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Southern Methodist University vs Texas Christian University

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Texas Christian University is a private university in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants and Southern Methodist University about 63%, making Texas Christian University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $36,660 a year at Texas Christian University after aid, and about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 86% of students graduate at Texas Christian University, compared with 84% at Southern Methodist University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $68,424 for Texas Christian University.

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,277
11,026
Acceptance rate
63%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1340–1490
1140–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,892
$36,660
Full cost / yr
$85,606
$76,604
In-state tuition
$67,040
$61,740
Out-of-state tuition
$67,040
$61,740
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,544
$17,956
$30k - $48k
$20,038
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$24,152
$17,940
$75k - $110k
$33,477
$34,990
Over $110k
$58,213
$53,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
86%
Freshman retention
91%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,556
$60,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,354
$68,424
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
14%
First-generation students
16%
20%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University harder to get into?
Texas Christian University is harder to get into. It admits about 44% 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, Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University?
Texas Christian University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,660 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 Christian University?
Before aid, Texas Christian University costs about $76,604 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 Christian University?
Texas Christian University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,956 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 Christian University?
Texas Christian University is the larger of the two, with about 11,026 undergraduates against 7,277 at Southern Methodist University.
Does Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University have a better graduation rate?
Texas Christian University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 84% at Southern Methodist University.
Do graduates of Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University earn more?
Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,424 for Texas Christian University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Texas Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 1140–1350 at Texas Christian University. 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