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Howard Payne University vs Southern Methodist University

Howard Payne University is a private university in Brownwood, 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 67% at Howard Payne University. Howard Payne University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,627 a year against $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 30% at Howard Payne University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $48,376 for Howard Payne University.

Howard Payne University

Brownwood, TX · Private

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Brownwood, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
713
7,277
Acceptance rate
67%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1160
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
16–27
30–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,627
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$46,766
$85,606
In-state tuition
$34,982
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$34,982
$67,040
Application fee
Not reported
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,043
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$21,423
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$25,917
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$23,412
$33,477
Over $110k
$24,182
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
84%
Freshman retention
52%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,212
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,376
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$26,793
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
13%
First-generation students
37%
16%
International students
0%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Howard Payne 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 67% at Howard Payne 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, Howard Payne University or Southern Methodist University?
Howard Payne University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,627 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 Howard Payne University and Southern Methodist University?
Before aid, Howard Payne University costs about $46,766 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, Howard Payne University or Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $23,544 there, against about $24,043 at Howard Payne University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Howard Payne University or Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 713 at Howard Payne University.
Does Howard Payne University or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 30% at Howard Payne University.
Do graduates of Howard Payne 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 $48,376 for Howard Payne University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Howard Payne University and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
Howard Payne 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 Howard Payne University and Southern Methodist University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1160 at Howard Payne University and 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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