Speaker addressing students at graduation ceremony

ACCESS SMU:
EMPOWERING TEXANS TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS

A unique initiative that helps exceptional Texas students who receive Federal Pell Grants and SMU merit scholarships pursue their college dreams.

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Go big for your dreams. SMU has your back.

Access SMU provides additional merit scholarships to meet full need for high-achieving scholars in Texas who receive Federal Pell Grants and SMU merit scholarships. Regardless of financial background, the dream of pursuing an exceptional college education at SMU is fully within reach. At SMU, your ideas, passion and drive help make our community strong. Our rigorous academics, distinguished faculty and incredible campus experiences forge lifelong connections and will launch your successful future.

Hannah Green
Figure:

“The Access SMU program has given me the opportunity to access SMU's high-ranking education without the overwhelming financial element. It has afforded me exposure to impressive professors, high-achieving individuals in the student body and many professional development opportunities! To all the prospective SMU students out there who are concerned about the financial investment of an SMU education, I can attest that the Access SMU program will open doors for your dreams!”

Hannah Green ’26
Turner Scholar

“When applying to college, I was looking for opportunity beyond just the classroom. SMU checked all the boxes – it has strong connections with Dallas businesses both small and large, creating endless opportunities for internships and career paths. I also valued small class sizes, which gave me direct access to professors and mentors. Honestly, I never would have thought SMU was within my reach, but Access SMU made it possible.”

Christopher Garcia ’25
Second Century Scholar
Turner Scholar

Christopher Garcia
Jouenee Jones
Figure:

“One of the main considerations I had when applying to college was cost. I was coming from a low-income household, and I wanted to have as little loans as possible. I had big dreams of moving out of state for college but promised my mom we would do whatever makes the most sense financially. That ended up being SMU due to the Access SMU scholarship I received. SMU opened up a whole new world for me. I enjoy the small class sizes with dedicated professors, the endless opportunities for leadership and community, and the connection to the professional world beyond my wildest dreams.”

Journee Jones ’26
Founders Scholarship

Access SMU eligibility requirements:
  • Enter SMU as a full-time, first-year student directly from high school.
  • Qualify for and receive a federal Pell Grant. 1
  • Receive a University, Founders', Second Century, Distinguished or Provost academic scholarship from SMU.
  • Have a permanent home address in Texas. 1
  • Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile®. 1
  • Family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $100,000 or less. 2

1. Additional qualifications and verification may be required.
2. With typical assets.

SMU BY THE NUMBERS:
WHERE EXCELLENCE MEETS IMPACT

At SMU, numbers tell a story of ambition and achievement. Our diverse community of scholars, creators and leaders drives innovation, shapes industries and makes a lasting impact – on campus, in Dallas and around the world.

PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY

12,544
Student enrollment

7,545 undergraduate/4,999 graduate (Fall 2025)

38%
Students of color

Numerous cultural backgrounds are represented across our undergraduate and graduate schools (Fall 2025)

200-plus
Ways to get involved

Choose from more than 200 student organizations where you can lead, serve and grow.

ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT

Dallas-Fort Worth’s
top-ranked university

SMU is the highest-ranked national university in Dallas-Fort Worth. (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

Top 1%
for liberal arts

Ranked among the nation’s top 1% for liberal arts, sciences and humanities bachelor’s programs. (College Factual 2025)

Strong
career outcomes

The average starting salary for SMU undergraduates, $76,609, is 16% higher than the national average of $65,677 (Class of 2024).

REACH AND OPPORTUNITY

140,000-plus
alumni worldwide

Mustangs thrive nationwide, with a strong presence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C.

Access
top employers

Multiple career centers help with pursuing internships or landing a job.

Real-world
experience

48% of students participate in internships or co-op programs (2024).

graduates posing on the Dallas Hall lawn

Learn more about SMU