What parents want to know
Following are the “Top 10 questions parents ask” about SMU:

1
How does SMU help students choose the right course of study?

SMU offers nearly 80 majors, and a student’s first choice might not be the last. That's why we offer assistance every step of the way. Each student is assigned a professional adviser during his/her first year to discuss goals. Once a major is chosen, a faculty adviser in that field will mentor the student while at SMU. SMU is a two-time recipient of the Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Award from the National Recognition Program for Academic Advising. We constantly update our curriculum so that each student will enter life after college with a solid academic foundation and a major that can lead to many fulfilling careers. To further broaden the options, SMU offers honors programs, as well as interdisciplinary degree programs and dual degrees.

For more information, click here.

2
How does SMU prepare students for a career after graduation?

Here’s where SMU students have a real advantage. Dallas is the hub of the country’s fastest-growing private companies, according to a survey by Inc. magazine. Many of SMU’s career counselors, alumni, and faculty have professional career connections that can help students match their fields of study with internships – many for class credit – and possible jobs after graduation. Also, the Hegi Career Development Center is a valuable resource for students to find job prospects, perfect their résumés, and receive valuable advice about the job market.

For more information, click here.

3
What about scholarships at SMU?

The Scholarship Committee considers students for merit scholarships based on academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and interests. With their SMU application, students receive automatic consideration for most scholarships for which they are eligible. The Student Guide to America’s Best College Scholarships has recognized two of SMU’s top scholarship programs – the President’s Scholars and the Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars. Other SMU scholarship programs include Dean’s Scholars, SMU Scholars, University Scholars, and National Merit Scholars, to name a few.

For more information, click here.

4
What does an academic year at SMU cost?

Estimated costs for the 2006-2007 academic year
Tuition		25,400
Fees		3,230
Room and board		9,695
Total for two terms		$38,325

When you consider academic excellence, variety of majors, personal attention, cultural diversity, and a dynamic metropolitan location, you’ll see that SMU is more than the sum of its parts – it all adds up to an outstanding education. Tuition and fees cover only about three-fourths of the actual cost of educating each SMU student. University endowments, gifts, and other resources cover the remainder. SMU’s student charges are considerably lower than those of many private institutions with comparable reputations nationwide.

For more information, click here.

5
What kind of payment options does SMU offer?

We recognize that a college education is a major investment. That’s why we work with you one-on-one from the beginning to examine all financial aid options. More than 75 percent of SMU undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance, such as scholarships, grants, payment plans, and/or low-interest loans. With the SMU Monthly Payment Plan, you can pay for each term in five equal monthly payments. Or choose a Parent Loan, which enables parents of undergraduate students to borrow the full amount of tuition minus any applicable financial aid.

For more information, click here.

6
What are SMU's strengths?

SMU offers both breadth and depth based on individual interests. We offer a balance between challenging academics in small classes and vast opportunities to get involved and develop practical leadership skills. With four excellent undergraduate schools and nearly 80 majors, students enjoy a wide range of academic options, including multiple majors and/or minors. There are about 200 campus organizations, so finding a niche shouldn’t be a problem. We have a summer program at our campus in Taos, New Mexico. And to broaden horizons further, SMU’s popular Study Abroad Program offers students a chance to live and learn in places like Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Australia, and Mexico while earning college credit.

For more information, click here.

7
What kind of academic experience does SMU offer?

SMU is known for providing students with a well-rounded academic experience. Our faculty includes many celebrated scholars who are devoted to undergraduate education and cutting-edge research, often providing undergraduates with their own research projects. Many senior professors choose to teach first-year classes. Access to faculty is the key. Professors are available to students outside of class for advice and mentoring, allowing interactive relationships that can make the critical difference in a student’s learning experience. The quality of the total SMU experience means that students can fit in as well as stand out, choosing their own path to success.

For more information, click here.

8
What are classes like at SMU?

SMU is large enough to offer a wide choice of majors, yet classes are small enough to foster close faculty-student interaction and personal attention. With an undergraduate enrollment of 6,489 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, students can develop collaborative relationships with their instructors. Nearly 90 percent of full-time faculty members hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field. Sixty percent of undergraduate lecture sessions have fewer than 25 students. A name goes with a face, and that goes a great distance toward maximizing the classroom experience.

For more information, click here.

9
What tutorial services or academic support are available to students?

Advisers are available to share insights on study habits or refer students to the resources available around campus. At the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, known as the A-LEC, students can meet with individual tutors and study groups, or brush up on their study techniques with the help of computer programs and audio- and videotapes. The Language Learning Center offers advanced audio, video, laserdisc, and computer technologies to support language studies. Personal computers for students’ use are located throughout campus.

For more information, click here.

10
How can I find out if SMU is right for me?

We encourage students to visit and “try us on” – with or without their parents. One of the best ways to get a feel for campus life is by attending a Mustang Monday. We offer several each year, and we pack these programs with lots of information about our academic opportunities – like humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and the arts – as well as admission, scholarships, and financial aid. If you can't make it for a Mustang Monday, just give us a call at 214-768-2058 or 1-800-323-0672. We'll be happy to work with your schedule and provide you with a visit tailored to you!

For more information, click here.