University of Dallas vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dallas in Irving, TX 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 University of Dallas based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 2,078 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dallas are 21.3% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($15,010 vs. $19,064).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at SMU than at University of Dallas (about $13,110 more per year; $67,040 vs. $53,930).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dallas than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dallas students is 5% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($39,401 vs. $37,520).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 7 points higher at SMU than at University of Dallas (32 vs. 25, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are required at University of Dallas, test optional at SMU.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dallas Aug 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at University of Dallas average a 3.9 high school GPA, 0.22 higher than at SMU (3.68).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at University of Dallas vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than University of Dallas graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dallas graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More University of Dallas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation (77% vs. 76%).

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