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Southern Methodist University vs West Texas A & M University

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX, and West Texas A & M University is a public university in Canyon, TX. Southern Methodist University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 99% at West Texas A & M University. West Texas A & M University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,487 a year against $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 51% at West Texas A & M University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $50,741 for West Texas A & M University.

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

West Texas A & M University

Canyon, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dallas, TX
Canyon, TX
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,277
6,917
Acceptance rate
63%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1340–1490
950–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
18–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,892
$19,487
Full cost / yr
$85,606
$23,482
In-state tuition
$67,040
$9,101
Out-of-state tuition
$67,040
$10,996
Application fee
$60
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,544
$16,525
$30k - $48k
$20,038
$17,218
$48k - $75k
$24,152
$19,268
$75k - $110k
$33,477
$22,454
Over $110k
$58,213
$23,439
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
51%
Freshman retention
91%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,556
$44,399
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,354
$50,741
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
41%
First-generation students
16%
39%
International students
4%
2%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Southern Methodist University or West Texas A & M University harder to get into?
Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 99% at West Texas A & M 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 West Texas A & M University?
West Texas A & M University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,487 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 West Texas A & M University?
Before aid, West Texas A & M University costs about $23,482 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 West Texas A & M University?
West Texas A & M University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,525 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 West Texas A & M University?
Southern Methodist University is the larger of the two, with about 7,277 undergraduates against 6,917 at West Texas A & M University.
Does Southern Methodist University or West Texas A & M University have a better graduation rate?
Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 51% at West Texas A & M University.
Do graduates of Southern Methodist University or West Texas A & M University earn more?
Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,741 for West Texas A & M University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Methodist University and West Texas A & M University require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Texas A & M University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Southern Methodist University and West Texas A & M University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 950–1170 at West Texas A & M 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