We’re worth it because you are
You’re bright and hardworking. We want you here. That’s why we are passionate about matching our rigorous academics, powerful opportunities and incredible classroom-to-career experiences with access to outstanding financial resources – so that you can become who you want to be, regardless of your financial need.
Find an Excellent Return on Your College Investment
But don’t just take our word for it. Forbes counts us among the “schools with the highest quality and best financial outcomes” in its 2019 “Best Value Colleges” ranking.
We are among only 300 institutions nationwide that are worth
the investment based on:
- Quality
- Net price
- Net debt
- Alumni earnings
- Timely graduation
- Access for low-income students
#1 area for jobs
Forbes ranked the Dallas area No. 1 among big cities in 2018.
#1 in STEM jobs
DFW is the No. 1 metro area according to an American Enterprise Institute study.
#11 in merit aid
in Money’s “2019 Best Colleges.”
Top 5% in pay
for graduates across a range of fields, according to College Factual.
4 out of 5 receive aid
Nearly 80% of first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships.
72% without debt
at the time of graduation.
How we help you afford an outstanding SMU education
1. We reward academic achievement
We will also consider your family’s financial situation. Our financial packages combine academic awards and need-based financial aid.
2. We automatically consider you for academic awards, many of which can be combined
When you apply to SMU, you will be automatically considered for SMU awards when you apply by your chosen application deadline: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.
3. We work hard to meet your needs
We provide need-based aid for your unique financial circumstances and partner with you to explore a combination of federal, state and SMU-funded awards, including grants, loans and work-study options.
SMU’s most distinguished awards
- President’s Scholars
- Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars (separate essay required)
- Academic achievement scholarships
- Academic school and departmental scholarships
- National Merit Scholarships
- International Baccalaureate Scholars
Learn more at smu.edu/academicscholarships.
How to apply
Simply submit two forms by your chosen application deadline: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early action or January 15 for Early Decision II or Regular Decision.These are priority deadlines. Both forms will be available October 1. If you have questions, please contact your assigned financial aid advisor.
1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
for federal and state aid
U.S. and dual citizens and permanent residents seeking eligibility for federal and state sources of aid must submit the FAFSA each year.
Visit fafsa.gov to file the FAFSA. Use SMU school code 003613.
2. The CSS Profile™
for institutional aid
For SMU Opportunity Awards, you must submit a CSS Profile™financial application each year. This will give our financial aid advisors more information to further assess your financial need. There is a $25 cost for completing the CSS Profile™.
Visit cssprofile.org to file the CSS Profile™. Use SMU school code 6660.
After you’ve been awarded any academic scholarships, your SMU financial aid advisor will review your FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE to put together a package of federal, state and SMU-funded awards, including grants, loans and work-study options, to meet your specific situation. Remember, you won’t know what your financial options are until you apply for admission.
FAQs
How do I apply for academic awards and when will I be notified?
Our academic awards reward hard work. If you apply by your chosen application deadline – November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision – you will be automatically considered for SMU academic awards. If you applied by November 1, you will be notified in early January. If you applied by January 15, you will be notified by mid-March.
How do I apply for need-based aid and when will I be notified?
The priority deadline to apply for financial aid corresponds with your chosen application deadline: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. You must file the FAFSA (for federal need-based consideration) and the CSS PROFILE™ (for SMU-funded opportunity awards) by these priority deadlines. If you applied by November 1, you will be notified in early January. If you applied by January 15, you will be notified by mid-March.
What kind of financial aid is available?
SMU offers academic scholarships, grants, loans and work-study awards.
How does SMU determine the amount of financial assistance?
FAFSA and CSS PROFILE™ information is sent to SMU, which compares the cost of attending SMU with the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)* for the student’s college education.
How do I receive more information about financial aid?
For more information about the academic award and financial aid process, call us at 214-768-2058 or 1-800-323-0672.
*According to the office of Federal Student Aid, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college or the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by your school to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive. †Units refer to the number of successfully completed high school courses in the core areas of English, math, social sciences, science and foreign language.