Elon vs. TCU

Comparable Facts

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

Texas Christian University is larger than Elon based on total student enrollment (12,938 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Texas Christian University is in Fort Worth, TX (Large City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Texas Christian University 14:1.

Elon vs. TCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($41,848 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 10.3% lower than at Texas Christian University ($14,985 vs. $16,700).
• Texas Christian University is 31.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $14,782 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.5% higher at TCU than at Elon University (about $14,782 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Texas Christian University than at Elon University (80% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas Christian University students is 95.8% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($34,975 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. TCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or TCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between TCU and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Texas Christian University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming TCU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Texas Christian University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Texas Christian University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; TCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; TCU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TCU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than TCU (44.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 24.7% at TCU.

Elon vs. TCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and TCU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Texas Christian University's (74%).
• Graduates from Texas Christian University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Elon 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 $1,750 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, TCU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TCU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 77%)

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.