American vs Southern Methodist
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
BCatholic life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.American UniversityWashington, DCCatholic life on campusACatholic life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Southern Methodist UniversityDallas, TXCatholic life on campus
At a glance
- American lists Mass 6 times a week; Southern Methodist lists Mass every weekday.
- Southern Methodist has the higher graduation rate: 84% against 75% at American.
- Median debt is lower at Southern Methodist: $19,500, against $22,750 at American.
Catholic life
Faith or Catholic life grade
BCatholic life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
ACatholic life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
BCompass Score: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
ACompass Score: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
6 times a week
Every weekday
Confession times
3 times a week
Eucharistic adoration
Once a week
9 times a week
Campus ministry
2 listed
2 listed
The college
Control
Private nonprofit
Private nonprofit
Location
Washington, DC
Dallas, TX
Setting
City
Suburb
Students
13,019
11,842
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
62%
63%
Average SAT
1381
1428
ACT middle 50%
29–32
30–34
Graduation rate
75%
84%
First-year retention
88%
91%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$41,943
$40,892
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$23,233
$23,544
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$20,444
$20,038
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$26,035
$24,152
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$30,063
$33,477
Net price, over $110,000 income
$53,673
$58,213
Median debt
$22,750
$19,500
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$77,370
$78,354
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.