SMU welcomes largest class of new Mustangs this fall

SMU will welcome the largest first-year class in its history this fall, with more than 1,800 new students arriving on the Hilltop from across the United States and around the world.

The Class of 2030 embodies a new generation of students drawn to SMU’s combination of academic excellence, exceptional experiences, nationally competitive athletics and unique opportunities in Dallas. First-year applications for fall 2026 increased nearly 60% compared to two years earlier, indicating growing interest in SMU following its move to the ACC and the University’s continued momentum.

The incoming class ranks among the nation’s strongest academically. Among students who reported ACT scores and class rank, the average ACT score places first-year students among the top 5% nationally, and nearly half graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. More than 80% have completed AP or IB coursework – some of the most demanding in their high schools. Students represent 44 states, Washington, D.C., and 38 countries, reflecting the growing national and global reach of a university on the rise located in one of the nation’s most dynamic metropolitan areas.

“The Class of 2030 reflects the talent and ambition of today’s well-rounded, high-achieving students,” President Jay Hartzell said. “We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional students to the Hilltop, where they will learn from outstanding faculty, take advantage of the unparalleled opportunities in Dallas, and develop into principled leaders who will make a meaningful impact wherever they go.”

Highlights of the Class of 2030 include:

• Students graduated from 960 high schools in 38 countries.

• The class represents 44 states and the District of Columbia. The largest states outside of Texas are California, Florida, New York and Illinois.

• First-year students are pursuing more than 80 academic programs, including SMU’s new Bachelor of Arts in game development.
• 71 recruited student-athletes will compete for SMU in the ACC.
• Three out of four new students received scholarships or financial aid.
• At least 130 new first-year students are the first in their families to attend college.
• Nearly 250 students will receive Federal Pell Grants, which help those from low-income households access higher education.

SMU remains test-optional in its admission process for first-year undergraduates, recognizing that not all students have equal access to testing. However, the University continues to value SAT and ACT scores as part of the holistic review process. SMU encourages students to submit scores if they believe their results reflect their academic strengths. Dates, deadlines and an application checklist can be found on the undergraduate admission webpages for first-year students and transfer students. 

More information about the demographics of SMU’s incoming students for fall 2026 will be available here.