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Baylor University vs Texas Christian University

Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX. Texas Christian University is a private university in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants and Baylor University about 51%, making Texas Christian University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $36,660 a year at Texas Christian University after aid, and about $41,104 at Baylor University. About 86% of students graduate at Texas Christian University, compared with 80% at Baylor University. Ten years after enrolling, Texas Christian University alumni earn a median of about $68,424, against $65,793 for Baylor University.

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Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waco, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,785
11,026
Acceptance rate
51%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
1140–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
26–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$36,660
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$76,604
In-state tuition
$58,100
$61,740
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$61,740
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$17,956
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$17,940
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$34,990
Over $110k
$47,895
$53,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
86%
Freshman retention
91%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$60,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$68,424
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
14%
First-generation students
17%
20%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Baylor University or Texas Christian University harder to get into?
Texas Christian University is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 51% at Baylor University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Texas Christian University?
Texas Christian University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,660 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,104 at Baylor University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Baylor University and Texas Christian University?
Before aid, Baylor University costs about $74,226 a year and Texas Christian University about $76,604. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Baylor University or Texas Christian University?
Texas Christian University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,956 there, against about $22,024 at Baylor University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Baylor University or Texas Christian University?
Baylor University is the larger of the two, with about 14,785 undergraduates against 11,026 at Texas Christian University.
Does Baylor University or Texas Christian University have a better graduation rate?
Texas Christian University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 80% at Baylor University.
Do graduates of Baylor University or Texas Christian University earn more?
Texas Christian University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,424 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,793 for Baylor University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Baylor University and Texas Christian University require SAT or ACT scores?
Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Texas Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Baylor University and Texas Christian University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor University and 1140–1350 at Texas Christian University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school