Southern Methodist University's published cost of attendance is $85,606. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $23,544, middle-income families pay around $24,152, and higher-income families pay approximately $58,213.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $85,606 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,040 |
| Room and Board | $19,064 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$44,714 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $40,892 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $23,544 |
| $30–48k | $20,038 |
| $48–75k | $24,152 |
| $75–110k | $33,477 |
| $110k+ | $58,213 |
Southern Methodist University's published cost of attendance is $85,606. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $23,544, middle-income families pay around $24,152, and higher-income families pay approximately $58,213. Azimuth ranks Southern Methodist University #1328 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Southern Methodist University's aid structure combines need-based and merit-based components. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile; the university meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students according to its published aid policies. Merit scholarships are available for qualifying students, and work-study is offered as part of aid packages. The gap between sticker price and net price reflects the institution's commitment to need-based aid, though families should understand that net price and sticker price can differ substantially — the net price figures above are what typical families in each income band actually pay after aid. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $40,025; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $95,051, median federal debt of $19,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Southern Methodist University earn median 4-year earnings of $95,051, placing Southern Methodist University in the 93.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs well above the $67,139 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Graduates earn about $19,869 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Southern Methodist University in the 95.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Southern Methodist University #28 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern at Southern Methodist University is anchored in business and professional fields, consistent with its dominant concentration in Business. Finance stands out as the program combining the largest graduate cohort with strong four-year earnings, making it a key driver of the institution's overall return profile. Among the largest programs by scale, Finance program graduates 290 students and delivers median four-year earnings of $133,852, with Azimuth ranking the program #7 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions . The Economics program graduates 160 students with median four-year earnings of $91,701, and Azimuth ranks that program #90 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. On the higher-earning end, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication delivers median four-year earnings of $89,330, with Azimuth ranking it #1 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, while Psychology, General and Kinesiology round out a program mix that clusters strongly in finance, management, and applied business disciplines — fields that align well with TX's deep employer base in financial services, energy, and technology.
