Baylor vs SMU for accounting: which is better for internships and recruiting?

SMU has the edge for accounting internships and recruiting, mainly because of its Dallas location and the density of employer access that comes with it. For accounting in particular, being in a major business hub matters a lot, and SMU students tend to have easier year-round access to firms, alumni, and part-time semester internships without needing to relocate. Cox also has a strong reputation in Texas business circles, which helps with networking.

The biggest differentiator is proximity to employers. Dallas is one of the strongest markets in Texas for accounting, finance, and corporate internships, so SMU students can attend more in-person events, do internships during the school year, and build relationships before junior summer recruiting ramps up. That kind of repeated exposure is valuable for Big Four, mid-size firms, and corporate accounting roles.

Another advantage is alumni connectivity. SMU’s business alumni base is especially concentrated in Dallas, and that often translates into more direct recruiting pipelines, coffee chats, and referrals in the local market. For a field like accounting, where firms recruit in structured ways but still value familiarity and relationships, that network can make the process more accessible.

Baylor is still a very solid option, and its accounting program is well respected. Students there do land strong internships and jobs, including with major accounting firms, so this is not a case where Baylor would close doors. But the recruiting experience is usually a bit less plugged into one major metro on a daily basis, which can matter if internships and networking are your top priority.

If your main goal is maximizing access to internships and recruiter visibility while you’re still in college, SMU is the more advantageous choice.