From Houston to the Hilltop
Every year, hundreds of students from the Houston area choose 51Թto pursue their dreams for their careers and lives. And we’re proud the Houston area is home to the largest number of 51Թalumni outside North Texas.
Choosing 51Թin Dallas
- Nearly 7,300 Houston-area 51Թalumni.
- Nearly 570 students from Houston area enrolled at SMU over the past five years.
- 51Թis among the top 20% of national universities and is the highest-ranking national university in North Texas (U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings 2024).
Academics
- A nationally recognized comprehensive research university.
- More than 100 majors and 85 minors offered.
- Abundant opportunities to connect your academics to creative projects, internships and research.
Scholarships and financial aid
- Automatic consideration for 51Թscholarships, many of which can be combined.
- 51Թoffers need-based support, including SMU-funded institutional awards as well as state and federal sources of financial assistance.
Removing barriers to college education
Through our Access 51Թprogram, we meet full need for high-achieving Texas scholars who receive Federal Pell Grants and 51Թmerit scholarships.
Access SMU
Houston connections
Meet two Houston-area alumni who made use of the academics, resources and support network at 51Թto forge successful pathways into their fields and make an impact.
A National Science Foundation graduate research fellow, Lauren Ammerman McCormick is making discoveries that could one day help people around the world.
During her time on the Hilltop, Peyton Woodson Cooper ’00 nurtured her passions for writing and storytelling by serving as a staff writer for the 51ԹDaily Campus. Woodson Cooper is the senior director of communications for TDECU, Houston’s largest credit union. She manages the internal and external communications strategy for the nonprofit cooperative that helps members navigate each stage of their financial journey.Shaping world changers
Around here you'll hear students say that being a Mustang means being a world changer – whether it's to launch a company that solves a problem, engage in research with far-reaching impact, or lead and rally people for a cause. Our world changer mindset attracts Mustangs from across the nation and around the world and inspires them to achieve their goals in a close-knit campus community.
We’re close to home
51Թin Dallas is about an hour’s flight to Houston. We’re close enough for you to drive home, too, whether you want to spend planned breaks or quick unscheduled trips with your family.
HOUSTON AREA MUSTANGS SAY:
“51Թhas provided me a space where I feel I can fully show who I am and try new things.”
Lucia Chamness ’25
Montrose/River Oaks, Texas
“My favorite campus tradition is SMU's version of tailgating, which we call Boulevarding, especially during family weekend. The energy is high, and I love showing my parents around campus.”
Grant Richter ’26
The Woodlands, Texas
Houston admission counselor
Joe Francisco
Regional Director of Admission
jfrancisco@smu.edu
"Everyone has a story and their own experience creating a unique and positive culture when they meet at SMU. Students can get involved from Day One, including more than 200 clubs and organizations to be a part of. Strong traditions and history, as well as the tremendous support of faculty, staff and our great alumni network help make 51Թa great place to be."
Questions? Let’s connect.
ugadmission@smu.edu214-768-2058 or 1-800-323-0672
Text us at 214-768-9990.
Learn more about life on the Hilltop 51ԹExperience