SMU is on the rise – as a nationally ranked teaching and research University with a liberal arts tradition. We’re ready to support you as you pursue your passion. If you’re an ambitious, creative thinker, the Hilltop is the place for you.
In our community of more than 12,500 students, you will find the support and flexibility you need to do your best work. We’re broadening our academic offerings by adding undergraduate degrees across all areas of study.
All first-year students live on campus, bolstered by faculty mentors who live among the students, including our Honors Residential Community. Our leadership programs allow students to grow personally and professionally.
of all four-year U.S. universities for median earnings four years after graduation.
of the Best National Universities
(US News & World Report 2026)
Student-to-faculty ratio The average class size is 22 students.
Majors
Minors
Nationally recognized undergraduate schools and colleges
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We offer the academic flexibility and support to discover your passion. In fact, 1 in 4 undergraduates pursue two or more majors. Building on our Common Curriculum, you’ll have a solid foundation in liberal arts education that complements any field of study.
Explore all 100+ majors and 85 minors.
See how the Common Curriculum works.
At SMU, we want you to succeed – inside and outside of the classroom. That’s why we offer academic support and advising for all majors, regardless of field of study. This tailored, one-on-one approach helps you reach your goals.
Explore academic support services.
Learn about one-on-one academic advising.
Exceptional experiences await you at SMU. You’re sure to benefit from robust opportunities beyond the classroom.
See where you can study abroad.
Discover SMU Taos.
Pursue hands-on research through Engaged Learning.
Explore honors and scholars programs.
Graduation is just the beginning. We prepare you for meaningful professional development beyond the Hilltop. Our students take advantage of internship opportunities across all fields and all over the world.
Explore career support at the Hegi Family Career Development Center.
Discover internship and fellowship opportunities.
Students enjoy a holistic approach in our 11 Residential Commons, including the Honors Residential Community. In addition to living among their peers, students benefit from Faculty in Residence, who offer mentorship to residents.
See where first-year students live.
Meet our Faculty in Residence.
We offer 100+ majors and 85 minors across five nationally recognized undergraduate schools and colleges. Our flexible curriculum programs allow for students to create their own paths and find their own passions. In fact, one in four undergraduates choose to pursue two or more majors.
For Early Action and Early Decision I, the deadline is November 1. For Regular Decision and Early Decision II, the deadline is January 15. Explore which application is right for you.
When you submit your application to SMU, you are automatically considered for our generous variety of scholarships. Scholarships, grants and self-help aid such as loans and work-study opportunities are available to students who qualify. Notification times can vary for students who have completed their aid application (including FAFSA and CSS profileTM). Learn more about financial aid at SMU.
SMU offers a variety of academic support systems and programs to address all manner of needs. Plus, each student is assigned an academic advisor to help them navigate their journey to graduation.
Yes! Our University Honors Program is based on a broad education in the humanities and sciences and prepares students for a lifetime of intellectual curiosity. Students benefit from expert faculty, advisors and fellow students who are committed to their academic interests.
SMU offers a vast array of study abroad opportunities around the world, and for a variety of terms. Check out our offerings and talk to your academic advisor.
Our Hegi Family Career Development Center is committed to helping students find internships and jobs, polish their resumes, work on interview skills and more. Plus, our 62,000 alumni in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (plus our 140,000-plus alumni worldwide) are eager to assist new Mustangs launching their careers.
You may register during orientation, which you complete after you have applied and been admitted to SMU. Orientation is available for both incoming first-year students and transfer students.
Upon entering SMU, you will begin fulfilling two general sets of requirements necessary to graduate: the Common Curriculum that all students must satisfy regardless of major and the requirements specified by the major itself. At orientation, first-year students are assigned a professional advisor who will work with you regarding selection of classes. You are required to connect with him/her before registration each semester, and you can also set up appointments on your own time throughout the semester.
The liberal arts disciplines include the humanities, the natural and the mathematical sciences, and the social sciences. With a foundation in the liberal arts, the SMU student gets a complete education – as a professional in a chosen career, a citizen in the world of ideas, and a full-fledged participant in life itself. SMU’s general requirements in the liberal arts (the Common Curriculum) provide students with an exceptional educational opportunity.
Upon entering SMU, you may declare your intended major. All students enter the University through Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. You may not officially declare your major until you have successfully completed at least 24 hours and satisfied the entrance requirements for your intended major.
The average class size is 22. Seventy percent of our classes contain 25 students or less. SMU students learn from senior faculty in small classes with a ratio of 11:1.
The Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act of 1974 states that no personally identifiable information from a student’s record will be disclosed to a third party without prior written consent from the student. Grades may be released to parents if either the student completes a release form or the parent completes a Declaration of Dependency form. These releases are available in the Registrar’s office. Once SMU has an approved release on file then the parent or student can request an official transcript.
The GPA mid-50% based on an unweighted 4.0 scale is 3.53–3.94. The ACT mid-50% highest composite based on a 36-point scale is 30–34. The SAT mid-50% highest sections based on a 1600-point scale is 1360–1480.
Regardless of a student’s state of residency or citizenship, tuition and fees for the current 2026–2027 academic year are $71,816; the estimated average housing and meal plans are $20,950.