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Southern Methodist University vs Texas Southern University

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Texas Southern University is a public university in Houston, TX. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants and Texas Southern University about 97%, making Southern Methodist University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,590 a year at Texas Southern University after aid, and about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 21% at Texas Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $38,924 for Texas Southern University.

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

Texas Southern University

Houston, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,277
6,844
Acceptance rate
63%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1340–1490
800–1000
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
15–19
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,892
$16,590
Full cost / yr
$85,606
$27,052
In-state tuition
$67,040
$9,173
Out-of-state tuition
$67,040
$21,473
Application fee
$60
$42
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,544
$16,437
$30k - $48k
$20,038
$21,115
$48k - $75k
$24,152
$21,280
$75k - $110k
$33,477
$22,698
Over $110k
$58,213
$21,610
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
21%
Freshman retention
91%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,556
$32,986
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,354
$38,924
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$29,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
72%
First-generation students
16%
39%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jul 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 Southern Methodist University or Texas Southern University harder to get into?
Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 97% at Texas Southern 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 Southern University?
Texas Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,590 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 Southern University?
Before aid, Texas Southern University costs about $27,052 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 Southern University?
Texas Southern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,437 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 Southern University?
Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 6,844 at Texas Southern University.
Does Southern Methodist University or Texas Southern University have a better graduation rate?
Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 21% at Texas Southern University.
Do graduates of Southern Methodist University or Texas Southern University earn more?
Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,924 for Texas Southern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Methodist University and Texas Southern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Texas Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Southern Methodist University and Texas Southern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 800–1000 at Texas Southern 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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