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McMurry University vs Southern Methodist University

McMurry University is a private university in Abilene, TX. Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. McMurry University admits about 57% of applicants and Southern Methodist University about 63%, making McMurry University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,581 a year at McMurry University after aid, and about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 41% at McMurry University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $48,779 for McMurry University.

McMurry University

Abilene, TX · Private

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Abilene, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,176
7,277
Acceptance rate
57%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1160
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,581
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$43,778
$85,606
In-state tuition
$32,340
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$32,340
$67,040
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,946
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$16,181
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$18,272
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$23,285
$33,477
Over $110k
$27,297
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
84%
Freshman retention
64%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,647
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,779
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
13%
First-generation students
37%
16%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
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 McMurry University or Southern Methodist University harder to get into?
McMurry University is harder to get into. It admits about 57% 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, McMurry University or Southern Methodist University?
McMurry University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,581 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 McMurry University and Southern Methodist University?
Before aid, McMurry University costs about $43,778 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, McMurry University or Southern Methodist University?
McMurry University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,946 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, McMurry University or Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 1,176 at McMurry University.
Does McMurry University or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 41% at McMurry University.
Do graduates of McMurry 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 $48,779 for McMurry University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do McMurry University and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
McMurry 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 McMurry University and Southern Methodist University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 950–1160 at McMurry University and 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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