Is SMU (Southern Methodist University) a good company to work for?

SMU (Southern Methodist University) has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 1,178 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months. 78% of employees would recommend working at SMU (Southern Methodist University) to a friend and 66% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about SMU (Southern Methodist University) have been left by employees working as Student Assistant , Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant .

Does SMU (Southern Methodist University) pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, SMU (Southern Methodist University) employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.5 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at SMU (Southern Methodist University). This rating has decreased by 7% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at SMU (Southern Methodist University)?

78% of SMU (Southern Methodist University) employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated SMU (Southern Methodist University) 4.1 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.9 for culture and values and 3.5 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at SMU (Southern Methodist University)?

Research Assistant (69) , Teaching Assistant (41) , Student Worker (29) , Graduate Teaching Assistant (28) , Graduate Research Assistant (24) , Assistant Director (22) , Director (21) , Student Assistant (17) , Tutor (14) , Assistant Professor (13) , Coordinator (11) , Associate Director (10) , Graduate Student (10) , Undergraduate Research Assistant (10) , Administrative Assistant (9)

What are the pros of working at SMU (Southern Methodist University) according to real employee reviews?

"Beautiful offices and campus." ((in 88 reviews)); "Great benefits and work environment" ((in 77 reviews)); "All the people here are nice and knowledgable" ((in 69 reviews)); "very flexible hours and able to work around your schedule" ((in 44 reviews)); "Meadows had a great culture." ((in 23 reviews))

What are the cons of working at SMU (Southern Methodist University) according to real employee reviews?

"Pay is low; Lack of pay" ((in 78 reviews)); "Low salaries and healthcare covers nothing" ((in 37 reviews)); "Management is poor." ((in 17 reviews)); "Pay isn't great, parking is annoying" ((in 14 reviews)); "lack of diversity in some departments" ((in 11 reviews))

What are employees saying about SMU (Southern Methodist University) layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about SMU (Southern Methodist University) layoffs and their outlook for job security at SMU (Southern Methodist University) in 2026.

What are the top reviewed SMU (Southern Methodist University) locations?

Dallas , Plano , Dallas-Fort Worth , Carrollton , Dallas , University Park , Herndon , New York , Portland , Allen , Frisco , Irving , McKinney , Rowlett , Waxahachie , Houston , Dallas , Dallas , Highland Park

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SMU (Southern Methodist University)

SMU (Southern Methodist University) reviews

4.2

78% would recommend to a friend

(1,070 total reviews)

R. Gerald Turner

92% approve of CEO

66% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.1

Work/Life balance

4.0

Diversity & inclusion

3.9

Culture & values

3.7

Senior management

3.5

Compensation and benefits

3.5

Career opportunities

SMU (Southern Methodist University) has an employee rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 1,070 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The SMU (Southern Methodist University) employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Education industry (3.7 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

1K reviews

5.0

Jan 12, 2010

Very good experiences

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good network, good professors, a lot of opportunities, nice campus Reasonable salary Convenient trafic Delicious food good working environment It is in Dallas

Cons

A little bit too small, which results difficulty for collabration People here in SMU do not care about football at all. A little dissappointed

3.0

Dec 5, 2008

great staff job if you don't really need the money.

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The only possible reason that anyone would ever have to work for Southern Methodist University in Dallas is that the university provides tuition benefits for its employees and its dependents. Many people who work for the university I am positive work only for for this perk , because it isn't the pay (which is low, but what can you really expect from education?) and the fact that most of the staff jobs on campus are REALLY low stress. Most of the administration is out by 3pm on Friday afternoon, and the place is dead on the weekends, so don't worry about having to come in much for extra time.

Cons

First of all, the pay. It is horrendously low. If you are in any sort of professional position it does not pay to work in education, period. Teaching (professors) get paid pretty well, although there is a big disparity in the schools that bring in the donations (business, law) and those that don't (arts, general studies).

4.0

Nov 20, 2008

Family environment, but there's a downside to that

Administrative assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent benefits and compensation. The employee tuition waiver is especially nice. Many of my coworkers are working toward a graduate degree. Staff, faculty, and students all get to ride public transportation for free which is nice when gas is so expensive. Employee discounts on restaurants, computer software, and gear. Depending on what school you work in, there may a lot of perks such as nice lunches out, free football tickets, and expensive birthday gifts.

Cons

If you have a bad boss, the compensation doesn't make up for it. Believe me: I know. If you work in an underfunded department, you won't get paid as well. Several friends work in similar jobs and make much less than I do. As in any university, nepotism is rampant. Advancement is not about performance; it's about schmoozing. Several associates in my area got their positions just by saying they wanted them. There is also reverse ageism. Younger employees have no voice and are treated as if they do not know their job, even if their performance is exemplary. However all of this is a hazard of working in higher education in general.

Viewing 1066 - 1068 of 1,070 Reviews

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Jobs at SMU (Southern Methodist University)

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Very good experiences

great staff job if you don't really need the money.

Family environment, but there's a downside to that

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