At $20,261/yr net price, Tarleton State University graduates earn $53,040/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,040/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,261 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,040/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,040/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,606 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,477/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,966/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,599/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,714/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,981/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,013 | $25,909 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $59,576 | $16,473 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $29,765 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $20,000 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $56,641 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $18,093 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,107 | $27,770 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $51,482 | $18,750 |
The Risk Factor
51.2% of students at Tarleton State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Tarleton State University delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with median earnings of $53,040 ten years after graduation on manageable debt loads. Your biggest advantage here is the low median debt of $19,606, which keeps your monthly payments reasonable even if you land in lower-paying fields.
The highest-paying programs cluster in practical, job-ready fields. Information Science and Nursing both hit $63,005 in median earnings, while Business Administration reaches $60,013. Clinical Laboratory Science offers particularly strong value with $59,576 earnings on just $16,473 in debt. However, Human Resources Management saddles you with $29,765 in debt for $57,318 in earnings, making the debt-to-income ratio less favorable.
Your main financial risk is the 51% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start never finish, meaning they carry debt without the degree premium. The 74% retention rate suggests many students transfer rather than drop out entirely, but you still face real completion risk.
Tarleton works best financially if you target their stronger career programs and can handle the rural campus environment. The school makes sense for Texas residents seeking affordable nursing, business, or technical training without big-city costs. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive merit aid opportunities or want exposure to high-paying industries that recruit heavily from urban campuses.
With only 37% of students receiving aid, Tarleton likely offers limited need-based assistance beyond federal programs. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree in four years and choosing one of their stronger career-focused majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tarleton State University worth the cost?
Tarleton State's $20,261 annual net price leads to $53,040 in earnings after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. The 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Tarleton State University?
Information Science and Nursing programs at Tarleton State both lead to $63,005 annual earnings after graduation. Business Administration graduates earn $60,013, making these three programs the strongest financial performers.
How much student debt do Tarleton State University graduates have?
Tarleton State graduates leave with a median debt of $19,606, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, the relatively low post-graduation earnings of $53,040 mean debt payments will take up a larger portion of income.
Does Tarleton State University have good financial aid?
With an 87% acceptance rate and a net price of $20,261, Tarleton State is accessible but not particularly generous with aid. Students should compare this cost against the school's below-average earnings outcomes when making their decision.