Texas Christian University welcomed its largest incoming class ever this fall, enrolling 2,754 first-time students and 394 transfers for a combined 3,148 new Horned Frogs.
This record-setting group contributes to an overall enrollment of nearly 13,000 students: 12,980 total, with 11,152 undergraduates and 1,828 graduate students. The historic size of the incoming class highlights strong momentum and sustained interest
in a TCU education. Undergraduate enrollment has grown by 14.9% over the past five years. By 2035, TCU aims to reach approximately 17,900 students through intentional, student-centered growth as outlined in LEAD ON: Values in Action, the university’s 10-year strategic plan.
“Families are choosing TCU for the powerful mix of academic excellence, big-time athletics
and a welcoming community in an incredible city,” Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin said.
“This record-breaking class reflects that momentum and our confidence in the future.”
Retention also remains strong, with a first-to-second-year retention rate of 93.4%,
up half a point from last fall.
Enrollment growth is especially strong in the Neeley School of Business (3,495 undergraduates, up 2.3%) and in Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences (1,652 undergraduates, up 11.8%).
As TCU grows, more than $500 million in outside investment is funding construction
of new student housing as part of the university’s Campus Master Plan. The plan also calls for renewed academic and performance spaces and future connections to the Trinity River. Together, these projects will enhance student life, expand academic opportunities
and strengthen TCU’s role in Fort Worth.
Looking ahead, the university recently announced its plan to further expand access
through TCU for Texans. This initiative, launching with the fall 2026 class, will provide tuition, housing
and meals for eligible Texas students, reinforcing the university’s deep connection
to its home state.
“As TCU continues to attract students from every state in the nation, we want Texas
families to know they remain a bedrock of this university,” said Heath Einstein, vice
provost for enrollment management. “With TCU for Texans, future Horned Frogs can be
confident that opportunity here will remain both attainable and transformational.”
Horned Frog momentum is also earning national recognition. The Princeton Review ranked TCU No. 1 for “Happiest Students,” No. 3 for “Best Run Colleges” and No. 5 for “Best
Athletic Facilities.” These and several other top 10 honors were the most top placements
of any university in Texas.
“This unprecedented class is more than a milestone,” Pullin said. “It reflects our
students’ belief in TCU’s mission and their desire to be part of something bigger.
It’s proof of our momentum and a preview of what’s ahead.”
