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56.1%Acceptance
$57,220Tuition
10,919Students
86%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$68,424Earnings
#20 in TexasPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About Texas Christian University

TCU blends academic rigor with Big 12 athletics across its Fort Worth campus of 10,919 students. The private research university has built a reputation for strong business and communications programs while maintaining its Christian identity. NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson and longtime CBS journalist Bob Schieffer exemplify the university's mix of athletic excellence and media prominence. Students enjoy a 14:1 student-faculty ratio in a large city setting that offers both campus community and urban opportunities.

The sticker price reaches $72,820 annually, but most families pay far less through financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,531 on average, while those from higher-income households still see significant reductions from the full cost. Graduates earn a median of $68,424 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. With median debt of only $21,500, TCU delivers strong return on investment for most students.

The Horned Frogs compete fiercely in Big 12 athletics, with 545 varsity athletes across 18 sports. Women make up 62% of the student body, and nearly half the students come from Texas. The 85.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to student success both in and out of the classroom.

Academics & Faculty

TCU operates as a private research university with a strong focus on undergraduate education. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes where professors know students by name. With an 85.6% six-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on time with solid support systems. The university has built its academic reputation around business programs that feed into Fortune 500 companies and communications programs that produce network television journalists. The Neeley School of Business ranks among the top undergraduate programs nationally. TCU's liberal arts foundation means students get broad exposure before specializing. The 94.3% retention rate shows students stick around once they experience the close-knit academic community.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
99.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
84.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
85.6%
Retention Rate
94.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$68,424
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $157,472
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Master $135,393
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $97,663
Computer Systems Analysis. Bachelor $71,351
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $71,015
Engineering, General. Bachelor $69,338
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $68,666
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $66,737
Accounting and Related Services. Master $63,600
Real Estate. Bachelor $63,005

View all 142 programs →

Campus Life

TCU's 295-acre campus sits just five miles from downtown Fort Worth, giving students access to a major city while maintaining a distinct college atmosphere. With housing capacity for 5,187 students and total enrollment of 10,919, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The Fort Worth climate means students pack both sunscreen and light jackets, summers hit the 90s while winters rarely drop below freezing.

Women make up 62% of the student body, creating a female-heavy social active. Greek life dominates weekend social scenes, with many students heading to tailgates during football season as the Horned Frogs compete in the Big 12 Conference. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the private school price tag of $57,220 in tuition attracts predominantly wealthy students. Campus traditions center around the unique Horned Frog mascot and purple school colors. Students often venture into Fort Worth's Sundance Square for dining and nightlife, while the campus itself buzzes with activities from TCU's 18 varsity sports programs.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
5,187 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1873

Campus Safety (2023)

72 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 10 10 0 1
Motor Vehicle Theft 15 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 6 5 0 0
Fondling 6 5 0 0
Burglary 6 3 0 0
Stalking 3 2 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
33°–58°F
July Avg
73°–97°F
Annual Precipitation
36.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

TCU draws students from across Texas and beyond, with 56% coming from out-of-state reflecting its growing national reputation. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, drawn largely to the university's highly-ranked business and communications programs. Only 13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating TCU primarily serves affluent families who can afford the $72,820 total cost of attendance. The student body remains predominantly white at 64%, though Hispanic enrollment has grown to 18% as the university works to diversify its traditionally wealthy, conservative Christian identity.
Men
38.0%
Women
62.1%
White
64.1%
Black
4.1%
Hispanic
18.1%
Asian
2.4%
In-State Students
44.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
13.5%

Location

TCU sits in Fort Worth, the fifth-largest city in Texas with over 950,000 residents. The campus is located just 30 miles west of Dallas, placing students at the heart of the massive Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Fort Worth maintains its reputation as "Cowtown" with a strong Western heritage, featuring the famous Stockyards district and rodeo culture. The university occupies 295 acres in a tree-lined neighborhood that blends urban amenities with a distinct Texas charm. Students have access to major internships, cultural attractions, and professional sports teams across the metroplex. The region's booming economy and corporate headquarters provide extensive career opportunities. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare TCU with similar schools in the region.
Address
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
ClarkBrothers
ClarkBrothers
Thorp Campus
Thorp Campus
Oldest Building at TCU
Oldest Building at TCU

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$68,424
Median Earnings (5 years)
$69,108
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$50,300
Loan Repayment Rate
76.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Texas Christian University?

Texas Christian University accepts 56.10% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140-1360 on the SAT, reflecting the university's strong academic standards for this Big 12 Conference institution.

How much does Texas Christian University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Texas Christian University is $33,531 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,531 on average, while the full sticker price reaches $72,820 including room and board.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Texas Christian University?

Texas Christian University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 10,919 total students. The university is known for strong programs in business and communications, with this relatively small class size supporting personalized attention in these competitive fields.

What are the graduation outcomes at Texas Christian University?

Texas Christian University achieves an impressive 85.60% six-year graduation rate and 94.28% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $68,424 ten years after graduation, with 95.7% finding employment after completing their degrees.

Where is Texas Christian University located and what is campus life like?

Texas Christian University sits in Fort Worth, a large city setting that provides urban opportunities alongside campus tradition. The university houses 5,187 students on campus and maintains a strong athletic culture as a Big 12 Conference member, with 545 student-athletes competing across 18 varsity sports.

Is Texas Christian University affiliated with a particular religion?

Texas Christian University maintains affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), dating back to its founding in 1873. Despite this religious heritage, only 13.47% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the university primarily serves affluent families rather than operating as a traditional denominational college.