Baylor vs. TCU vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Baylor University in Waco, TX with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Baylor University is larger than TCU based on total student enrollment (20,626 students vs. 12,938 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Baylor University is located in Waco, TX (Midsize City setting); Texas Christian University is in Fort Worth, TX (Large City setting).
• Baylor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Baylor University 15:1; Texas Christian University 14:1.

Baylor vs. TCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Baylor or TCU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Texas Christian University than Baylor ($41,848 vs. $47,001).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Baylor University are 8.3% lower than at Texas Christian University ($15,314 vs. $16,700).
• Texas Christian University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Baylor (about $3,640 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $58,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at TCU than at Baylor University (about $3,640 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $58,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Baylor University than at Texas Christian University (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas Christian University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by Baylor University students ($34,975 vs. $27,232).

Baylor vs. TCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Baylor or TCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between TCU and Baylor.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Baylor University (1300) is 50 points higher than at TCU (1250).
• Incoming Baylor students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 28 at TCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Baylor University 1200/1400; Texas Christian University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Baylor University 27/32; Texas Christian University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Baylor - Test optional; TCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Baylor Feb 1, 2027; TCU Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Baylor students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at TCU (3.68).
• Baylor has a higher acceptance rate (51.3%) than TCU (44.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Baylor vs. 24.7% at TCU.

Baylor vs. TCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Baylor and TCU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Texas Christian University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Baylor University's (72%).
• Graduates from Texas Christian University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Baylor graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas Christian University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Baylor graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, TCU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Baylor graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More TCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Baylor students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.