Real Talk: How to Pay for College at TCU

Paying for college is one of the biggest questions families face in the college search. That's why our latest Real Talk livestream focused on scholarships, financial aid and smart planning.

Mandy Castro, assistant vice provost and dean of admission, and Trudy Conner, director of financial education and scholarships, answered questions from families tuning in across the country and around the world. Watch the full video and read the highlights below.

When Should Families Start Planning for College Costs?

Many families start saving early through 529 plans, savings accounts or a financial advisor. Military benefits and financial aid can also help. As you start building your college list, look up each school's cost of attendance. Every college is required to publish one, so you can compare tuition, fees, housing, meals and other expenses side by side.

What's the Difference Between Scholarships, Grants and Loans?

Academic scholarships are based on your academic or talent ability, not your family's income. Grants are need-based and don't have to be repaid. Loans and work-study are considered "self-help," meaning they're repaid or earned. The goal is to maximize scholarships and grants and make informed choices about loans.

How Are Academic Scholarships Awarded at TCU?

There's no separate scholarship application, with the exception of our prestigious Chancellor's Scholarship. Every applicant is automatically considered for academic scholarships, and if you receive a scholarship, you'll be notified at the same time as you receive your admission decision in your myTCU portal. Scholarships are awarded for eight semesters, so families can plan ahead. Applying test-optional doesn't affect your eligibility, and students pursuing fine arts majors can audition for talent-based awards.

How Do I Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid?

TCU accepts two applications for need-based aid: the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Both are open now. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study, while the CSS Profile determines eligibility for TCU's institutional need-based aid. Submit both early to be considered for the maximum aid you're eligible for. The CSS Profile is only filed once, while the FAFSA is filed every year.

Not sure you'll qualify? Trudy recommends filing anyway, especially if it's your family's first student heading to college. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes and gives our office a baseline if your financial situation changes later.

What If My Parents Are Divorced?

The FAFSA is filed with the parent who provides the most financial support. The CSS Profile also asks for information from the noncustodial parent, which each parent submits separately and privately. This is one of the most commonly missed steps, so plan ahead. Waivers are available in limited circumstances.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend TCU?

Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of tuition, housing, food and other expenses. This isn't exactly what you'll pay, but it will give you a better picture of what you'll actually pay - not just the sticker price.

Does TCU Offer Full Scholarships?

A few TCU scholarships cover full tuition, including the Chancellor's Scholarship, our top academic award. Students who apply to TCU's John V. Roach Honors College by Nov. 15 are considered for the Chancellor's Scholarship. A few special eligibility programs cover tuition and food and housing assistance, and we notify applicants who may qualify.

What Is TCU for Texans?

TCU for Texans provides full tuition to Texas students whose families have an adjusted gross income below $100,000, are Pell Grant eligible and have reasonable assets. Many recipients also receive help with food and housing. To be considered for the maximum award, apply Early Action and submit all application and financial aid documents by the priority deadline of Nov. 1.

TCU also invests heavily in support for middle-income families through scholarships, need-based aid and a $300 million scholarship initiative.

Are There Options for International Students and Veterans?

All international students are considered for academic scholarships, and some may receive need-based aid. International students only complete the CSS Profile, not the FAFSA.

All transfer students are considered for automatic academic scholarships based on GPA. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, TCU guarantees a 100% tuition benefit for veterans who are eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Key Dates

Nov. 1

• Early Action and Early Decision I application deadline
• Spring transfer deadline
• TCU for Texans priority deadline

Nov. 15

• Honors College application deadline for Chancellor's Scholarship consideration

Feb. 1

• Regular Decision and Early Decision II deadline
• Fall Early Action transfer deadline
• Financial aid priority deadline

Stay Connected

• Email Us: frogmail@tcu.edu
• Financial Aid: financialaid@tcu.edu
• Apply to TCU: tcu.edu/apply