University of Houston-Downtown vs Southern Methodist University
University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX, and Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 90% at University of Houston-Downtown. University of Houston-Downtown is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,542 a year against $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
12,555
7,277
Acceptance rate
90%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1110
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,542
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$20,749
$85,606
In-state tuition
$7,708
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$17,548
$67,040
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,439
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$10,048
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$11,247
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$15,488
$33,477
Over $110k
$19,380
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
33%
84%
Freshman retention
67%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,120
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,551
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
13%
First-generation students
53%
16%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 31
Jan 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.
- Is University of Houston-Downtown or Southern Methodist University harder to get into?
- Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 90% at University of Houston-Downtown. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of Houston-Downtown or Southern Methodist University?
- University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 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 University of Houston-Downtown and Southern Methodist University?
- Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 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, University of Houston-Downtown or Southern Methodist University?
- University of Houston-Downtown. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,439 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, University of Houston-Downtown or Southern Methodist University?
- University of Houston-Downtown is the larger of the two, with about 12,555 undergraduates against 7,277 at Southern Methodist University.
- Does University of Houston-Downtown or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
- Do graduates of University of Houston-Downtown or Southern Methodist University earn more?
- Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Houston-Downtown and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Houston-Downtown and Southern Methodist University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown and 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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