Master of Science in Finance Admissions

Admission to SMU Cox is highly selective. Just as you invest in your future by attending the school, we invest in ours by admitting top applicants to join the SMU Cox community.

Applying For The Cox MSF

Your application, supporting documents and personal interview are all very important to us, but most of all, we want to get to know you. Please reach out to us with your questions, try to visit us on campus so we can meet in person, and consider attending an admissions event or class. Studying at SMU Cox is an intimate experience and connections matter — starting now.

The SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance (MSF) is an Early Action 4+1 program. Meeting certain criteria, Cox undergraduates can supplement their business education by joining the MSF program immediately after graduation. The 4+1 program comes with a guaranteed scholarship. Ask us how!

MS in Finance Application Checklist

  • All Applicants students will need these items to complete an online application:

    • Current resume
    • Written essays
    • Unofficial transcripts for bachelors degree, institutions where 12 or more credit hours were taken, and graduate degrees if applicable. 
      • Degree progress reports must show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
      • Official transcripts from bachelors degree institution, institutions where 12 or more credit hours were taken, and graduate degrees are required for candidates offered admission.
    • Two references
      • Name and contact information only
      • Recommendation letters are not required nor requested from references
    • Optional: Unofficial GMAT or GRE score report

    International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application. This testing component is not a requirement. For applicants without a test score, we will assess the application based on a holistic review process that takes all your application components into consideration.

Application Deadlines

The SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance deadline dates are below. If you are ready to submit your application, please do not wait for a specific deadline. We will process your application when it is submitted. For any questions about Fall admission, please email gradadmissions@smu.eduto connect with a member of the admission team.

Deadlines for 2026 - 2027 Entry
Round  Application Due
 (11:59pm CST day of deadline)
1*  October 14, 2025
2*  January 13, 2026
3  March 10, 2026
4 April 21, 2026

5

 May 26, 2026
 Rolling Admissions based on availability after May 26, 2026

*Priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships

Tuition & Financing

Financing Your MSF

We recognize that financing your MSF is an important part of your decision-making process. A graduate business education is a significant investment, but one that can deliver a strong return, both professionally and personally. If additional funding is needed, we encourage you to explore available loan options and external scholarship opportunities to support your academic goals. Information on some of these sources can be found through Enrollment Services - Types of Aid page.

Merit-Based Scholarship Opportunities

SMU Cox offers merit-based scholarships to students exhibiting high academic potential. Candidates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships through the admissions process, no additional application required. These scholarships are based on academic performance. Citizenship is not considered in awarding scholarships.

Estimated Tuition & Fees Tuition $50,000
University and Program Fees $10,872
Health Center Fee $280
International Student Orientation Fee* $100
International Student Fee* $250
Total Tuition & Fees $61,502
Estimated Living Expenses** Housing $24,528
Other Expenses (Books, supplies, health insurance, transportation, etc.) $11,347
Total Estimated Living Expenses $35,875
Total Estimated Program Cost $97,377
*This fee may not apply to all students and depends on international student status.

**This estimated total is based on a 9-month school year for the 2026-27 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. If family members accompany the student, add $9,000 if 1 dependent (spouse or child) and $4,500 for each dependent after 1.     
Example Semester Cost Tuition (assuming 8-credit hour enrollment) $12,560
  University Fees $2,704
Program Fees $693
Health Center Fee $140
Media Fees $10
Estimated Per Semester $16,107
  Estimated Total Cost (all credit hours)*
 $68,244

*Tuition and fees are based on 2026-2027 academic year rates and do not reflect future possible tuition and fee increases from year to year.

FAQs

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