Prairie View A & M University vs Southern Methodist University
Prairie View A & M University is a public university in Prairie View, 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 79% at Prairie View A & M University. Prairie View A & M University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,570 a year against $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 43% at Prairie View A & M University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $45,411 for Prairie View A & M University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Prairie View, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,877
7,277
Acceptance rate
79%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
860–1080
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,570
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$26,362
$85,606
In-state tuition
$11,299
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$26,874
$67,040
Application fee
$40
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,120
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$13,465
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$16,024
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$17,753
$33,477
Over $110k
$16,376
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
84%
Freshman retention
76%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,350
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,411
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
13%
First-generation students
33%
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.
- Is Prairie View A & M 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 79% at Prairie View A & M 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, Prairie View A & M University or Southern Methodist University?
- Prairie View A & M University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,570 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 Prairie View A & M University and Southern Methodist University?
- Before aid, Prairie View A & M University costs about $26,362 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, Prairie View A & M University or Southern Methodist University?
- Prairie View A & M University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,120 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, Prairie View A & M University or Southern Methodist University?
- Prairie View A & M University is the larger of the two, with about 8,877 undergraduates against 7,277 at Southern Methodist University.
- Does Prairie View A & M University or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 43% at Prairie View A & M University.
- Do graduates of Prairie View A & M 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 $45,411 for Prairie View A & M University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Prairie View A & M University and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Prairie View A & M 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 Prairie View A & M University and Southern Methodist University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 860–1080 at Prairie View A & M 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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