I don't spend too much time watching the band of any team but I like the energy of UH's.
I believe Hobart William Smith has more in common with SMU than UH does. HWS's Forbes ranking is #140 vs. low 80s for SMU. SMU academics are much better. It has a FBS football team and much more research activity and international reach. However, the student body is similarly well off and tuition costs are rather comparable.
HWS '16 profile:
Median family income (with need > or = 0) $144,022
Costs (2012-2013)
Tuition $43,484
Total Cost $56,000
I believe SMU's average family income from all students (not just those in need) is around $200K. Tuition is $39K and total cost is $57K.
UH's total cost, including on campus housing, is $23K. I'd guess that the average family income is more like $75-80K. The average SAT score of the 600 incoming Honors College students is over 1340. Most of those students could get into SMU. Why did they choose UH? I believe SMU has a large opportunity with average income families who consider SMU out of reach cost-wise.