Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · founded 1911 · 12,000 students · private research university · American Athletic Conference

Known for: SMU is recognized for its beautiful, Georgian-style campus in the affluent University Park area of Dallas, its strong programs in business, law, and the performing arts, and its historic ties to the Dallas business community.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #89
QS World: #801
Times Higher Education: #601
Forbes: #97

Top programmes

Cox School of Business
Dedman School of Law
Meadows School of the Arts
Engineering
Theology
Humanities

Notable alumni

Laura Bush — Former First Lady of the United States
Kathy Bates — Academy Award-winning actress
Beth Van Duyne — U.S. Representative from Texas
John Toll — Academy Award-winning cinematographer
Chester A. Newland — Renowned public administration scholar
James Cronin — Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Sheryl Swoopes — Basketball Hall of Fame player
Ray Washburne — Former U.S. Ambassador to Iceland and businessman

Traditions

Boulevard (pre-game tailgating on Bishop Boulevard)
Peruna's entrance at football games
Meadows Museum visits
Family Weekend

If Southern Methodist University were…

As a food: Wagyu beef with truffle sauce — Like SMU, it's premium, indulgent, and meticulously crafted for those who appreciate luxury and tradition with a modern twist.
As an athlete: Roger Staubach — Both are Dallas icons blending elite performance with polished, all-American charm and a legacy of winning through strategic plays.
As a person alive today: Beyoncé — Powerhouse talent with deep Texas roots, flawless presentation, and a brand that merges ambition with Southern elegance—just like SMU's ethos.
As a historical figure: John D. Rockefeller — Industrial-era titan who built empires through networking, wealth, and strategic philanthropy—mirroring SMU's business-first, donor-driven culture.
As a movie or TV show: Dallas (TV series) — A saga of oil money, family dynasties, and high-stakes drama set against a glossy Texan backdrop—SMU is the academic version with its own Southfork-esque campus.
As a US president: George H.W. Bush — Patrician, preppy, and politically connected with a Texas base—SMU embodies his blend of Ivy League polish and Southern strategy.
As a city: Dallas — Flashy, corporate, and unashamedly prosperous—SMU is the academic heart of this city's blend of old money and new ambition.
As an element: Gold — Precious, conductive of power and wealth, and always in style—SMU operates like the elemental form of networking and legacy.
As a car: 2023 BMW 740i — SMU channels Dallas country-club elegance with German engineering credentials—polished, pre-professional, and perpetually parked in Highland Park, where Greek letters and business cards are handed out with equal frequenc

Campus life

Campus life is characterized by a blend of Southern tradition, strong Greek life, and a pre-professional focus, with many students pursuing internships in Dallas. The social scene is active, with a strong emphasis on football and campus events.