How Christian is Texas Christian University?
Updated January 8, 2026
How Christian is Texas Christian University?
As you might imagine, this is a frequently asked question. The short answer is that among students and employees who come to TCU with a religious background, the overwhelming majority grow in and express their faith while at TCU in a multitude of ways. However, the short answer doesn't address the more nuanced question of how we live into our religious identity at TCU.
TCU is a denominationally-based university, with the “C” referencing our affiliation with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. Our denominational affiliation dates back to our founding in 1873, when brothers Addison and Randolph Clark (who were Disciples of Christ ministers) established then AddRan Male and Female College in Thorp Spring, Texas. In 1878 the Clark brothers formed an affiliation with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination to adopt their school naming it AddRan Christian University, before eventually renaming it Texas Christian University in 1902.
It is our affiliation with The Christian Church Disciples of Christ denomination that helps inform our values as a University, where we celebrate interfaith engagement, ecumenism, and the sacredness and dignity of all people. At TCU we understand that not everyone will agree with or like that philosophy, and that’s okay. Even Jesus was disliked by the Pharisees. But it is Jesus’ commandment, to the Pharisees and to us, to “love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves” that inspires who we are as an institution. So regardless of where someone might fall on the religious, political, or any other spectrum, there is a place for them here. Because at TCU that is how we love our neighbor.
An example of how we live into that philosophy is demonstrated by our Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL), which works with and supports students from more than 60 religious traditions, denominations, and faith perspectives on our campus each year. The RSL Office also helps to support more than 30 religious student organizations on campus. Many students participate in multiple campus ministries, and the RSL Office can also help them connect with local churches off campus. Participation in these expressions of faith is voluntary, and while we do have an ecumenical chapel on campus there is no required chapel service. This is important because like the United States, as an institution TCU strongly prioritizes the individual religious freedom of our students. That said, roughly 40% of our students report active involvement in a faith community throughout the academic year not because they have to be, but because they choose to be.
Academically speaking, as part of our liberal arts and sciences Core Curriculum, we require students to take one religious course before graduation. In this environment, students are participating in an academic study of religion. The course can be as specific as History of Sacred Music or as broad as Anthropology and Religion. Our faculty in all areas of study aim to present material that stimulates the mind. Professors certainly help our students think – critically, ethically, and with unceasing depth – but never tell students what to think.
All in all, to perceive TCU as merely a mid-sized Christian school might negate our substantial spiritual variety. At the same time, to imply that Texas Christian University is in any way untrue to our name devalues the thriving religious community on campus and our shared values with The Christian Church Disciples of Christ.
However, please don’t simply take our word for this. Please come visit us and ask our current students, faculty, staff, or alumni about how they engage their faith and other aspects of the TCU experience. If you plan to visit campus come to a Monday at TCU where you can learn more about how we live into our Christian identity. Also, if you haven’t connected with your Admission Counselor, find yours here. We’d love to hear from you!