TCU vs SMU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
TCU vs SMU at a glance
TCU admits 44.5% of applicants and SMU 63.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $35,045 at TCU and $39,816 at SMU. Six-year graduation rates are 85.5% and 82.7%, 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 SMU 63.3%, so TCU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $35,045 a year at TCU and $39,816 at SMU; TCU costs $4,771 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $22,363 at TCU and $31,728 at SMU.
- 85.5% of students graduate within six years at TCU, against 82.7% at SMU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $77,334 for TCU and $90,037 for SMU; SMU is $12,703 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at TCU and $18,750 at SMU.
- TCU enrolls 11,026 students (large city) and SMU 7,277 (large suburb).
Side by side
TCU and SMU 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 | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 44.5% | 63.4% |
| Applicants | 19,782 | 15,685 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1140–1350 | 1340–1490 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 30–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $35,045 | $39,816 |
| Tuition, in state | $63,590 | $69,722 |
| Tuition, out of state | $63,590 | $69,722 |
| Cost of attendance | $83,017 | $88,892 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $22,363 | $31,728 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,610 | $18,708 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,790 | $23,206 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $34,094 | $28,047 |
| Over $110,000 | $54,791 | $57,328 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.5% | 82.7% |
| First-year retention | 92.9% | 90.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $77,334 | $90,037 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 11,026 | 7,277 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Fort Worth, TX | Dallas, 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 SMU 72; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about TCU vs SMU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into TCU or SMU?
TCU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: TCU admits 44.5% of applicants and SMU admits 63.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: TCU 1140–1350; SMU 1340–1490.
Which is cheaper, TCU or SMU?
TCU has the lower average net price after grants: $35,045 a year at TCU against $39,816 at SMU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $22,363 and $31,728. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do TCU or SMU graduates earn more?
SMU graduates earn more at the median: $77,334 ten years after entry for TCU and $90,037 for SMU. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, TCU or SMU?
TCU does: 85.5% of TCU students graduate within six years, against 82.7% at SMU.
How big are TCU and SMU?
TCU has 11,026 students in Fort Worth, TX and SMU has 7,277 students in Dallas, TX.