Texas Christian University vs. Texas Tech University
A side-by-side comparison of TCU and Texas Tech — acceptance rates (48.1% vs. 72.7%), SAT scores (1110–1330 vs. 1110–1270), tuition, financial aid, and majors, drawn from each school's official Common Data Set.
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Acceptance Rate
Total applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for the most recent admission cycle.
Early Decision
TCU offers binding Early Decision. Applying early can meaningfully change your odds — but ED commits you to enroll if admitted.
Admit rate by application plan
% admitted~1.5× higher admit rate applying early.
Standardized Tests
TCU is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where TCU's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 36.5% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. TCU does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How TCU weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from TCU's Common Data Set.
Private universities charge the same tuition regardless of state residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
Acceptance Rate
Overall acceptance rate, plus the in-state and out-of-state admit rates the school reports separately.
Admit rate by residency
% admittedEarly Admissions
Texas Tech does not offer an Early Decision or Early Action plan; all applicants apply through Regular Decision.
Standardized Tests
Texas Tech is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where Texas Tech's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 99.96% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. Texas Tech does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How Texas Tech weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from Texas Tech's Common Data Set. Only tuition changes with residency.
Out-of-state students pay $12,300 more — entirely in tuition. Room, board, and other costs are identical regardless of residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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TCU vs. Texas Tech: frequently asked questions
Is TCU or Texas Tech harder to get into?＋
TCU is more selective: it admits about 48.1% of applicants, compared with 72.7% at Texas Tech. Both are competitive, and your odds depend on far more than the overall rate.
Which has higher SAT scores, TCU or Texas Tech?＋
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1110–1330 at TCU and 1110–1270 at Texas Tech on the SAT. Treat the ranges as a benchmark — a score inside or above a school's range keeps you competitive there.
Is TCU or Texas Tech cheaper for out-of-state students?＋
Texas Tech has the lower published price for out-of-state students — $24,152 in tuition and fees versus $66,610 at TCU, a gap of about $42,458 a year before financial aid.
Does TCU or Texas Tech have a higher graduation rate?＋
TCU graduates a higher share of its students within six years — 86% versus 69% at Texas Tech.
Source: Texas Christian University Common Data Set 2025-2026. Figures transcribed 2026-06-10. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with TCU. Banner photo by Amymay52, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).
Source: Texas Tech University Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-10. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with Texas Tech. Banner photo by Bubbahotepblues, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).