SMU vs Tulane University Introduction
In this article, we are comparing two well-known universities, Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Tulane University. To make an informed decision about which institution is the right fit for you, it’s essential to consider factors like the cost of attendance, admission requirements, academic programs, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes. Read on for a comprehensive comparison of these two esteemed schools.
SMU Overview
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private, research-oriented university located in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1911, SMU is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and fine arts. With a student population of about 12,000, SMU offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its diverse student body.
SMU Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year at SMU is $76,710, including tuition, fees, room, and board. SMU offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to eligible students, which can significantly lower the overall cost.
SMU Admissions
SMU’s acceptance rate for the fall 2021 class was 47%, making it a moderately selective institution. The middle 50% SAT and ACT range for admitted students were 1280-1460 and 28-33, respectively. In addition to test scores, SMU also considers factors such as GPA, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated interest in the university.
SMU Degrees Offered
SMU offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 75 minors across its seven schools, including business, engineering, and liberal arts. Popular majors at SMU include finance, marketing, psychology, and mechanical engineering.
SMU Academics
SMU has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, which enables students to receive personalized attention from professors. SMU also offers numerous research opportunities, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities for students to enhance their academic experience.
SMU Diversity
SMU’s undergraduate population consists of approximately 53% female and 47% male students. Around 25% of the student body identifies as a member of an ethnic minority group, with the largest representation coming from Hispanic and Asian students.
SMU Students
SMU students have access to over 200 clubs and organizations, as well as numerous social, cultural, and recreational activities on campus. There are also 14 varsity sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.
SMU Campus
The SMU campus spans 234 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The campus offers various resources for students, including a state-of-the-art library, recreational facilities, and dining options.
SMU Alumni
Notable SMU alumni include former first lady Laura Bush, CEO of AT&T Randall Stephenson, and fashion designer Lela Rose.
SMU Rankings
SMU is ranked #66 in the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities rankings and #23 in the Best Value Schools category.
SMU Outcomes
According to SMU’s 2020 post-graduate survey, 90% of graduates found employment or pursued further education within six months after graduation. The average starting salary for SMU graduates is $57,000.
Tulane University Overview
Tulane University is a private, research-oriented university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1834, Tulane is known for its diverse academic offerings, strong emphasis on community engagement, and vibrant campus life. With a student population of around 14,000, Tulane provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its students.
Tulane Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year at Tulane is $79,056, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Tulane offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to eligible students, which can help reduce the overall cost.
Tulane Admissions
Tulane’s acceptance rate for the fall 2021 class was 21%, making it a highly selective institution. The middle 50% SAT and ACT range for admitted students were 1350-1490 and 31-34, respectively. Tulane’s holistic admission process considers factors such as GPA, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays.
Tulane Degrees Offered
Tulane offers over 70 undergraduate majors and minors across its five schools, including architecture, business, liberal arts, public health, and science and engineering. Popular majors at Tulane include finance, psychology, public health, and biology.
Tulane Academics
Tulane has a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, which allows for personalized attention from professors. The university is also renowned for its emphasis on community engagement, offering numerous service-learning opportunities for students.
Tulane Diversity
Tulane’s undergraduate population consists of approximately 60% female and 40% male students. Around 30% of the student body identifies as a member of an ethnic minority group, with the largest representation coming from Hispanic and Asian students.
Tulane Students
Tulane students can participate in over 300 clubs and organizations and enjoy a vibrant campus life full of social, cultural, and recreational activities. There are also 16 varsity sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.
Tulane Campus
Tulane’s picturesque campus spans 110 acres in the historic Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans. The campus features a mix of modern and historic architecture, as well as numerous resources for students, including a state-of-the-art library, recreation center, and dining venues.
Tulane Alumni
Notable Tulane alumni include bestselling author John Kennedy Toole, former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walter Isaacson.
Tulane Rankings
Tulane is ranked #42 in the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities rankings and #37 in the Best Value Schools category.
Tulane Outcome
According to Tulane’s 2020 post-graduate survey, 91% of graduates found employment or pursued further education within six months after graduation. The average starting salary for Tulane graduates is $62,000.
SMU vs Tulane University Cost Comparison
While both SMU and Tulane have high sticker prices, their generous financial aid packages can significantly reduce the overall cost for eligible students. The estimated total cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year at SMU is $76,710, while it is $79,056 at Tulane. It’s worth noting that individual financial situations will heavily influence the actual cost for each student, so comparing financial aid packages is essential in determining which school is more affordable.
SMU vs Tulane University Admissions Difficulty
Tulane University is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 21% for the fall 2021 class, compared to SMU’s 47%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT ranges for admitted students at Tulane are also higher (1350-1490 and 31-34) than those at SMU (1280-1460 and 28-33). However, both schools employ a holistic admissions process, taking into account factors beyond test scores and GPAs.
SMU vs Tulane University Academic Difficulty
Both SMU and Tulane offer rigorous academic programs, with smaller class sizes and close faculty-student interaction. SMU has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, while Tulane’s is 8:1. Although both schools provide challenging coursework, Tulane’s emphasis on community engagement and service-learning may present additional challenges for some students.
SMU vs Tulane University Outcome Comparison
Post-graduation outcomes are strong for both SMU and Tulane. According to their 2020 post-graduate surveys, 90% of SMU graduates and 91% of Tulane graduates found employment or pursued further education within six months after graduation. The average starting salary for Tulane graduates ($62,000) is slightly higher than that for SMU graduates ($57,000). Ultimately, individual career goals, academic interests, and campus fit will play a significant role in determining which school is the better choice.
