Sul Ross State University: 97.1% Acceptance Rate

97.1%Acceptance

$7,592Tuition

1,378Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,871Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University sits in the high desert of West Texas with just 1,378 students calling it home. The school has built a reputation around its championship rodeo program and outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. With a 97% acceptance rate, Sul Ross opens its doors to nearly everyone who applies. The remote Alpine setting attracts students seeking small-town college life and access to Big Bend country's hiking, climbing, and stargazing opportunities.

Students pay an average net price of $10,991 after financial aid, with over half receiving Pell Grants. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $41,871 while graduates typically carry $15,900 in debt. The monthly loan payment averages $169, making the financial burden manageable for most. In-state students pay just $7,592 in tuition, reflecting the university's mission to serve rural Texas communities.

The student body is 69% Hispanic and 96% from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. However, only 27% of students graduate within six years, and the 58% retention rate suggests the isolated location and limited resources challenge many students. The Lobos compete in NCAA Division II athletics across 12 sports with 261 total athletes.

Academics & Faculty

Sul Ross State University serves as a regional center for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, natural resource management, and outdoor recreation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. However, the 27% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face in completing their degrees. The university has built a reputation for its range management program, which takes advantage of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. Students also pursue education degrees to teach in rural Texas communities. With 69% Hispanic enrollment, Sul Ross plays a crucial role in serving first-generation college students from the border region. The small size creates tight-knit academic communities but limited research opportunities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 59.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.4%
Retention Rate: 58.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,871
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Campus Life

Alpine sits 220 miles southeast of El Paso in the high desert of West Texas. Only 49% of students can fit in campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community among the 1,378 enrolled. The elevation of 4,500 feet means cooler temperatures than most of Texas, though you'll still need sunscreen for the intense desert sun. Winter nights can drop below freezing, making a jacket essential.

Sul Ross draws 96% of its students from Texas, with many coming from rural backgrounds. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Weekends revolve around outdoor adventures in Big Bend National Park, just 26 miles away. The rodeo team competes nationally and reflects the school's agricultural heritage. With 69% Hispanic enrollment, the campus celebrates strong Southwestern culture. The Lobos compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 261 total athletes. Small-town Alpine offers limited nightlife, so students create their own entertainment through intramural sports, campus organizations, and weekend trips to the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert for hiking and stargazing.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 671 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1917

Campus Safety (2023)

26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Burglary	7	5	1
Domestic Violence	2	2	0
Rape	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1	0
Stalking	1	1	0
Fondling	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–61°F
July Avg: 64°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 16.1"
Annual Snowfall: 2.2"

Student Demographics

Sul Ross draws heavily from Texas, with 96% of students coming from in-state. The student body is 69% Hispanic, reflecting the university's location in the Rio Grande Valley region and its mission to serve local communities. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's role as an affordable option for first-generation college students. The slight majority of women students balances against the school's reputation for rodeo and outdoor programs. Sul Ross functions as a regional university serving rural West Texas families seeking accessible higher education close to home.

Men: 44.1%
Women: 55.9%
White: 20.0%
Black: 6.6%
Hispanic: 69.5%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 95.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 51.6%

Location

Alpine sits in far West Texas, 220 miles southeast of El Paso and 390 miles west of San Antonio. The town of 6,000 residents serves as the gateway to Big Bend National Park and sits at 4,500 feet elevation in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sul Ross draws 95.87% of its 1,378 students from within Texas, many attracted to the rugged mountain and desert landscape surrounding campus. The remote setting offers strong stargazing opportunities and outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. Alpine's isolation means students often drive hours to reach larger cities. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Sul Ross State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alpine, Texas 79832

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,871
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,801
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $169/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,900

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Sul Ross State University?

Sul Ross State University accepts 97% of applicants, making admission nearly guaranteed for most students. The average SAT score is 965, reflecting the university's open-access mission to serve West Texas students regardless of test performance.

How much does Sul Ross State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,991 after financial aid at Sul Ross State University. Over half of students (51.6%) receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with modest debt loads of $15,900.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Sul Ross State University?

Sul Ross State University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,378 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in a close-knit campus community nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert.

What are the graduation rates at Sul Ross State University?

Sul Ross State University has a 27% six-year graduation rate and 58% retention rate. The university serves a predominantly Hispanic student body (69%) and rural West Texas population, many of whom are first-generation college students.

Where is Sul Ross State University located?

Sul Ross State University sits in Alpine, Texas, a remote desert town with 671 on-campus housing spaces. The isolated location provides unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and research in the Big Bend region.

Is Sul Ross State University known for any unique programs?

Sul Ross State University fields 12 varsity sports including a nationally competitive rodeo team with 261 total athletes. The university embraces its West Texas heritage as the Lobos, offering outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert landscape.