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Southern Methodist University vs Wayland Baptist University

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX, and Wayland Baptist University is a private university in Plainview, TX. Wayland Baptist University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 56% of applicants against 63% at Southern Methodist University. Wayland Baptist University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,590 a year against $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 19% at Wayland Baptist University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $51,838 for Wayland Baptist University.

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dallas, TX
Plainview, TX
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,277
2,041
Acceptance rate
63%
56%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1340–1490
900–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,892
$20,590
Full cost / yr
$85,606
$36,323
In-state tuition
$67,040
$23,782
Out-of-state tuition
$67,040
$23,782
Application fee
$60
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,544
$20,070
$30k - $48k
$20,038
$16,344
$48k - $75k
$24,152
$19,949
$75k - $110k
$33,477
$21,542
Over $110k
$58,213
$25,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
19%
Freshman retention
91%
45%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,556
$44,159
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,354
$51,838
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$23,106
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
46%
First-generation students
16%
45%
International students
4%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Wayland Baptist University harder to get into?
Wayland Baptist University is harder to get into. It admits about 56% 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Wayland Baptist University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,590 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Before aid, Wayland Baptist University costs about $36,323 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Wayland Baptist University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,070 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 2,041 at Wayland Baptist University.
Does Southern Methodist University or Wayland Baptist University have a better graduation rate?
Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 19% at Wayland Baptist University.
Do graduates of Southern Methodist University or Wayland Baptist University earn more?
Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,838 for Wayland Baptist University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Methodist University and Wayland Baptist University require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wayland Baptist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Southern Methodist University and Wayland Baptist University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 900–1090 at Wayland Baptist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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