College comparison

SMU vs The University of the South

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	SMU Dallas, TX	The University of the South Sewanee, TN
Acceptance rateThe University of the South is more selective	63%	57%
SAT (25–75)	1340–1490	1260–1390
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,277	1,607
Avg net price	$40,892	$27,872
Median earnings (10 yr)SMU reports higher median earnings	$78,354	$64,911
Graduation rate	84%	80%
Median debt	$19,500	$22,855
Economic mobility	1.8%	—
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Southern Methodist University or The University of the South harder to get into?

The University of the South is more selective: Southern Methodist University's acceptance rate is approximately 63% and The University of the South's is approximately 57% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University vs The University of the South?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University and 1260–1390 at The University of the South. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.