Choosing the right university can be a challenging process, as there are many factors to consider, such as cost, academic offerings, and campus life. This guide will provide a comprehensive comparison between Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU), covering various aspects to help you make an informed decision.
SMU Overview
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university located in University Park, Texas. Established in 1911, SMU has a strong history of academic excellence and boasts a diverse array of programs and opportunities for its students. With a student body of around 12,000, SMU offers the resources of a large university while maintaining a close-knit campus community.
SMU Costs & Tuition
SMU is a private institution, and as such, the tuition and fees are higher than those at public universities. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student at SMU is $58,540. Room and board costs are approximately $17,620. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset these costs for eligible students.
SMU Admissions
Admissions at SMU are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. Prospective students are encouraged to have strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1300 and 1460 and an ACT score between 29 and 33.
SMU Degrees Offered
SMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its seven schools. Some of the most popular majors at SMU include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Communications.
SMU Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, SMU provides a high level of academic support and personalized attention for students. The university has a strong commitment to research, with various research centers and institutes offering opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge projects.
SMU Diversity
SMU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for its students. The university’s student population is comprised of individuals from all 50 states and over 90 countries, resulting in a rich global community. SMU actively promotes diversity through various initiatives, such as the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Women and LGBTQ+ Center.
SMU Students
SMU students are known for their active involvement on campus, with over 200 student organizations and clubs to choose from. These organizations cater to a wide array of interests, including academics, athletics, community service, and the arts.
SMU Campus
The SMU campus encompasses 234 acres and features stunning Collegiate Georgian architecture. Students enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, and recreational facilities. The campus is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which houses the Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the Bush Institute.
SMU Alumni
Notable SMU alumni include former First Lady Laura Bush, business magnate and philanthropist T. Boone Pickens, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Horton Foote. The strong alumni network offers networking opportunities and support for current students and recent graduates.
SMU Rankings
In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, SMU is ranked #64 in National Universities and #37 in Best Value Schools.
SMU Outcomes
Graduates of SMU are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields, with a strong track record of securing employment or continuing their education. According to the university, 94% of SMU graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
FAU Overview
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida. Established in 1961, FAU has a student population of around 30,000 and offers a wide range of academic programs. With a focus on innovation and research, FAU provides its students with numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
FAU Costs & Tuition
As a public university, FAU’s tuition and fees are generally lower than those at private institutions. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated in-state tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students at FAU are $6,360, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $18,410. Room and board costs are approximately $11,940. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students.
FAU Admissions
Admissions at FAU are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 59%. Prospective students should have a solid academic background and involvement in extracurricular activities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1080 and 1250 and an ACT score between 21 and 26.
FAU Degrees Offered
FAU offers more than 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its 10 colleges. Some popular majors at FAU include Business, Health Professions, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Psychology.
FAU Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, FAU offers a supportive academic environment for its students. The university is particularly well-regarded for its research, with numerous research centers and institutes providing opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
FAU Diversity
FAU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is comprised of individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, and FAU actively promotes diversity through initiatives such as the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and the Women and Gender Equity Resource Center.
FAU Students
FAU students can choose from over 300 student organizations and clubs, catering to a wide variety of interests. These organizations provide opportunities for students to engage in academics, athletics, community service, and cultural activities.
FAU Campus
FAU’s 850-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, and recreational facilities. The campus features a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Mediterranean Revival to contemporary designs.
FAU Alumni
Notable FAU alumni include Major League Baseball player Jeff Fiorentino, former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mirta Ojito. The university’s alumni network provides support and networking opportunities for current students and recent graduates.
FAU Rankings
In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, FAU is ranked #272 in National Universities and #134 in Top Public Schools.
FAU Outcomes
According to FAU, 91% of graduates secure employment or pursue further education within six months of graduation. The university’s focus on research and innovation helps prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
SMU vs FAU Cost Comparision
When comparing the costs of attending SMU and FAU, it is important to consider both tuition and fees and the overall cost of attendance, which includes room and board, books, and transportation. As a private university, SMU’s tuition and fees are significantly higher than those at FAU, a public institution.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student at SMU is $58,540, while at FAU, in-state students pay $6,360, and out-of-state students pay $18,410. Additionally, room and board costs at SMU are approximately $17,620, compared to $11,940 at FAU.
However, it is essential to consider financial aid and scholarship opportunities, which can help offset these costs for eligible students. Both universities offer various scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to help make their education more affordable.
SMU vs FAU Admissions Difficulty
SMU has a more competitive admissions process than FAU, with an acceptance rate of approximately 47% compared to FAU’s 59%. Prospective students applying to SMU should have a strong academic record, as the middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1300 and 1460 and an ACT score between 29 and 33.
In comparison, the middle 50% of admitted students at FAU have an SAT score between 1080 and 1250 and an ACT score between 21 and 26. While both universities value extracurricular involvement, SMU’s more selective admissions process may make it more challenging to gain acceptance, especially for students without strong academic records.
SMU vs FAU Academic Difficulty
Both SMU and FAU offer rigorous academic programs, but the level of difficulty may vary depending on the specific program or major. SMU’s smaller student-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows for more personalized attention and a higher level of academic support for students, which could lead to a more challenging curriculum.
FAU, on the other hand, has a larger student-faculty ratio of 21:1, which may result in larger class sizes and a different academic experience. However, both universities have a strong commitment to research, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
SMU vs FAU Outcome Comparision
Graduates of both SMU and FAU have a high rate of success in securing employment or continuing their education after graduation. According to SMU, 94% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, while FAU reports a 91% success rate for its graduates.
Although both universities provide a solid foundation for students to succeed in their chosen fields, the difference in rankings and reputation between SMU and FAU may influence post-graduation outcomes. SMU’s higher ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list and its strong alumni network may provide additional networking opportunities and support for graduates as they enter the workforce or pursue further education.
