Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44.5%, annual tuition of $61,740, average net price of $36,660, and a national rank of #336 (Grade B+), with a 85.5% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 11,026 undergraduates, and median earnings of $76,188 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Texas Christian University is a private nonprofit university in Fort Worth, TX. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92.9% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 48.7%, roughly 1.2 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Texas Christian University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Texas Christian University graduates 85.5% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 81.7% and keeps 92.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Texas Christian University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $61,740 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,422 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $76,604 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.3% of Texas Christian University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,956 to $53,450 depending on family income. Use Texas Christian University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $34,990/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $53,450/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $76,188
- 10-Year Median Earnings $68,424
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $21,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 76.6%
- Employment Rate 90.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Texas Christian University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Texas Christian University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Texas Christian University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Texas Christian University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Texas Christian University graduates earn $76,188 median, the 48.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-680
- SAT Math 560-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 11,026
- Full-Time Students 98.4%
- Part-Time Students 1.6%
- Retention Rate 92.9%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 85.5%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 81.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Texas Christian University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Texas Christian University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 44.5%, Texas Christian University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Texas Christian University accepts 44.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Texas Christian University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Finance and Financial Management Services, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 7.9%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 7.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.5%
- Economics 5.0%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.5%
- Biology, General 3.8%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.8%
- Marketing 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Finance and Financial Management Services $112,562
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $108,968
- 3. Engineering, General $103,407
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $99,773
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $99,015
- 6. Marketing $95,158
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $91,050
- 8. Economics $83,781
- 9. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $81,217
- 10. Computer and Information Sciences, General $76,826
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $176,235
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $167,424
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $143,476
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $106,875
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $76,023
- 6. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $73,192
- 7. Social Work (Master's Degree) $62,618
- 8. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $58,647
- 9. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $58,029
- 10. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $56,516
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $112,562—47% more than Computer and Information Sciences, General ($76,826). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $176,235 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Texas Christian University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 186 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 174 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 152 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 131 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 116 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Economics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Marketing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Engineering, General
- Real Estate
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Sciences
- Social Work
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Music
- Mathematics
- History
- Journalism
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
- Nutrition Sciences
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Chemistry
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Education, General
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online Master's Degrees (28 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Music
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Psychology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mathematics
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physics
- Education, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Chemistry
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Online Doctoral Degrees (19 programs)▼
- History
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Music
- Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Social Work
- Physics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Music
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Music
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 11,026
- Full-Time Students 98.4%
- Part-Time Students 1.6%
- Male Students 38.5%
- Female Students 61.5%
- Caucasian 62.0%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 19.3%
- Black 3.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Texas Christian University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Texas Christian University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas Christian University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Texas Christian University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 61.5% of undergraduates. About 14.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas Christian University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Texas Christian University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Texas Christian University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 48.7% ROI. Ranked #336 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,660 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $76,188 median earnings. With 85.5% graduating within 150% of normal time and 92.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Texas Christian University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #336 ranking, Texas Christian University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,660 annually, Texas Christian University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 92.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,662 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 48.7% ROI and $76,188 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,660+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Texas Christian University ranks #336 of 1947 institutions, with 1393 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 85.5% graduation rate sits 23.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.9% first-year retention is 16.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 48.7% return on investment is 1.2 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $76,188 run about 26% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $36,660 is roughly $16,581 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.5% employment rate within three years sits 22.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,660 is about $16,581 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 14.3% trails the national share by 20.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Texas Christian University—a private nonprofit university in Fort Worth, TX—at B+ overall. It stands at #336 among 1962 schools Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 92.9% retention, 85.5% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 81.7% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 48.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,660 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $76,604.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $39,944 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $76,188 at the median. This is roughly 26% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 90.5% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 48.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
44.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Texas Christian University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas Christian University's acceptance rate?
Texas Christian University's acceptance rate is 44.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Texas Christian University cost?
At Texas Christian University, listed tuition and fees are $61,740 per year, and the average net price after aid is $36,660. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Texas Christian University's ranking?
Texas Christian University ranks #336 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Texas Christian University's graduation rate?
At Texas Christian University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 85.5% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 81.7%, and first-year retention is 92.9%.
What are Texas Christian University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Texas Christian University report median earnings of $76,188 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Texas Christian University's student population?
Texas Christian University enrolls about 11,026 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Fort Worth, TX 76129
- Website www.tcu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$2.50B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate11.8%