Southern Methodist University vs Texas A&M University-College Station
Admission Difficulty: SMU is moderately more selective with a 52% acceptance rate compared to Texas A&M's 63% rate. Both schools attract competitive applicants, though A&M's larger size allows for more admissions.
Cost and Value: The cost difference is substantial. SMU charges $64,460 annually regardless of residency, while A&M costs $13,099 for in-state and $40,328 for out-of-state students. SMU's average net price of $41,778 is nearly double A&M's $20,924, though SMU graduates earn a median salary of $78,354 versus $72,097 at A&M ten years post-graduation. Both schools offer similar debt loads around $18,000-$19,500.
Academic Strengths: SMU offers smaller classes with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio compared to A&M's 19:1 ratio. A&M excels in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, while SMU is known for business, arts, and humanities programs.
Campus Experience: A&M provides a traditional college experience with 59,099 students and strong traditions including the 12th Man. SMU offers a more intimate environment with 7,106 students in an urban Dallas setting. A&M boasts higher retention at 94% versus SMU's 90%.
Outcomes: Both universities achieve similar graduation rates around 83%. A&M graduates earn slightly less initially but benefit from a vast alumni network, particularly in Texas.
SMU suits students seeking small classes, urban opportunities, and personalized attention, while A&M fits those wanting school spirit, research opportunities, and strong value for money.
Admission Difficulty: SMU is moderately more selective with a 52% acceptance rate compared to Texas A&M's 63% rate. Both schools attract competitive applicants, though A&M's larger size allows for more admissions.
Cost and Value: The cost difference is substantial. SMU charges $64,460 annually regardless of residency, while A&M costs $13,099 for in-state and $40,328 for out-of-state students. SMU's average net price of $41,778 is nearly double A&M's $20,924, though SMU graduates earn a median salary of $78,354 versus $72,097 at A&M ten years post-graduation. Both schools offer similar debt loads around $18,000-$19,500.
Academic Strengths: SMU offers smaller classes with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio compared to A&M's 19:1 ratio. A&M excels in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, while SMU is known for business, arts, and humanities programs.
Campus Experience: A&M provides a traditional college experience with 59,099 students and strong traditions including the 12th Man. SMU offers a more intimate environment with 7,106 students in an urban Dallas setting. A&M boasts higher retention at 94% versus SMU's 90%.
Outcomes: Both universities achieve similar graduation rates around 83%. A&M graduates earn slightly less initially but benefit from a vast alumni network, particularly in Texas.
SMU suits students seeking small classes, urban opportunities, and personalized attention, while A&M fits those wanting school spirit, research opportunities, and strong value for money.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Southern Methodist University | Texas A & M University-College Station | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 52.3% | 62.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,440 | 1,270 |
| Enrollment | 7,106 | 59,099 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,460 | $13,099 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $64,460 | $40,328 |
| Net Price | $41,778 | $20,924 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.3% | 83.8% |
| Retention Rate | 89.6% | 94.3% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $78,354 | $72,097 |
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $17,804 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Southern Methodist University | Texas A & M University-College Station | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $76,460 | Petroleum Engineering. | $92,124 |
| Operations Research. | $76,460 | Marine Transportation. | $86,129 |
| Civil Engineering. | $73,737 | Chemical Engineering. | $80,669 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $73,446 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $77,062 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $73,035 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $77,024 |