Wesleyan University vs. SMU

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

Wesleyan University
Southern Methodist University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Wesleyan University (16.5% admitted vs 63.3%). Typical SAT 1480 vs 1420.
  • Cheaper after aid: Wesleyan University. Average net price is $23,025 vs $48,179 at SMU.
  • Graduation: Wesleyan University 92% vs SMU 75%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Wesleyan University $58,000 vs SMU $73,000 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Wesleyan University Southern Methodist University
Acceptance rate
Wesleyan University more selective
Wesleyan University16.5%
SMU63.3%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Wesleyan University higher
Wesleyan University1415-1540
SMU1340-1490
Average net price
Wesleyan University $25,154 less
Wesleyan University$23,025
SMU$48,179
In-state tuition
SMU $3,302 less
Wesleyan University$70,342
SMU$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
SMU $3,302 less
Wesleyan University$70,342
SMU$67,040
Graduation rate
Wesleyan University +17 pts
Wesleyan University92%
SMU75%
Median earnings (10 years)
SMU +$15,000
Wesleyan University$58,000
SMU$73,000

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at Wesleyan University and SMU with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at Wesleyan University Check my chances at SMU
  • Applied
  • Wesleyan University 14,389
  • SMU 15,245
  • Admitted
  • Wesleyan University 2,373
  • SMU 9,657
  • Acceptance rate
  • Wesleyan University 16.5%
  • SMU 63.3%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Wesleyan University 34.8%
  • SMU 17.8%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Wesleyan University 1480
  • SMU 1420
  • Typical ACT score
  • Wesleyan University 34
  • SMU 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • Wesleyan University -
  • SMU 3.68
  • Typical high school grades
  • Wesleyan University -
  • SMU A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Wesleyan University Elite
  • SMU Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • Wesleyan University Very High
  • SMU Low
  • SAT range
  • Wesleyan University 1415-1540
  • SMU 1340-1490
  • ACT range
  • Wesleyan University 33-35
  • SMU 30-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Wesleyan University Test optional
  • SMU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027
  • SMU Jan 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Wesleyan University $70,342
  • SMU $67,040
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Wesleyan University $70,342
  • SMU $67,040
  • Room & board
  • Wesleyan University $19,872
  • SMU $19,064
  • Average net price
  • Wesleyan University $23,025
  • SMU $48,179
  • Average grant aid
  • Wesleyan University $65,995
  • SMU $37,520
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Wesleyan University 42%
  • SMU 67%
  • Graduation rate
  • Wesleyan University 92%
  • SMU 75%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Wesleyan University $58,000
  • SMU $73,000
  • Making student loan payments
  • Wesleyan University 89%
  • SMU 76%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Wesleyan University $17,500
  • SMU $21,500
  • Median loan payment
  • Wesleyan University $180
  • SMU $222
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Wesleyan University 8:1
  • SMU 11:1
  • Popular majors
  • Wesleyan University
    • Social Sciences (24%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (14%)
    • Ethnic Studies (12%)
    • Psychology (11%)
    • English and Literature (8%)
  • SMU
    • Business (22%)
    • Social Sciences (16%)
    • Communication (11%)
    • Engineering (9%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
  • Location
  • Wesleyan University Middletown, CT
  • SMU Dallas, TX
  • Setting
  • Wesleyan University Small City
  • SMU Large Suburban
  • Total enrollment
  • Wesleyan University 4,011
  • SMU 12,116
  • Type
  • Wesleyan University Private 4 Year
  • SMU Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Wesleyan University #36
  • SMU #72

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT 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 Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 4,011 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
  • Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 4.1% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,064 vs. $19,872).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Wesleyan University than at Southern Methodist University (about $3,302 more per year; $70,342 vs. $67,040).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Wesleyan University (67% vs. 42%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 75.9% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($65,995 vs. $37,520).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at Wesleyan University than at SMU (34 vs. 32, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Wesleyan University and SMU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($17,500 vs. $21,500).
  • Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($180 vs. $222).
  • More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation (89% vs. 76%).

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

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Wesleyan University
Southern Methodist University
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges