by our College Data Analytics TeamMake the best college choice by understanding the true cost of college. Start by understanding the yearly costs at Southern Methodist University.
On this page you will find:
This school prices housing and dining separately. The on-campus housing cost for a typical student was $11,734 in 2026, and the cost of a typical dining plan was $7,330. Altogether, an on-campus student at Southern Methodist University faced a yearly bill of about $25,162 in 2026 after factoring in housing, meals, books and other essentials.
Discover housing costs for both on-campus and off-campus, as well as meals and other expenses at Southern Methodist University.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $21,762 | $14,012 |
| — Housing | $11,734 | |
| — Meals | $7,330 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $2,600 | $2,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 | $800 |
| Total | $25,162 | $17,412 |
Housing and dining costs rarely hold still from one year to the next. Knowing where it is headed helps you budget for the full degree, not just year one.
The projected four-year total comes to about $107,069 for living costs.
Below is how room and board has changed across recent reported years — and where current trends point — at Southern Methodist University.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $20,038 |
| Two Years Ago | $20,350 |
| One Year Ago | $20,830 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $21,762 |
| One Year From Now * | $22,386 |
| Two Years From Now * | $23,028 |
| Three Years From Now * | $23,688 |
| Four Years From Now * | $24,367 |
* estimated
Year over year, room and board rose an average of 2.9% per year. At the same pace next year, the total would be roughly $25,786 in housing, food and other costs their first year.
By their final year, a student might pay about $27,767 for a four-year (bachelor’s) degree, and about $26,428 in their second and final year.
For a full bachelor’s degree, expect to spend a total of around $107,069 over four years — compared with roughly $52,214 for a two-year (associate) degree.
Most schools raise housing and dining costs gradually each year, so today’s figure is unlikely to be what you pay all four years.
Curious about campus housing? The table below summarizes the on-campus living details for this school.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 3,449 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |