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Southern Methodist University
University of Richmond

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: University of Richmond (22.2% admitted vs 63.3%). Typical SAT 1470 vs 1420.
  • Cheaper after aid: University of Richmond. Average net price is $30,037 vs $48,179 at SMU.
  • Graduation: SMU 75% vs University of Richmond 83%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: SMU $73,000 vs University of Richmond $73,900 (median).
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Key differences

Southern Methodist University University of Richmond
Acceptance rate
University of Richmond more selective
SMU63.3%
University of Richmond22.2%
SAT range (middle 50%)
University of Richmond higher
SMU1340-1490
University of Richmond1410-1530
Average net price
University of Richmond $18,142 less
SMU$48,179
University of Richmond$30,037
In-state tuition
University of Richmond $1,810 less
SMU$67,040
University of Richmond$65,230
Out-of-state tuition
University of Richmond $1,810 less
SMU$67,040
University of Richmond$65,230
Graduation rate
University of Richmond +8 pts
SMU75%
University of Richmond83%
Median earnings (10 years)
University of Richmond +$900
SMU$73,000
University of Richmond$73,900

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • SMU 15,245
  • University of Richmond 16,152
  • Admitted
  • SMU 9,657
  • University of Richmond 3,585
  • Acceptance rate
  • SMU 63.3%
  • University of Richmond 22.2%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • SMU 17.8%
  • University of Richmond 23.5%
  • Typical SAT score
  • SMU 1420
  • University of Richmond 1470
  • Typical ACT score
  • SMU 32
  • University of Richmond 34
  • Average high school GPA
  • SMU 3.68
  • University of Richmond 3.71
  • Typical high school grades
  • SMU A-
  • University of Richmond A-
  • Admissions standards
  • SMU Exceptional
  • University of Richmond Elite
  • Applicant competition
  • SMU Low
  • University of Richmond Very High
  • SAT range
  • SMU 1340-1490
  • University of Richmond 1410-1530
  • ACT range
  • SMU 30-34
  • University of Richmond 33-35
  • Submit test scores
  • SMU Test optional
  • University of Richmond Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • SMU Jan 15, 2027
  • University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • SMU $67,040
  • University of Richmond $65,230
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • SMU $67,040
  • University of Richmond $65,230
  • Room & board
  • SMU $19,064
  • University of Richmond $17,140
  • Average net price
  • SMU $48,179
  • University of Richmond $30,037
  • Average grant aid
  • SMU $37,520
  • University of Richmond $51,039
  • % receiving grant aid
  • SMU 67%
  • University of Richmond 56%
  • Graduation rate
  • SMU 75%
  • University of Richmond 83%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • SMU $73,000
  • University of Richmond $73,900
  • Making student loan payments
  • SMU 76%
  • University of Richmond 75%
  • Median student loan debt
  • SMU $21,500
  • University of Richmond $21,148
  • Median loan payment
  • SMU $222
  • University of Richmond $218
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • SMU 11:1
  • University of Richmond 7:1
  • Popular majors
  • SMU
    • Business (22%)
    • Social Sciences (16%)
    • Communication (11%)
    • Engineering (9%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
  • University of Richmond
    • Business (30%)
    • Social Sciences (17%)
    • English and Literature (7%)
    • Foreign Languages (5%)
    • Biology (5%)
  • Location
  • SMU Dallas, TX
  • University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
  • Setting
  • SMU Large Suburban
  • University of Richmond Midsize City
  • Total enrollment
  • SMU 12,116
  • University of Richmond 3,722
  • Type
  • SMU Private 4 Year
  • University of Richmond Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • SMU #72
  • University of Richmond #38

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with University of Richmond in University of Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,722 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
  • Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Methodist University 11:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 10.1% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($17,140 vs. $19,064).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at SMU than at University of Richmond (about $1,810 more per year; $67,040 vs. $65,230).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at University of Richmond (67% vs. 56%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 36% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($51,039 vs. $37,520).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at University of Richmond than at SMU (34 vs. 32, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both SMU and University of Richmond.
  • Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at University of Richmond average a 3.71 high school GPA, 0.03 higher than at SMU (3.68).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at SMU vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $352 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($21,148 vs. $21,500).
  • Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($218 vs. $222).
  • More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation (76% vs. 75%).

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

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