Southern Methodist University vs Tarleton State University
Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Tarleton State University is a public university in Stephenville, TX. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants and Tarleton State University about 90%, making Southern Methodist University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,783 a year at Tarleton State University after aid, and about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 50% at Tarleton State University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $53,040 for Tarleton State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dallas, TX
Stephenville, TX
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,277
12,673
Acceptance rate
63%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1340–1490
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,892
$20,783
Full cost / yr
$85,606
$24,100
In-state tuition
$67,040
$8,302
Out-of-state tuition
$67,040
$18,142
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,544
$15,574
$30k - $48k
$20,038
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$24,152
$20,396
$75k - $110k
$33,477
$23,466
Over $110k
$58,213
$24,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
50%
Freshman retention
91%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,556
$46,729
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,354
$53,040
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$19,606
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
34%
First-generation students
16%
42%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Aug 1
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 Southern Methodist University or Tarleton State University harder to get into?
- Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 90% at Tarleton State 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, Southern Methodist University or Tarleton State University?
- Tarleton State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,783 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 Southern Methodist University and Tarleton State University?
- Before aid, Tarleton State University costs about $24,100 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, Southern Methodist University or Tarleton State University?
- Tarleton State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,574 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, Southern Methodist University or Tarleton State University?
- Tarleton State University is the larger of the two, with about 12,673 undergraduates against 7,277 at Southern Methodist University.
- Does Southern Methodist University or Tarleton State University have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 50% at Tarleton State University.
- Do graduates of Southern Methodist University or Tarleton State University earn more?
- Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,040 for Tarleton State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Southern Methodist University and Tarleton State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tarleton State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Southern Methodist University and Tarleton State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 980–1160 at Tarleton State 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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