When comparing two esteemed educational institutions like Texas Christian University (TCU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU), it’s essential to consider several factors, including cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. In this comparison, we’ll delve into these aspects and more to help potential students make an informed decision when choosing between TCU and SMU.
TCU Overview
Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private, coeducational institution located in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1873, TCU has grown to become a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus life, TCU aims to provide a well-rounded education that helps students develop intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
TCU Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending TCU for a full-time undergraduate student during the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $64,590, including tuition, fees, and room and board. However, financial aid is available to eligible students, with an average aid package of $27,000. TCU also offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance.
TCU Admissions
Admission to TCU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 47% in 2020. The university admits students based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. To apply, students can use the Common Application or the TCU Application and submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.
TCU Degrees Offered
TCU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include business, nursing, communication, and psychology, while popular graduate programs include business administration (MBA), education, and social work.
TCU Academics
With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, TCU provides a personalized educational experience that fosters close relationships between students and faculty. The university is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging academic environment, offering numerous opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs to help students gain valuable real-world experiences.
TCU Diversity
TCU embraces diversity and strives to create an inclusive campus community. The student body is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds, with 25% of students identifying as members of an ethnic or racial minority group. In addition, the university offers numerous resources and support services to promote an inclusive environment, such as the Office of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services and various multicultural student organizations.
TCU Students
TCU is home to approximately 11,000 students, with around 9,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations, including academic and professional clubs, service organizations, and Greek life. Additionally, TCU boasts a strong athletics program, with 21 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference.
TCU Campus
The TCU campus spans 295 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Students have access to numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including the Mary Couts Burnett Library, the Brown-Lupton University Union, and the Campus Commons, which houses various dining options and meeting spaces. The campus is also located just minutes away from downtown Fort Worth, providing ample opportunities for cultural and recreational activities.
TCU Alumni
TCU has a strong alumni network, with over 90,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable TCU alumni include journalist Bob Schieffer, former NFL player LaDainian Tomlinson, and actress Danneel Ackles.
TCU Rankings
TCU consistently ranks among the top universities in the nation, with U.S. News & World Report ranking TCU at #80 in National Universities for 2021. Additionally, the university has received top rankings for its business, nursing, and education programs.
TCU Outcomes
Graduates of TCU have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 83% and an average starting salary of $51,000. Additionally, 91% of TCU students are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
SMU Overview
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private, coeducational institution located in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1911, SMU has become a leading center for higher education in the Southwest, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and experiential learning, SMU aims to provide students with a transformative education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
SMU Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending SMU for a full-time undergraduate student during the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $76,710, including tuition, fees, and room and board. However, financial aid is available to eligible students, with an average aid package of $31,000. SMU also offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance.
SMU Admissions
Admission to SMU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 51% in 2020. The university admits students based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. To apply, students can use the Common Application or the SMU Application and submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.
SMU Degrees Offered
SMU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 75 graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include business, engineering, communication, and social sciences, while popular graduate programs include business administration (MBA), engineering, and law.
SMU Academics
With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SMU provides a personalized educational experience that fosters close relationships between students and faculty. The university is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging academic environment, offering numerous opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs to help students gain valuable real-world experiences.
SMU Diversity
SMU embraces diversity and strives to create an inclusive campus community. The student body is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds, with 26% of students identifying as members of an ethnic or racial minority group. In addition, the university offers numerous resources and support services to promote an inclusive environment, such as the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and various multicultural student organizations.
SMU Students
SMU is home to approximately 12,000 students, with around 6,700 undergraduates and 5,300 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations, including academic and professional clubs, service organizations, and Greek life. Additionally, SMU boasts a strong athletics program, with 17 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.
SMU Campus
The SMU campus spans 234 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Students have access to numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including the Fondren Library Center, the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, and the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. The campus is also located just minutes away from downtown Dallas, providing ample opportunities for cultural and recreational activities.
SMU Alumni
SMU has a strong alumni network, with over 127,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable SMU alumni include former First Lady Laura Bush, journalist Bill Moyers, and former CEO of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson.
SMU Rankings
SMU consistently ranks among the top universities in the nation, with U.S. News & World Report ranking SMU at #66 in National Universities for 2021. Additionally, the university has received top rankings for its business, engineering, and law programs.
SMU Outcomes
Graduates of SMU have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 79% and an average starting salary of $54,000. Additionally, 92% of SMU students are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
TCU vs SMU Cost Comparison
While both TCU and SMU have high costs of attendance, SMU is slightly more expensive, with a total estimated cost of $76,710 for the 2021-2022 academic year compared to TCU’s $64,590. However, both schools offer substantial financial aid packages and merit-based scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance.
TCU vs SMU Admissions Difficulty
Both TCU and SMU have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 47% and 51%, respectively in 2020. Both universities consider a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities when admitting students, making the admissions difficulty relatively comparable between the two schools.
TCU vs SMU Academic Difficulty
TCU and SMU both provide rigorous academic experiences for their students, with relatively low student-to-faculty ratios of 13:1 and 11:1, respectively. This allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members, fostering an engaging and challenging academic environment at both institutions.
TCU vs SMU Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both TCU and SMU have strong outcomes, with similar graduation rates (83% for TCU and 79% for SMU) and employment or further education rates within six months of graduation (91% for TCU and 92% for SMU). However, SMU graduates
