Baylor University vs SMU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Baylor University and Southern Methodist University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Baylor University vs SMU at a glance
Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants and SMU 63.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $44,441 at Baylor University and $39,816 at SMU. Six-year graduation rates are 82.3% and 82.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants and SMU 63.3%, so Baylor University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $44,441 a year at Baylor University and $39,816 at SMU; SMU costs $4,625 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $45,498 at Baylor University and $31,728 at SMU.
- 82.3% of students graduate within six years at Baylor University, against 82.7% at SMU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $72,408 for Baylor University and $90,037 for SMU; SMU is $17,629 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Baylor University and $18,750 at SMU.
- Baylor University enrolls 14,785 students (midsize city) and SMU 7,277 (large suburb).
Side by side
Baylor University and SMU in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Baylor University | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 51.3% | 63.4% |
| Applicants | 36,588 | 15,685 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1400 | 1340–1490 |
| ACT middle 50% | 27–32 | 30–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $44,441 | $39,816 |
| Tuition, in state | $63,620 | $69,722 |
| Tuition, out of state | $63,620 | $69,722 |
| Cost of attendance | $78,816 | $88,892 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $45,498 | $31,728 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $24,146 | $18,708 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $33,908 | $23,206 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $38,607 | $28,047 |
| Over $110,000 | $50,541 | $57,328 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.3% | 82.7% |
| First-year retention | 91% | 90.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $72,408 | $90,037 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 14,785 | 7,277 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Waco, TX | Dallas, TX |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Baylor University reports 80 bachelor's programs and SMU 72; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Baylor University vs SMU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Baylor University or SMU?
Baylor University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants and SMU admits 63.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Baylor University 1200–1400; SMU 1340–1490.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or SMU?
SMU has the lower average net price after grants: $44,441 a year at Baylor University against $39,816 at SMU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $45,498 and $31,728. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Baylor University or SMU graduates earn more?
SMU graduates earn more at the median: $72,408 ten years after entry for Baylor University and $90,037 for SMU. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Baylor University or SMU?
SMU does: 82.3% of Baylor University students graduate within six years, against 82.7% at SMU.
How big are Baylor University and SMU?
Baylor University has 14,785 students in Waco, TX and SMU has 7,277 students in Dallas, TX.