Texas Christian University

<h4 id="section---Pros"> Pros</h4> <ul><li>Graduation rate is 15 percentage points higher than national average </li><li>Student-faculty ratio is 14:1, which is lower than national average </li><li>High number of academic programs </li><li>Accepts AP, dual, and credit for life </li><li>Diverse student body </li><li>Very low number of TAs teaching courses </li></ul><h4 id="section---Cons"> Cons</h4> <ul><li>Total cost is $8,139 higher than the national average for private, 4-year not-for-profit university (includes tuition, room and board, and living expenses) </li><li>Acceptance rate is 27.5 percentage points lower than the national average </li><li>Student debt following graduation is $8,868 higher than the national average </li></ul><h3 id="section---AboutTexasChristianUniversity"> About Texas Christian University</h3> <p>Founded in 1873, TCU has a 277-acre campus in Fort Worth, Texas, which is roughly 33 miles west of downtown Dallas. TCU houses eight colleges and is the largest university affiliated with the Disciples of Christ Christian Church. However, all religious denominations are welcome to attend the university. As part of the student body, you will have the opportunity to attend online courses and study abroad programs, in addition to enrolling in liberal arts, business, communication, education, engineering, fine arts, science, and health science degree programs. </p> <p>The university reported that of the 544 full-time faculty members, 90% hold terminal degrees. Additionally, TCU has an extremely low number of TAs teaching courses (roughly 4%) as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). NCES also reported that approximately 55% of students graduate within 4-years. Furthermore, retention rates are strong, as 87% of full-time undergraduate students return to the university after freshman year. </p> <p>However, the total cost of attending TCU is higher than the national average and the College Board stated that the average student debt after graduation is $35,468. Conversely, the national average of student debt following graduation is $26,660. The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) reported that endowments to the university rose 13.7% in 2011, to $1,191,000. </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionsFinancialAidAtTexasChristianUniversity"> Admissions &amp; Financial Aid at Texas Christian University</h2> <p>In order to apply to TCU, you will need to fill out either an online application or mail a completed application packet to the Office of Admissions. If you complete a common application, you will also need to fill out a supplemental application. A complete application packet includes official transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, guidance counselor recommendation, and a resume of extracurricular activities. It is worth noting that TCU does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Furthermore, NCES reported that, in 2011, 53% of applicants submitted ACT scores and 46% submitted SAT scores. Of students accepted in 2012, the middle 50% of applicants scored a 1670-1900 SAT composite and a 25-30 ACT composite, as reported by TCU. </p> <p>There are various financial aid options available. The College Board reported that approximately 62% of undergraduates receive scholarships or grants. Additionally, the average first-year financial aid package including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs is $20,252. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Application and Tuition Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td> <i>Regular Application Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> February 15****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Financial Aid Application Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> May 1****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Notification of Acceptance (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> April 1***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Application Fee (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> $40**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Acceptance Rate (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> 38%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>All Tuition &amp; Living Expenses (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> $46,110**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> $16,963****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Percent of Students with Need Met (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> 68%***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Average Student Debt at Graduation (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> $35,468***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Student Loan Default Rate (2009)</i> </td><td> 6.1%**</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---LivingAtTexasChristianUniversity"> Living at Texas Christian University</h2> <p>As a student at TCU you are required to live on-campus unless you are 21 years old, live with your parents, or have completed two academic years at the university. TCU has 19 residence halls, as well as eight on-campus dining options. While attending TCU, you will have the opportunity to join more than 200 student organizations including 22 religious, 38 academic, and 18 business groups. Also, you can cheer on the Horned Frogs who compete in 15 varsity sports in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. </p> <p>Furthermore, you may wish to join one of TCU's 39 Greek chapters; <i>U.S. News and World Report</i> stated that approximately 40% of undergraduate men and 48% of undergraduate women are members of a fraternity or sorority. As an incoming freshman, you will have the opportunity of attending a 2-day summer orientation in which you will familiarize yourself with the campus, meet with an academic counselor, and register for classes. In 2011, 74% of undergraduates were Caucasian, 10% were Hispanic, and 5% were African American. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Student Life Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td> <i>Campus Setting</i> </td><td> Large city**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Student Population (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> 8,229 undergraduates; 1,289 graduate students**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Male-to-Female Student Ratio (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> 41% to 59%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of Full Time Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 96%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of In-state Students (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> 62%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of International Students (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> 3%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Retention Rate (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> 87% of full-time and 100% of part-time students**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Campus Housing Available</i> </td><td> Yes**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of Students Living on Campus</i> </td><td> 49%****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Number of Libraries</i> </td><td> 3*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Extracurricular Activities</i> </td><td> Over 200****</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *Texas Christian University, **NCES College Navigator, ***The College Board, ****U.S. News and World Report.</i> </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolContactInformation"> School Contact Information</h3> <ul><li><i>Address:</i> Office of Admission, Texas Christian University, TCU Box Office 297013, Fort Worth, TX 76129 </li><li><i>Phone:</i> (817) 257-7490</li></ul>