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

Item: SMU (Southern Methodist University)
Rating: 4
Author: Emergency Management Specialist/NIMS Compliance Officer

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

4.0

Aug 28, 2008

Overall a good place to work

Associate director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The very nature of working in higher ed means you are working towards a greater good. There is a family feel to being at SMU which is nice... just remember that every family has some dysfunction.

Cons

Like any university, it is rather political. There are a lot of folks that have worked at SMU forever and thus have positions they earned because of time versus actual skill. If you are mindful of that and are willing to play the game, it is a good place to work. The only other downside of SMU is the compensation. Depending on what school or area you work in, you are expected to work a typical "corporate" job but you are only paid at the "not-for-profit" level.

4.0

Jun 12, 2008

Is Higher-Ed Keeping Pace with National Preparedness?

Emergency management specialist/nims compliance officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The "city within a big city" feel of the urban campus. The atmosphere is open and diverse with many opportunities to experience multi-cultural events (ie., lectures, plays, museums, political and financial forums, etc. SMU is a beautiful campus with large trees and Georgian architecture. Whether you are a staff member or a visitor, you can find a place (on foot) to retreat for a tasty lunch with a friend or time off to regroup during those occassional times when life throws you an unexpected curve.

Cons

It is very de-centralized and as an emergency manager, I find the silo-ed methods of training staff, developing new policies and communicating are counter-productive to preparedness, prevention, response and recovery during emergencies.

Viewing 1069 - 1070 of 1,070 Reviews

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