Texas Christian University is a world-class, ‘values-centered’ university located in Fort Worth, Texas. The 283-park like campus, just five miles from downtown Fort Worth is home to just under 9,000 undergraduates. Recognized by Forbes Magazine as a rising star, the university is open to students of all faiths. Horned Frog sports teams are a big draw for students, especially when it comes to football. (TCU’s horned frog mascot is named for the state reptile of Texas.) Fort Worth is known as the city of Cowboys and Culture known with an Old West feel and a vibrant downtown cultural district.
Visitor Info: Tour TCU
Airport: Fly into Dallas Love Field or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, TCU is approximately a half hour drive from each terminal.
Stay: The Courtyard by Marriott University Drive is within walking distance to TCU's campus and the most convenient choice. (It’s also right across the street from Woodshed, the popular and lively smokehouse mentioned below.) If you prefer to stay in downtown Fort Worth the Omni is our top choice, right next door to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The Ashton is another great option. Keep your eyes open for the brand new TCU Hotel slated to open in the spring of 2020. You can read all about why this will soon be the most convenient and best option to stay when touring here.
Coffee: For a quick coffee close to campus, head to Einstein Bros or the Starbucks at the TCU bookstore. Dwell, a new coffee shop within walking distance to school has quickly become a student go to and favorite. (they always have delicious biscuits for a quick bite.
Breakfast: Ol' South Pancake House is a traditional American breakfast joint that is open 24/7. If you want a smaller, more family run setting try Yogi's Deli and Grill. For a breakfast you can post on Instagram head over to Press Cafe, a new hip spot with outdoor and indoor setting. (It is also a great lunch spot!)
Lunch: On University Drive, where you’ll get to see the students showing off their purple attire, head to Pizza Snob for build your pizza pies or Dutch’s for a burger with home made fries. For those eating healthy, Righteous Foods delivers with a menu stocked with tasty bowls, wraps and salads.
Dinner:
Casual: Woodshed Smokehouse is one of the most popular lunch and dinner spot among the TCU students and Fort Worth community. Come here for a taste of classic Texas barbecue. There is a mix of indoor and outdoor seating conducive to any season: fans blow cool air and mist during the Texas heat and blankets and heaters keep everyone toasty during the cooler season. You can walk from TCU's campus and it’s located right next to the Trinity River. You can’t leave Fort Worth without a visit to the Stockyards and a margarita on the rocks with a side of chips and queso from Joe T Garcia's. A staple since 1935, this beloved tex-mex believes in quality over quantity.
A Step Up: One students states: “ When Mom and Dad are paying, I take them downtown to Reata, an upscale southwestern restaurant serving great food, drinks and a good time. The rooftop bar offers great views of Fort Worth. Another good choice is to head over to Magnolia and dine at Ellerbe, formerly a gas station, now a farm to table fine dining destination. The mood is quieter at Ellerbe’s than Reata, however there is always something fun happening on Magnolia.“ We also hear good things about Waters with a seafood centric menu from local chef Jon Bonnell.
Sweets: Melt Ice Cream, located on Magnolia, is a great spot to hit after dinner. Steel City Pops has numerous locations around Fort Worth, the most popular being on West 7th which one students describes as “a small, downtown version of Fort Worth where you’ll find TCU students and young graduates."
Local Attractions: Walk around the Stockyards and attend a concert at Billy Bob's Honky Tonk! Visit the Fort Worth Zoo or Water Gardens downtown. Go to TopGolf for a fun afternoon of hitting golf balls and talking with locals. Visit the acclaimed collection of post WW11 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth sprawled across five pavilions set into a reflecting pool. Café Modern in the museum is a nice place to have lunch before or after a visit. Explore the Clearfork and the 7th St. districts, two popular areas in Fort Worth thanks to great restaurants and shopping.
Self Guided Tours: The new Bluutour app allows families to tour TCU's campus from the perspective of a student similar to you or your child. Tour on your schedule and at your convenience. Select a tour, put in your earbuds, and walk through campus while listening to your student guide. For a link to the TCU page click here.
— QUOTES FROM CAMPUS —
CTU FAST FACTS
Established
1873
Mascot
Horned Frog
School Colors
White & Purple
Acceptance Rate
43%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Decision and Early Action
Type
Private
Size
Medium
Website
Region
South West
Southwest
Admissions Office
3301 Bellaire Drive North
Fort Worth, TX 76109
(p) 817.257.7490
(f) 817.257.7268
frogmail@tcu.edu
Heath Einstein , Dean of Admissions
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Big 12
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Bob Schieffer
Sue Monk Kidd
LaDainian Tomlinson
+ TCU NAME CHEAT SHEET +
+ UNIVERSITY
+ HOTELS
The Courtyard by Marriott University Drive
Hotel Name
Omni
The Ashton
+ RESTAURANTS
Brewed
Avoca
Einstein Bros
Starbucks
Ol' South Pancake House
Yogi's Deli and Grill
Press Cafe
Food Park
Pizza Snob
Dutch’s
Righteous Foods
Waters
Woodshed Smokehouse
Joe T Garcia's
Reata
Ellerbe
Melt Ice Cream
Steel City Pops
+ LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Stockyards
Fort Worth Zoo
Billy Bob's Honky Tonk
Water Gardens
TopGolf
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Just toured the TCU Campus? Are you a TCU student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for TCU!