Abilene Christian University vs Southern Methodist University
Abilene Christian University is a private university in Abilene, TX, and Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 66% at Abilene Christian University. Abilene Christian University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $26,182 a year against $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 60% at Abilene Christian University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $55,736 for Abilene Christian University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Abilene, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,195
7,277
Acceptance rate
66%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1270
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,182
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$59,256
$85,606
In-state tuition
$44,200
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$44,200
$67,040
Application fee
Not reported
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,285
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$21,150
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$23,012
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$27,576
$33,477
Over $110k
$31,763
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
84%
Freshman retention
81%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,727
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,736
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
13%
First-generation students
24%
16%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Abilene Christian University or Southern Methodist University harder to get into?
- Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 66% at Abilene Christian University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Abilene Christian University or Southern Methodist University?
- Abilene Christian University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,182 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Abilene Christian University and Southern Methodist University?
- Before aid, Abilene Christian University costs about $59,256 a year and Southern Methodist University about $85,606. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Abilene Christian University or Southern Methodist University?
- Abilene Christian University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,285 there, against about $23,544 at Southern Methodist University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Abilene Christian University or Southern Methodist University?
- Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 3,195 at Abilene Christian University.
- Does Abilene Christian University or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 60% at Abilene Christian University.
- Do graduates of Abilene Christian University or Southern Methodist University earn more?
- Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,736 for Abilene Christian University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Abilene Christian University and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Abilene Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Abilene Christian University and Southern Methodist University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1270 at Abilene Christian University and 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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