Southern Methodist University is a private comprehensive university in Dallas, Texas, recognized for its Cox School of Business and Meadows School of the Arts. SMU leverages its location in one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas to provide strong corporate connections and internship pipelines. The university combines a traditional liberal arts foundation with professionally oriented programs.
Mascot: Mustang
Notable Alumni
Kathy Bates (Oscar-winning actress)•Aaron Spelling (legendary TV producer)•Laura Bush (former First Lady)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Greek life is the dominant social force at SMU — 48% of women rush sororities, and the system shapes everything from your weekend plans to your friend group. Many social events happen at off-campus venues and rented Dallas bars, creating a uniquely distributed party circuit. The culture is polished, preppy, and unapologetically social.
Immaculately maintained Georgian-Colonial campus in the heart of Dallas's Park Cities, with uniform red-brick buildings, manicured landscaping, and a boulevard-style layout that feels both grand and cohesive.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The manicured, well-patrolled campus sits within the town of University Park with very low crime. Bicycle thefts dropped 56% over three years; serious crime is rare.
University Park and Highland Park are among the safest communities in the Dallas metro, with violent crime 96% below the national average.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Mon-Fri at 9:30am and 2:30pm (academic year); weekends also available
Duration: ~2 hours (30-min info session + 75-min campus tour)
Info session led by Admission Officer, tour led by current student. Weekend visits include 30-min info session + 1-hour tour. Tours depart from Blanton Building, 6185 Airline Rd. Call 1-800-323-0672 for questions.
Book a TourSelf-guided walking options available using campus maps from the admissions office. Virtual tour also available online. General campus tours offered at 10am and 2:45pm Mon-Fri during academic year, 10am in summer.
Tour ResourcesOctober through November when Dallas weather cools down and football season energizes campus, or March through April for spring. Avoid June-August when Dallas heat is extreme (100°F+) and campus is quieter. Homecoming weekend gives the fullest experience.
Visitor parking at Binkley Parking Center (corner of Binkley Ave and Airline Rd), enter on Binkley — $10 all day, credit card only, park on Level 2 or above. Moody Parking Center (SMU Blvd and Airline Rd) also available. From Love Field Airport (DAL): east on Mockingbird Lane, left on Airline Rd, ~10 min. From DFW Airport: ~30 min via I-35E or Dallas North Tollway.
Location
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