Southern Methodist University vs Tulane University

This page compares Southern Methodist University and Tulane University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Southern Methodist University is ranked #43 compared to #71 — a gap of 28 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Southern Methodist University has a median LSAT of 167 compared to 161, a gap of 6 points. This suggests applicants to Southern Methodist University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Southern Methodist University is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 24.6% compared to Tulane University's 40.0%.

Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, Texas, while Tulane University is in New Orleans, Louisiana. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

On cost, Southern Methodist University has lower tuition at $60,844 per year compared to $69,578. Combined with employment rates of 97.6% (SMU) and 89.0% (Tulane University), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Tulane University offered a median scholarship of $135,000 compared to $90,000, a difference of $45,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.