Research.com
Southern Methodist University logo

Southern Methodist University

6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

Southern Methodist University award
Southern Methodist University award
US ranking
position: 431
Tuition & fees per year: $69,722
Acceptance rate: 61.00%
Median alumni salary: $67,114
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1425 SAT, 33 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What are the graduation rates for students at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University demonstrates strong student success metrics, with an overall graduation rate of 83%, placing it within the top 10% nationally. Both men and women experience similarly high outcomes, as the graduation rate for men is 82% and for women is 85%, each also ranking in the top decile. The university's completion timelines further emphasize its effectiveness: 76% of students graduate within four years, while the six-year graduation rate rises to 83%, reinforcing consistent student progress toward degree completion.

Retention figures underscore a positive academic environment, with a first-year retention rate of 90% categorized as high and among the top 15% nationwide. These metrics collectively suggest that Southern Methodist University not only attracts motivated students but also fosters conditions that support their sustained enrollment and timely graduation.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Southern Methodist University?

Graduates of Southern Methodist University experience a varied range of earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Those who pursue degrees in Computer Science stand out with notably strong earnings, averaging around $74,528. Similarly, degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering also offer promising financial returns, with average earnings close to $68,463 and $68,406 respectively.

Students in Finance and Financial Management Services can expect solid income outcomes, earning approximately $66,678 on average. Marketing graduates also enjoy competitive earnings, with an average salary near $52,225. Economics majors follow with earnings around $50,628.

Liberal Arts and Humanities graduates earn moderately well, with median earnings reported at about $47,744. Those focusing on Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication tend to earn slightly less but still maintain a respectable average income of roughly $42,606.

Within language studies, graduates specializing in Romance Languages have average earnings near $43,384. Health and Physical Education degrees provide median compensation around $45,216, indicating viable career possibilities beyond traditional health roles.

Other fields such as Communication and Media Studies and Psychology offer more modest salary outcomes, with averages near $38,996 and $39,687 respectively. Similarly, degrees in Fine and Studio Arts tend toward lower earning brackets with mean salaries around $37,698. Graduates in Political Science can anticipate earnings close to $34,053, while Biology majors report incomes near $34,322.

At the lower end of the reported earnings spectrum, graduates in Drama and Theatre Arts face average incomes approximately $19,854, reflecting unique challenges in that industry. Public Policy Analysis also shows lower median earnings, roughly $26,063.

Southern Methodist University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation 83%
Graduation rate, total cohort
4-year Graduation 76%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 4 years, total
6-year Graduation 83%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 6 years, total

Southern Methodist University Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: 12

Part time employees: Data not available

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: All undergraduates

Career Center services:

  • Job Interviews
  • Career library
  • Resume preparation
  • Resume refers to employers
  • Career/Interest testing
  • Interview workshop
  • Alumni network

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

Individual job placement

All undergraduates

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

Southern Methodist University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Natural Resources and Conservation

011

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

101

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

14214156

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

158095

Education

10212

Engineering

6274136

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

19928

English Language and Literature/Letters

25328

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

181937

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

6936105

Mathematics and Statistics

255378

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

7411

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

386199

Philosophy and Religious Studies

51116

Physical Sciences

71118

Psychology

9817115

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

23831

Social Sciences

75121196

Visual and Performing Arts

7942121

Health Professions and Related Programs

13114

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

246379625

History

81220

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

10010

Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

113445

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

173855

Education

13032162

Engineering

57147204

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

183553

Legal Professions and Studies

251338

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

201333

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

213

Mathematics and Statistics

256287

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

2883111

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

212546

Theology and Religious Vocations

322557

Physical Sciences

224

Psychology

617

Social Sciences

152035

Visual and Performing Arts

301444

Health Professions and Related Programs

541266

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

342477819

History

022

DOCTOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

033

Education

24832

Engineering

52429

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

011

Legal Professions and Studies

101

English Language and Literature/Letters

325

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

7613

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

606

Mathematics and Statistics

4812

Philosophy and Religious Studies

134

Theology and Religious Vocations

257

Physical Sciences

549

Psychology

415

Social Sciences

246

Visual and Performing Arts

202

History

134