SMU v. TCU v. Elon

My son is currently deciding between these three schools (business/poli sci). The COA for TCU and Elon is comparable (received scholarships at both). SMU would run around $20K/year more. Your thoughts?

I’d go SMU for business.

I’ve only heard good things about Elon, and it sounds like you snagged it for a great price.

I’d go with Elon. Better academics and reputation than tcu and equal level to smu if not better in its region without the price premium.

@jc40 I can’t comment on Elon since my son did not visit nor apply, but one thing to keep in mind about TCU is that there is not “objective” criteria for admission to Neeley business school. Admission is based on a committee and is a “moving” target based on the applicant pool and the opinion of the committee. . With no disrespect to Neeley, it is reminiscent of the “Good ole boy club” of the past, and in my opinion is something that needs to be change.

Also, be aware that scholarships at TCU require an increasing GPA to keep. It starts out at 3.0 but the cumulative GPA increases to 3.25.

In our opinion, the feel and type of students at TCU and SMU are very different. I am sure your son feels more comfortable at one over the other.

TCU has an excellent business school and the professors are also excellent. It is also ranked higher than Elon. My son participated in an investment program sponsored by the business school and was very impressed with the quality of the professors and curriculum. If football is important to your son, then TCU is currently the place to be.

SMU’s business school has continued to move up in the rankings and is currently 21st in the Nation. At SMU, admission to Cox business school is objective–if you meet the criteria, you are in. Is Cox worth the extra 20K per year or 80K over 4 years–probably not–although I wish I could tell you that it is.

Your son has 3 excellent choices.

Best or luck!

hello jc40, has your son made a decision and how did he reach it?