University of St Thomas vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Thomas in Saint Paul, MN with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than University of St Thomas based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 9,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of St Thomas is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• University of St Thomas 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 St Thomas 14:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

University of St Thomas vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Thomas or SMU? 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 University of St Thomas than SMU ($31,250 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Thomas are 21.5% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($14,969 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 23.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of St Thomas (about $12,642 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $54,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.2% higher at SMU than at University of St Thomas (about $12,642 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $54,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Thomas than at Southern Methodist University (95% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 5.4% larger than aid received by University of St Thomas students ($37,520 vs. $35,587).

University of St Thomas vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Thomas or SMU? 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 SMU and University of St Thomas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 80 points higher than at University of St Thomas (1340).
• Incoming SMU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at University of St Thomas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 1260/1423; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 25/30; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Thomas - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SMU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at University of St Thomas (3.63).
• University of St Thomas has a higher acceptance rate (85.4%) than SMU (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.8% at University of St Thomas vs. 17.8% at SMU.

University of St Thomas vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Thomas and SMU? 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 University of St Thomas's (74%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than University of St Thomas graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More University of St Thomas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 76%)

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.