TCU vs Baylor University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Texas Christian University and Baylor University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
TCU vs Baylor University at a glance
TCU admits 44.5% of applicants and Baylor University 51.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $35,045 at TCU and $44,441 at Baylor University. Six-year graduation rates are 85.5% and 82.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- TCU admits 44.5% of applicants and Baylor University 51.3%, so TCU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $35,045 a year at TCU and $44,441 at Baylor University; TCU costs $9,396 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $22,363 at TCU and $45,498 at Baylor University.
- 85.5% of students graduate within six years at TCU, against 82.3% at Baylor University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $77,334 for TCU and $72,408 for Baylor University; TCU is $4,926 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at TCU and $19,500 at Baylor University.
- TCU enrolls 11,026 students (large city) and Baylor University 14,785 (midsize city).
Side by side
TCU and Baylor University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | TCU | Baylor University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 44.5% | 51.3% |
| Applicants | 19,782 | 36,588 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1140–1350 | 1200–1400 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 27–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $35,045 | $44,441 |
| Tuition, in state | $63,590 | $63,620 |
| Tuition, out of state | $63,590 | $63,620 |
| Cost of attendance | $83,017 | $78,816 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $22,363 | $45,498 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,610 | $24,146 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,790 | $33,908 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $34,094 | $38,607 |
| Over $110,000 | $54,791 | $50,541 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.5% | 82.3% |
| First-year retention | 92.9% | 91% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $77,334 | $72,408 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 11,026 | 14,785 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Fort Worth, TX | Waco, TX |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
TCU reports 68 bachelor's programs and Baylor University 80; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about TCU vs Baylor University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into TCU or Baylor University?
TCU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: TCU admits 44.5% of applicants and Baylor University admits 51.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: TCU 1140–1350; Baylor University 1200–1400.
Which is cheaper, TCU or Baylor University?
TCU has the lower average net price after grants: $35,045 a year at TCU against $44,441 at Baylor University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $22,363 and $45,498. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do TCU or Baylor University graduates earn more?
TCU graduates earn more at the median: $77,334 ten years after entry for TCU and $72,408 for Baylor University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, TCU or Baylor University?
TCU does: 85.5% of TCU students graduate within six years, against 82.3% at Baylor University.
How big are TCU and Baylor University?
TCU has 11,026 students in Fort Worth, TX and Baylor University has 14,785 students in Waco, TX.