Texas Southern University (TSU) vs. Southern Methodist University (SMU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to TSU or SMU?“
Texas Southern University (TSU)
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Texas Southern University (TSU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Texas Southern University (TSU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Texas Southern University (TSU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Texas Southern University (TSU) | Southern Methodist University (SMU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $8,726 | $48,190 |
| Net Price | $19,221 | $32,580 |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,257 | $31,888 |
| Total Undergraduates | 6696 | 6348 |
| Average SAT Scores | 725 - 900 | 1220 - 1410 |
| Acceptance Rate | 51 | 49 |
| Location | 3100 Cleburne St | 6425 Boaz St |
| City Name | Houston | Dallas |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Texas Southern University (TSU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Houston and Dallas. TSU is in a East South Central and SMU is in a East South Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Texas Southern University (TSU) or Southern Methodist University (SMU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Southern Methodist University (SMU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Texas Southern University (TSU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do TSU Dorms Compare to housing Options at SMU?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. TSU charges for on-campus living, while SMU charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
TSU and SMU student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Texas Southern University (TSU), % | SMU,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2.4 | 65.31 |
| Hispanic | 6.18 | 11.44 |
| Black | 80.03 | 4.62 |
| Foreign | 7.59 | 7.920000000000001 |
| Others | 3.8 | 10.7 |
How different is the Texas Southern University (TSU) campus compared to Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus?
The TSU campus is located in Houston, TX and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more). The SMU campus is located in Dallas, TX and is characterized as Suburb: Large (outside principal city, in urbanized area with population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
TSU provides $5,257 whereas SMU provides an average of $31,888.
How does TSU academics compare to SMU?
When analyzing academics between Texas Southern University (TSU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | TSU | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | N/A | 12 |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | N/A | N/A |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 86 | 175 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 12 | 41 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 38 | 168 |
| Education | N/A | 21 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 56 | N/A |
Which is better: Texas Southern University (TSU) or Southern Methodist University (SMU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between TSU and SMU. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does TSU social life compare to SMU?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how TSU social life differs from SMU.
Check here.
Check here.