Baylor University is a Christian private research university in Waco, Texas. It has approximately 21,000 students enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a roughly 51% acceptance rate. The most popular majors are Nursing, Biology, Psychology, Business, and Finance. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 82%, while the median earnings of Baylor graduates are approximately INR 55,50,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from ~$66,300). Baylor enjoys a solid national reputation in health sciences, law, business, and pre-medical studies.
Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private institution based in Fort Worth, Texas. It has approximately 12,000 students enrolled. Admissions are relatively competitive, with an acceptance rate of roughly 43%. Popular majors at TCU include Business, Nursing, Communications, Education, and Social Sciences. The graduation rate of six years is around 82%, with the median income being about INR 58,00,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from ~$69,400). TCU is particularly renowned for its business, fine arts, communications, and excellent athletics.
| Baylor University | Texas Christian University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.6 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 801 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 528 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 1586 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 98 US News 2024 # 1680 US News 2024 |
| Subject Strength | # 163 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 190 for Medicine by US News 2022 # 43 for Law by US News 2025 | # 541 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020 # 390 for Medicine by Round University Ranking 2018 |
| Programs | UG Programs -112 PG Programs -21 | UG Programs -64 PG Programs -28 Doctorate Programs -3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 51.0 % | 43.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1190 TOEFL-90 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1130 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 42842 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 38472 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27435 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 50160 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 30290 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29420 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | 85% of students seeking employment were placed within 6 months of graduation. $55,000 is the average salary of the graduates. Top employers include E&Y, KPMG, Oracle, Deloitte, Amazon, AT&T, PWC, Accenture etc. | 97% of the students enrolled in bachelors program find employment or pursue higher education within 90 days of graduation. Average starting salary is around $73,029. #2 in undergraduate starting salaries in Texas, #8 in US careers and employment. Some of the top employers are : 3M, 49 Financial, Abbott, AbbVie, Accenture, Jefferies, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Keyot Crew212, Klein Tools, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Google, HBO, Gartner etc. |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit essay Submit exam scores Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts, Submit English language scores, Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.7/10 Read 2 reviews | 9.0/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 151 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 54 for Business by US News 2025 # 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 43 for Business by US News 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 125/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 130/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -25869 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -30290 |
| application dates | Dec 1, 2023 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Feb 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake) | Sep 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Jan 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall And Summer 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Baylor University | Texas Christian University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1845 | 1873 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 14:1 |
| Male:Female | 41% Male, 59% Female | 41% Male, 59% Female |
| Location Facts | Baylor University is a private Baptist Christian research university in Waco, Texas. | TCU's campus sits on 272 acres (1.10 km2) of developed campus (325 acres total) which is located four miles (6.5 km) from downtown Fort Worth. |
| Library | The Baylor Libraries support the mission of the University by undergirding scholarship, fostering teaching and learning, and building communities. | The Mary Couts Burnett Library provides intellectual tools, innovative technology and an inspiring physical and virtual space, all supported by approachable and resourceful staff, to serve TCU’s diverse community of learners. Students and faculty have access to over 1.5 million books and audio-visual materials and over 149,000 current journals, electronically and in paper. In addition, the library provides access to over 400 databases, many of which include the full text of journal articles, from the library website. |
| Campus Life | More than 16,000 students study at Baylor University, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 89 foreign countries. The university clubs and organizations provide each student with an opportunity to become engaged with an organization that shares his or her interests.At Baylor, 36 percent of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 64 percent of students live off campus. Approximately 14 percent of undergraduate men are members of fraternities, and 21 percent of undergraduate women are members of a sorority. Every semester, students participate in various intramural sports. Students build teams within campus organizations, sororities/fraternities, residence halls, and personal friend groups. Baylor student athletes participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference. Baylor has many traditions that have developed since the university was founded. Some take the form of annual celebrations, while others are symbolized in memorials. The Baylor Chamber of Commerce is the oldest student organization on the campus that is responsible for most of the school's traditions. | TCU sponsors over 200 official student organizations including Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, Invisible Children and others. Students may also compete in intramural sports including basketball and shuffleboard, or join various other sport-hobby groups, such as the TCU Quidditch League. Many students involve themselves in various campus ministries, such as Disciples on Campus, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) student group. Other groups include Ignite, a nondenominational campus ministry; Catholic Community etc. At the beginning of each fall semester, TCU's student government holds a large concert on the Campus Commons. The Bob Schieffer College of Communication circulates a number of student-run publications. TCU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Big 12 Conference (Big XII). |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $11448 #On campus - $12163 #Off campus (with family) - $3824 | #On campus - $12360 #Off campus (not with family) - $12360 #Off campus (with family) - $4700 |
| Famous Alumni | Mark Hurd, CEO of the Oracle Corporation and former CEO of Hewlett-Packard David Crowder, GMA Dove Award-winning Christian recording artist Robert Griffin III, Quarterback and winner of the 2011 Heisman Trophy Trey Wingo, Co-host of ESPN's SportsCenter Gary W. Keller, Author and co-founder of Keller Williams Realty | Beverley Bass - First Female Captain of American Airlines. Norman Alden – character actor |
| City Life | Waco, Texas is a vibrant city located in Central Texas. Here locals and visitors alike can enjoy plenty of activities from visiting the historic Magnolia Market, participating in one of the many festivals throughout the year, or simply exploring the downtown area. With its excellent schools, thriving businesses and plenty of recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Waco their home. There are also numerous dining options, shopping centers and entertainment venues available for those looking for some fun. | The beautiful city of Fort Worth is found in North Central Texas and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. With a total population of 874,401 people, Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. A good place to live, Fort Worth has a vibrant Downtown area and an exciting city center. Known as one of the best places to live in Texas for its job market, culture, and southern hospitality, many young professionals and families are relocating to the area. Home to vast amounts of buildable land at an affordable price, the city has numerous safe and modern neighborhoods and suburban areas to choose from. In fact, rent prices are a whole 18.8% lower in Fort Worth than rent in Dallas. Fort Worth is also thought to be more “Texan” than Dallas due to its cowboy stereotype and abundance of cattle ranching in the area. |
| Weather |
Baylor University vs Texas Christian University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both are private Christian universities in Texas with strong academic reputations, but Baylor has a broader global presence. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Baylor University places around the 1001-1200th range globally, while Texas Christian University (TCU) typically ranks outside the global top 1752, though it is highly regarded in U.S. national rankings. Baylor is particularly strong in law, business, pre-medicine, nursing, and sciences, while TCU is noted for its business (Neeley School), education, fine arts, and communication programs.
General Information
Baylor University, founded in 1845 in Waco, Texas, is one of the oldest universities in the state with about 20,000 students. It combines research activity with strong faith-based traditions. TCU, founded in 1873 in Fort Worth, Texas, enrolls about 12,000 students, offering a more intimate campus setting with strong ties to the local community and a vibrant school spirit.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both are selective but accessible private institutions. Baylor has an acceptance rate of around 51%, while TCU is slightly more selective, with rates closer to 43%. Baylor tends to attract more pre-med, law, and science-focused students, while TCU attracts students interested in business, arts, and liberal studies, along with those drawn to its strong athletics culture.
Research Impact & Facilities
Baylor is classified as an R1 research university, with substantial investment in health sciences, law, and STEM fields. Its ties to Baylor College of Medicine (though now separate) enhance its reputation in healthcare-related studies. TCU is classified as an R2 institution, with growing research activity but stronger emphasis on teaching quality and student engagement rather than large-scale research output.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are private and expensive universities, with tuition in the range of USD 52,000–55,000 per year. Both provide a mix of merit-based and need-based scholarships, with TCU often being slightly more generous with merit aid. Baylor, as a larger institution, has broader funding sources but can be more competitive in awarding top scholarships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Baylor alumni are prominent in law, healthcare, business, and politics, with a strong national alumni network across Texas and the U.S. TCU graduates excel in business, education, communications, and the arts, and benefit from the university’s strong ties to Dallas–Fort Worth industries. Baylor’s alumni network is larger and more nationally recognized, while TCU’s is smaller but influential regionally, especially in business and media.
