In a year where universities nationwide waited to see what the bounce back would be amid COVID-19, TCU’s enrollment climbed 4.9% to 11,938. This includes a 5.3% increase in undergraduate students to 10,222 and a 2.4% increase in graduate enrollment to 1,716. All numbers are in comparison to Fall 2020.
“These numbers are a testimony to TCU’s academic reputation and the unrivaled student experience. Students want to be here,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. “I am so proud of how our faculty stayed connected with our students last year, how our admissions team remained diligent, how Student Affairs supported our students, how the financial aid team stayed the course and how our entire dedicated staff contributed to these many efforts.”
Retention from Fall 2020 of first-time, full-time students was 91.3%, and retention of transfer students was 81.3%. TCU added 430 transfer students and 2,560 first-time-in-college students for Fall 2021.
“This year was a year like no other in university admissions,” said Dean of Admission Heath Einstein. “But TCU is a special place, and our students and prospective students understand the value of being a Horned Frog. When we combine that with the incredible dedication of our admissions team, financial aid and all who contribute, it’s a recipe for success.”
TCU was at the forefront of making admission test-optional when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, presenting obstacles to testing for many. TCU is remaining test-optional for both 2022 and 2023 admission.
“This method is proving to provide us with the kind of diverse, well-rounded student we seek at TCU,” Einstein said. “While applicants may still provide a test score if they feel it would enhance their application, we continue to employ a truly holistic review process that highlights personal character and the ability to engage with the community.”
Notable increases in undergraduate enrollment included the Neeley School of Business adding 319 students for a total of 2,861, up 12.5%. The College of Science & Engineering added 148 for a total of 2,085. In graduate education, the most notable jump came from the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, which added its third class of incoming students for a current total enrollment of 180 students.
TCU is dedicated to enrolling an academically-talented, diverse student body and making TCU more accessible to students and families in today’s ever-changing higher education landscape – while maintaining responsible enrollment growth for the future and maintaining its low student-to-teacher ratio. The university is committed to continuing its trend of increasing financial aid to better support students, compete with universities across the country and increase both the academic profile and diversity of incoming students.