A recent Forbes article points to a shift in college admissions: families are moving past the Ivy fixation, and students are making different choices. Southern Methodist University is highlighted as part of a new class of universities offering academic rigor, a strong campus culture, clear career pathways, and an influential alumni network.

Students today look beyond academics alone. They want a campus that feels alive—a place where the experience clicks in ways rankings and numbers can’t capture. SMU delivers that “this is it” moment.

Key points from Forbes:
-Families want both strong academics and a balanced campus culture.
“Vibe schools” are academically strong, selective without being cutthroat, located in lifestyle-friendly regions, and seen as stable.
-Social media now plays a major role in shaping how campuses are perceived.
-SMU was placed alongside universities such as Richmond, Villanova, and Wake Forest—recognized for academic strength, vibrant culture, and lasting relevance in a shifting admissions landscape.

SMU was spotlighted as a leading example—with Cox School of Business, direct pipelines into Dallas and beyond, a polished campus culture, and a network that extends far past graduation.

We are proud to see our alma mater recognized among the universities shaping this new era.