American Colleges With The Highest-Earning Graduates From Coast to Coast

43. Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, Texas

SMU blends liberal arts education with powerhouse business and engineering programs—especially through its Cox School of Business and Lyle School of Engineering. Located in Dallas, a booming business and tech center, SMU offers access to high-level internships and job offers at top firms like AT&T, EY, and Texas Instruments. Graduates frequently earn starting salaries above $75,000 and benefit from a strong alumni network across finance, consulting, and energy sectors. With deep connections to Texas’s economic engine and a campus culture that emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurship, SMU sets up its students not just for jobs—but for long-term career growth and earnings.