About Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University draws 12,263 students to the small town of Stephenville, deep in Texas cattle country. The school has built its reputation on agriculture programs and maintains one of the nation's top collegiate rodeo teams. Sports writer Dan Jenkins and NFL player Kyle Hicks both got their start here. With an 87% acceptance rate, Tarleton welcomes most students who apply seriously.
The financial picture looks manageable for most Texas families. Students pay an average net price of $20,261, while graduates earn a median $53,040 ten years after leaving school. Typical student debt reaches $19,606 with monthly payments around $208. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, keeping costs lower with resident tuition at $7,878. About 37% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families.
Women make up 63% of the student body on this rural campus. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at smaller colleges. Tarleton competes in Division I athletics across 13 sports, offering over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's open-access mission, though nearly three-quarters of freshmen return for sophomore year.
The financial picture looks manageable for most Texas families. Students pay an average net price of $20,261, while graduates earn a median $53,040 ten years after leaving school. Typical student debt reaches $19,606 with monthly payments around $208. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, keeping costs lower with resident tuition at $7,878. About 37% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families.
Women make up 63% of the student body on this rural campus. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at smaller colleges. Tarleton competes in Division I athletics across 13 sports, offering over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's open-access mission, though nearly three-quarters of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Tarleton State specializes in agriculture and veterinary sciences, drawing students from across rural Texas to its hands-on programs. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in smaller specialty classes. With a 48% four-year graduation rate, many students take extra time to complete degrees while working or participating in internships at local ranches and farms. The university's agriculture programs connect directly to the surrounding ranching community in Stephenville. Students gain practical experience through the campus farm and livestock facilities. The 51% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on non-traditional students who often balance work with studies in agricultural sciences and education programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.2%
- Retention Rate
- 73.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,040
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,013 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $59,576 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,776 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,107 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $51,482 |
Campus Life
Students at Tarleton State find themselves in the heart of Texas ranch country, about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The campus sits in Stephenville, a town of 20,000 that calls itself the "Cowboy Capital of the World." About 34% of the 12,263 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where rodeo culture runs deep.
Texas heat dominates most of the academic year, with students needing sunscreen more than winter coats. The university's famous rodeo team practices year-round, and many students own horses or participate in agricultural programs that make use of the surrounding ranch land. With 96.88% of students from Texas, weekend activities often revolve around country music, barbecue, and outdoor recreation. The Purple Poo tradition sees students and alumni gather for massive tailgating events that can draw thousands to this small town. Students frequently make the drive to Fort Worth for internships or entertainment, but many find plenty to do in Stephenville's western-themed downtown and at campus events.
Texas heat dominates most of the academic year, with students needing sunscreen more than winter coats. The university's famous rodeo team practices year-round, and many students own horses or participate in agricultural programs that make use of the surrounding ranch land. With 96.88% of students from Texas, weekend activities often revolve around country music, barbecue, and outdoor recreation. The Purple Poo tradition sees students and alumni gather for massive tailgating events that can draw thousands to this small town. Students frequently make the drive to Fort Worth for internships or entertainment, but many find plenty to do in Stephenville's western-themed downtown and at campus events.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 4,202 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1896
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–56°F
- July Avg
- 70°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 95.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -775.2"
Student Demographics
Women make up nearly two-thirds of Tarleton's 12,263 students, reflecting strong enrollment in education and health programs alongside the university's traditional agriculture focus. Nearly 97% of students come from Texas, showing Tarleton's role as a regional institution serving rural communities across the state. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to first-generation college students from working families. The student body is 64% white and 23% Hispanic, mirroring the demographics of central Texas where many students plan to build careers after graduation.
- Men
- 37.4%
- Women
- 62.6%
- White
- 63.7%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 23.4%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 96.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.1%
Location
Stephenville sits 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth in the heart of Texas ranch country. This town of 21,000 nearly doubles when Tarleton's 12,263 students arrive each fall. The area epitomizes rural Texas with rolling hills, cattle ranches, and wide open spaces that stretch for miles. Stephenville calls itself the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and hosts the annual Hard Grass Country Music Festival. The campus occupies 125 acres in this agricultural community where rodeo culture runs deep. With 96.88% of students coming from Texas, most arrive familiar with the state's ranching heritage. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Tarleton State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Stephenville, Texas 76401-0000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,040
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,656
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $208/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,606
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Tarleton State University?
Tarleton State University accepts 87.06% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1050. The school welcomes students who may not qualify for highly selective universities but are ready for college-level work in agriculture, business, and other practical fields.
How much does Tarleton State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,261 annually after aid. With in-state tuition at $7,878 and room and board at $10,846, Tarleton offers affordable access to a four-year degree in rural Texas.
What is Tarleton State University known for academically?
Tarleton built its reputation on agriculture programs that serve rural Texas communities. The student-faculty ratio of 18:1 allows for hands-on learning in fields like ranch management, animal science, and agricultural business.
How well do Tarleton State University graduates perform in the job market?
Graduates earn a median salary of $53,040 ten years after graduation with 95.4% finding employment. The school's focus on practical skills and strong connections to Texas agriculture and business help students transition into stable careers.
Where is Tarleton State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Stephenville, a small Texas town that houses 12,263 students with 4,202 living on campus. Women make up 62.63% of enrollment while 96.88% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Does Tarleton State University have a strong athletic program?
Tarleton competes in NCAA Division I with 13 varsity sports and awards $4,430,134 in athletic scholarships. The school is especially known for its rodeo team, which reflects the agricultural heritage and rural Texas culture that define campus identity.
