TCU vs. Trinity

Comparable Facts

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

Texas Christian University is larger than Trinity based on total student enrollment (12,938 students vs. 2,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Texas Christian University is located in Fort Worth, TX (Large City setting); Trinity University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Trinity University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Texas Christian University 14:1; Trinity University 8:1.

TCU vs. Trinity Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TCU or Trinity? 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 Trinity University than TCU ($32,224 vs. $41,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Trinity University are 11.7% lower than at Texas Christian University ($14,750 vs. $16,700).
• Texas Christian University is 15% more expensive for in-state tuition than Trinity (about $8,064 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $53,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15% higher at TCU than at Trinity University (about $8,064 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $53,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Trinity University than at Texas Christian University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trinity University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Texas Christian University students ($35,990 vs. $34,975).

TCU vs. Trinity Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TCU or Trinity? 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 Trinity and TCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trinity University (1420) is 170 points higher than at TCU (1250).
• Incoming Trinity students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at TCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Texas Christian University 1140/1350; Trinity University 1340/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Texas Christian University 26/31; Trinity University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TCU - Test optional; Trinity - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCU Feb 1, 2027; Trinity Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TCU students have the same average high school GPA (3.68) as students at Trinity (3.68).
• TCU has a higher acceptance rate (44.5%) than Trinity (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at TCU vs. 20.1% at Trinity.

TCU vs. Trinity Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TCU and Trinity? 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).

• Trinity University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Texas Christian University's (74%).
• Graduates from Trinity University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than TCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,800 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas Christian University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Trinity graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, TCU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Trinity graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Trinity graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TCU students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.