Baylor University vs Southern Methodist University
Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX, and Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Baylor University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 51% of applicants against 63% at Southern Methodist University. Southern Methodist University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $40,892 a year against $41,104 at Baylor University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 80% at Baylor University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $65,793 for Baylor University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waco, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
14,785
7,277
Acceptance rate
51%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
30–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$85,606
In-state tuition
$58,100
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$67,040
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$33,477
Over $110k
$47,895
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
84%
Freshman retention
91%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
13%
First-generation students
17%
16%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
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 Baylor University or Southern Methodist University harder to get into?
- Baylor University is harder to get into. It admits about 51% of applicants, compared with 63% 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.
- Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Southern Methodist University?
- Southern Methodist University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $40,892 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,104 at Baylor 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 Baylor University and Southern Methodist University?
- Before aid, Baylor University costs about $74,226 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, Baylor University or Southern Methodist University?
- Baylor University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,024 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, Baylor University or Southern Methodist University?
- Baylor University is the larger of the two, with about 14,785 undergraduates against 7,277 at Southern Methodist University.
- Does Baylor University or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 80% at Baylor University.
- Do graduates of Baylor 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 $65,793 for Baylor University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Baylor University and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Baylor University and Southern Methodist University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor 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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