From Houston to the Hilltop
Every year, hundreds of students from the Houston area choose 51²è¹Ý to pursue their dreams for their careers and lives. And we’re proud the Houston area is home to the largest number of 51²è¹Ý alumni outside North Texas.
Choosing 51²è¹Ý in Dallas
- Nearly 7,300 Houston-area 51²è¹Ý alumni.
- Nearly 570 students from Houston area enrolled at 51²è¹Ý over the past five years.
- 51²è¹Ý is 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 51²è¹Ý scholarships, many of which can be combined.
- 51²è¹Ý offers need-based support, including 51²è¹Ý-funded institutional awards as well as state and federal sources of financial assistance.
Removing barriers to college education
Through our Access 51²è¹Ý program, we meet full need for high-achieving Texas scholars who receive Federal Pell Grants and 51²è¹Ý merit scholarships.
Access 51²è¹Ý
Houston connections
Meet two Houston-area alumni who made use of the academics, resources and support network at 51²è¹Ý to 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 51²è¹Ý Daily 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
51²è¹Ý in 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:
“51²è¹Ý has 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 51²è¹Ý'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 51²è¹Ý. 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 51²è¹Ý a 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 51²è¹Ý Experience