Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · founded 1873 · 11,000 students · private research university · Big 12

Known for: TCU is known for its strong sense of community, beautiful campus in Fort Worth, and highly competitive athletics, particularly its football program in the Big 12 Conference. It maintains a liberal arts foundation with growing research initiatives.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #98
QS World: #801
Times Higher Education: #601
Forbes: #147

Top programmes

Neeley School of Business
Nursing
Film & Television
Education
Fine Arts
Strategic Communication

Notable alumni

Bob Schieffer — Former CBS News anchor and moderator
LaDainian Tomlinson — Pro Football Hall of Fame running back
Angela Kinsey — Actress known for 'The Office'
John David Crow — Heisman Trophy winner
Betty Buckley — Tony Award-winning actress and singer
Gordon England — Former U.S. Secretary of the Navy
John Roach — Former CEO of Tandy Corporation
Kyle Chandler — Emmy Award-winning actor

Traditions

Frog Fest (welcome week)
The Christmas Tree Lighting
ESPN College GameDay visits
Horned Frog football games at Amon G. Carter Stadium

If Texas Christian University were…

As a food: Texas brisket from Heim Barbecue — Premium, unapologetically Texan, slow-cooked to perfection, and best enjoyed with a cold beer and good company. TCU is that brisket—high-quality, traditional, and deeply rooted in Fort Worth culture.
As an athlete: Clayton Kershaw — Texas-bred, supremely talented, polished, and successful in a big-money league while staying loyal to his roots. TCU students are the Kershaws of higher ed—well-funded, ambitious, and still repping their hometown.
As a person alive today: Matthew McConaughey — Texan to the core, charming, successful, and somehow both laid-back and intensely driven. TCU students are McConaugheys in training—alright, alright, alright, but also getting that internship at Goldman.
As a historical figure: LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson) — Big, brash, Texan, and unafraid to use connections and money to get things done. TCU students channel LBJ energy—networked, ambitious, and ready to leverage every advantage.
As a movie or TV show: Friday Night Lights (TV series) — Texas football, tight-knit community, Christian values, and big dreams played out under stadium lights. TCU is Friday Night Lights for the upper-middle-class—same heart, bigger budget.
As a US president: George W. Bush — Texan, fratty, Christian, and more competent than people assume, with a network that opens every door. TCU students are the W's of their generation—underestimated but well-connected.
As a city: Nashville — Southern, Christian-friendly, booming with money and development, and full of attractive people in boots. TCU is the Nashville of Texas universities—polished, prosperous, and proud of its roots.
As an element: Gold — Precious, polished, associated with wealth and tradition, and highly valued in specific circles. TCU students are gold—shiny, expensive, and exactly what their parents paid for.
As a car: 2024 Cadillac Escalade Sport — TCU blends Texas money, Greek life polish, and Big 12 athleticism into one premium package—like an Escalade that's equally at home tailgating or pulling up to a country club. Fort Worth's oil-and-cattle wealth meets mode

Campus life

Campus life is vibrant and traditional, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, Greek life, and football games. The community is tight-knit and friendly, offering a classic collegiate experience in a major metropolitan area.