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Southern Methodist University vs Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a public university in San Antonio, TX. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants and Texas A&M University-San Antonio about 93%, making Southern Methodist University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,196 a year at Texas A&M University-San Antonio after aid, and about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 35% at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $54,338 for Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dallas, TX
San Antonio, TX
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,277
6,599
Acceptance rate
63%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.11–3.61
SAT (middle 50%)
1340–1490
840–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
15–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,892
$11,196
Full cost / yr
$85,606
$21,655
In-state tuition
$67,040
$9,654
Out-of-state tuition
$67,040
$23,255
Application fee
$60
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,544
$9,596
$30k - $48k
$20,038
$10,423
$48k - $75k
$24,152
$12,898
$75k - $110k
$33,477
$16,267
Over $110k
$58,213
$13,021
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
35%
Freshman retention
91%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,556
$43,479
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,354
$54,338
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$18,401
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
51%
First-generation students
16%
53%
International students
4%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jun 29

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 Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University-San Antonio harder to get into?
Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 93% at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. 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 Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
Texas A&M University-San Antonio is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,196 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 Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
Before aid, Texas A&M University-San Antonio costs about $21,655 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 Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,596 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 Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 6,599 at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Does Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University-San Antonio have a better graduation rate?
Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 35% at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Do graduates of Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University-San Antonio earn more?
Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,338 for Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Methodist University and Texas A&M University-San Antonio require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Texas A&M University-San Antonio is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Southern Methodist University and Texas A&M University-San Antonio look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 840–1070 at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school