The Vision of Southern Methodist University

To create and impart knowledge that will shape citizens who contribute to their communities and lead their professions in a global society.

The Mission of Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University will create, expand and impart knowledge through teaching, research and service, shaping world changers who contribute to their communities and excel in their professions in a global society. Among its faculty, students and staff, the University will cultivate principled thought, develop intellectual skills and promote an environment emphasizing individual dignity and worth. SMU affirms its historical commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry, to moral and ethical values, and to its United Methodist heritage.

Southern Methodist University

As a private, comprehensive university enriched by its United Methodist heritage and its partnership with the Dallas Metroplex, Southern Methodist University seeks to enhance the intellectual, cultural, technical, ethical and social development of a diverse student body. SMU offers undergraduate programs centered on the liberal arts; excellent graduate and continuing education programs; and abundant opportunities for access to faculty in small classes, research experience, international study, leadership development, and off-campus service and internships, with the goal of preparing students to be contributing citizens and leaders for our state, the nation and the world.

SMU comprises eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Edwin L. Cox School of Business, Dedman School of Law, Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Perkins School of Theology, and Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

Founded in 1911 by what is now the United Methodist Church, SMU is non-sectarian in its teaching and is committed to the values of academic freedom and open inquiry.

At its opening session in 1915, the University had two buildings, 706 students, a 35-member faculty and total assets of $633,540.

Today, the University has more than 100 buildings, a total enrollment averaging more than 12,000 the past 3 years, a full-time faculty of 809 and assets of $4.5 billion - including an endowment of $2.3 billion (market value, June 30, 2025).

Offering only a handful of degree programs at its 1915 opening, the University presently awards over 100 baccalaureate degrees in more than 90 programs, within five schools. The university also offers a variety of graduate programs in all of its eight schools.

Of the 12,544 students enrolled for the 2025 fall term, 7,545 were undergraduates and 4,999 were graduate students. The full-time equivalent enrollment was 9,357 for undergraduates and 5,015 for graduate students.

Nearly all the students in SMU's first class came from Dallas County, but now more than 50 percent of the University's undergraduate student body comes from outside Texas. In a typical school year, students come to SMU from every state; from more than 80 foreign countries; and from all races, religions and economic levels.

Undergraduate enrollment is 51 percent female. Graduate and professional enrollment is 49 percent female.

A majority of SMU undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. In 2025-2026, 68 percent of first-year students received some form of financial aid, and 34 percent of first-year students received need-based financial aid.

Management of the University is vested in a board of trustees of civic, business and religious leaders - Methodist and non-Methodist. The founders' first charge to SMU was that it become not necessarily a great Methodist university, but a great university.

Academic Accreditation

Southern Methodist University: Regional and National Accreditations and Cycles