Texas Christian University vs UDenver

Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of Denver (DU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning that offer unique educational experiences. TCU, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a private Christian university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences. DU, situated in Denver, Colorado, is a private research university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and international studies. While both universities share similarities in terms of academic excellence and vibrant campus life, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Texas Christian University logo

Texas Christian University

University of Denver logo

University of Denver

Overview

Location Fort Worth, Texas Denver, Colorado
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0% 84.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Protestant

Admission

Acceptance rate 53.6% 63.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $65
SAT range 1130 - 1350 1200 - 1390
ACT range 26 - 31 27 - 31
Students submitting SAT score 17.0% 24.0%
Students submitting ACT score 22.0% 27.0%
Total number of applicants 19,782 22,694
Total number of admissions given out 10,606 14,440
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,560 1,621
Yield rate 24.1% 11.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $70,428 $73,514
Average net price $42,574 $39,973
Tuition $51,570 $53,640
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $8,340

Meal plan: $5,700
Room/dormitory: $9,262

Meal plan: $5,412
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

81.0%
Average amount $29,211
98.0%
Average amount $31,672
Students receiving federal student loan 27.0%
Average amount $5,339
38.0%
Average amount $5,173
Students taking out private loans 10.0%
Average amount $27,820
5.0%
Average amount $21,978

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 10,222
Men 39.7% Women 60.3%
5,867
Men 44.8% Women 55.2%
Graduate students 1,716
Men 40.4% Women 59.6%
8,263
Men 33.8% Women 66.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 59.0% 71.9%
International students 4.8% 4.1%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 5,083 2,647
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California Illinois Colorado Minnesota Colorado California Illinois Texas Minnesota

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Psychology
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 10:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 82.8% 75.7%
Dropout rate 2.8% 23.5%
Transferred out 14.2% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $163,986
  • Year 2: $157,472
  • Year 3: $144,992
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,594
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $123,205
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,918
  • Year 2: $97,663
  • Year 3: $109,836
Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,869
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $86,418
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,621
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $84,099
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,234
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $76,296
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,234
  • Year 2: $63,600
  • Year 3: $75,826
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,711
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $74,252
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,322
  • Year 2: $61,020
  • Year 3: $71,244
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,231
  • Year 2: $66,737
  • Year 3: $67,558
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,503
  • Year 2: $86,129
  • Year 3: $98,717
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,126
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $86,073
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,750
  • Year 2: $66,104
  • Year 3: $85,588
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,915
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $78,170
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $70,020
  • Year 2: $72,667
  • Year 3: $77,585
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $66,104
  • Year 3: $75,452
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,899
  • Year 2: $60,704
  • Year 3: $73,790
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,139
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $73,641
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,983
  • Year 2: $62,632
  • Year 3: $73,152
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,647
  • Year 2: $65,905
  • Year 3: $72,754

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences between Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of Denver (DU)?

    TCU, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a private Christian university known for its strong sense of community and traditions. It emphasizes a values-centered education. The University of Denver, situated in Denver, Colorado, is also a private university but with a more secular focus. DU is known for its strong professional programs and its location in a vibrant urban environment with access to outdoor recreation.

  • How do the academic reputations of TCU and DU compare?

    Both TCU and DU are well-regarded universities. TCU is particularly known for its Neeley School of Business, journalism, and communication programs. DU has a strong reputation in international studies, business (Daniels College of Business), law, and social work. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of specific strength differ slightly.

  • What is the campus environment like at TCU versus DU?

    TCU offers a more traditional, close-knit campus environment with a strong emphasis on school spirit and traditions. It's located in a suburban setting within Fort Worth. DU, on the other hand, has a more urban feel, being located in Denver. The campus culture is more diverse and reflects the city's vibrant atmosphere. DU students often take advantage of the city's cultural attractions and outdoor activities in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

  • How do the costs of attending TCU and DU compare?

    Both TCU and DU are private universities, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like room and board, personal expenses, and financial aid packages. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore available scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

  • What are the student demographics like at TCU and DU?

    TCU's student body is primarily from Texas and surrounding states, although it attracts students from across the country and internationally. DU also draws students from across the US and globally, with a significant portion coming from the Western states. Both universities strive for diversity in their student populations, but their regional focuses differ somewhat.

  • What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at TCU and DU?

    Both TCU and DU offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, including student government, clubs, organizations, Greek life, and intramural sports. TCU has a strong emphasis on Greek life and school spirit, while DU offers a broader range of activities reflecting its urban location and diverse student interests, including outdoor adventure programs and professional development opportunities.

  • How do TCU and DU handle admissions and financial aid?

    Both TCU and DU have selective admissions processes, considering factors like GPA, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, and extracurricular activities. They both offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. It's important to review their specific admissions requirements and financial aid application processes on their respective websites.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at TCU and DU?

    Both TCU and DU provide career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career development. DU's location in Denver provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries. TCU's strong alumni network and connections within Texas also offer valuable career resources. Both universities actively work to connect students with employers.

  • How does the location of TCU and DU impact the student experience?

    TCU's location in Fort Worth offers a more traditional college town experience with a strong sense of community. Fort Worth provides a blend of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. DU's location in Denver provides access to a major metropolitan area with a thriving arts and culture scene, professional sports teams, and easy access to the Rocky Mountains for outdoor recreation like skiing, hiking, and climbing. The choice depends on whether you prefer a more traditional campus environment or an urban setting with access to outdoor adventures.

  • What are the religious affiliations, if any, of TCU and DU?

    TCU is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ church, and while religious values are integrated into the university's culture, students of all faiths are welcome. The University of Denver has historical ties to the Methodist Church, but it is now a non-sectarian university with no religious affiliation. DU welcomes students of all backgrounds and beliefs.

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