About Texas Southern University
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with mixed long-term outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $19,734 after aid, with 71.30% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $38,924 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $29,000. The monthly loan payment of $307 represents a significant portion of early career earnings, as first-year graduates make a median of $35,355.
Student success requires persistence at TSU, where only 22.49% graduate in four years and the retention rate sits at 56.99%. The student body is predominantly female at 66.13% and 85.83% Black. As a Division I athletic program competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Tigers field 12 varsity sports with 343 total athletes.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 22.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.9%
- Retention Rate
- 57.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,924
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,252 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $59,169 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $49,576 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $47,620 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,942 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,290 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,235 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $40,485 |
Campus Life
The student body is 66.13% women, creating a active social atmosphere centered around Greek life, homecoming festivities, and Tigers athletics. Weekends often revolve around basketball games and the legendary Battle of the Bands during football season. With 82.46% of students from Texas, the campus feels deeply rooted in Southern culture and traditions. The Third Ward location puts students minutes from downtown Houston's internships and cultural attractions, though the immediate neighborhood requires street smarts. Ocean of Soul Marching Band performances draw crowds, while step shows and yard shows showcase the rich traditions that make TSU a cornerstone of Black college life.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,322 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1947
Campus Safety (2023)
60 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–62°F
- July Avg
- 76°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 33.9%
- Women
- 66.1%
- White
- 0.8%
- Black
- 85.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.3%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 82.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 71.3%
Location
- Address
- Houston, Texas 77004
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,924
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,857
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 27.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $307/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Texas Southern University?
Texas Southern University accepts 96.80% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. The middle 50% of students score between 820-1000 on the SAT. As one of the nation's largest HBCUs, TSU prioritizes providing educational opportunities to a diverse student body.
How much does Texas Southern University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Texas Southern University is $19,734 annually. About 71.30% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Students typically graduate with $29,000 in debt and face monthly loan payments of $307.
What are the strongest academic programs at Texas Southern University?
Texas Southern University is well-known for its pharmacy, law, and public affairs programs. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. TSU has produced notable graduates including Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and NFL star Michael Strahan.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Texas Southern University?
Texas Southern University has a 19.90% six-year graduation rate and 22.49% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,924 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 92.2%, though only 27.44% of graduates are successfully repaying their loans.
Where is Texas Southern University located and what is campus life like?
Texas Southern University sits in Houston, providing students access to one of America's largest cities. The campus houses 2,322 students in residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 6,619. About 82.46% of students come from Texas, creating a strong in-state community.
What makes Texas Southern University unique as an HBCU?
Texas Southern University serves as one of the nation's largest historically black universities with 85.83% Black enrollment. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 343 student-athletes across 12 sports. TSU was founded in 1947 and maintains its mission of serving underrepresented communities in higher education.
