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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Youā€™re bright and hardworking. We want you here. Thatā€™s why we are passionate about matching our rigorous academics, powerful opportunities and incredible classroom-to-career experiences with access to outstanding financial resources ā€“ so that you can become who you want to be, regardless of your financial need.

Also in Scholarships and Financial Aid

Find an Excellent Return on Your College Investment

But donā€™t just take our word for it. SMU is in the top 20% of schools nationwide in Forbes' Americas Top Colleges 2021 ranking. Forbes counts SMU among the schools who ā€œplaced well if their students graduated on time, secured high salaries and low debt, and went on to have successful careersā€ in its Top College ranking.

  • Top 5%

    SMU alumni among the top 5% of highest-paid graduates across a range of fields. College Factual 2022

  • #1

    DFW is among the best metro areas for STEM jobs.
    (WalletHub 2022)

  • 71%

    71% of students graduate without any student debt at all.

  • 3 out of 4

    First-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships.

  • Top 20%

    SMU ranks in the top 20% of Best Value Colleges.
    (PayScale 2021-22)

  • Best Cities for Jobs

    DFW area ranks among the best locations for jobs
    (WalletHub 2022)

How we help you afford an outstanding SMU education

  • We reward academic achievement

    We will also consider your familyā€™s financial situation. Our financial packages combine academic awards and need-based financial aid.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Student parade

SMUā€™s Most Distinguished Awards

  • Presidentā€™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

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 for scholarship and financial aid consideration. Both forms will be available October 1.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid

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 to file the FAFSA. Use SMU school code 003613.

The CSS Profileā„¢

For institutional aid.

For SMU-funded opportunity awards, you must submit a CSS Profileā„¢ financial aid application each year. This will give our financial aid advisors more information to further assess your financial need. There is a $25 cost for submitting the CSS Profileā„¢.

Visit to file the CSS Profileā„¢. Use SMU school code 6660.

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 ā€“ November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision ā€“ 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 financial 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 Profileā„¢ (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 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 Profileā„¢ information is sent to SMU, which compares the cost of attending SMU with the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)* for the studentā€™s college education.

*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.

Will I have a financial advisor at SMU?

SMU assigns a financial aid advisor to all students.

For more information about the academic award and financial aid process, call us at 214-768-2058 or 1-800-323-0672 or visit us smu.edu/value.