Tarleton State combines accessible admission with strong support systems for student success. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university serves 37.1% Pell-eligible and 42.1% first-generation students while delivering earnings beyond expectations and maintaining debt levels below peer institutions.
With typical tier designation, driven by consistent but not exceptional long-term earnings outcomes
With above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and moderate debt levels
With strong tier designation, indicating above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With strong tier performance, reflecting the university's ability to support economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTarleton State University delivers solid earnings outcomes while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Graduates earn a median of $53,040 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 50th percentile nationally.
The earnings range spans from $35,348 at the 25th percentile to $73,166 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across academic programs. The university generates $1,610 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 62.3rd percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking accessible higher education with strong support systems, particularly those from Texas or rural backgrounds. Well-suited for first-generation college students and those prioritizing affordable education with manageable debt.
Tarleton's Opportunity Builder designation reflects its commitment to serving diverse student populations while maintaining solid post-graduation outcomes.
Tarleton State University maintains an Open Access admission policy, accepting 94.2% of applicants. This means approximately 19 out of 20 applicants receive offers of admission, reflecting the university's commitment to educational accessibility.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights Tarleton State's significantly more accessible approach compared to typical four-year institutions. This open admission philosophy aligns with the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including many first-generation college students.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Tarleton State University's published cost of attendance reaches $22,981 per year, including $7,878 in-state tuition, $10,846 for room and board, and $1,560 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $17,958 in tuition, bringing their total cost to $30,403.
However, the average student pays just $20,261 after financial aid, representing savings of $2,720 from the sticker price. This net price sits $4,671 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating above-average affordability compared to similar institutions.
The financial aid system provides meaningful support across income levels, with net prices ranging from $15,477 for the lowest-income families to $22,981 for the highest-income bracket. Federal financial aid data shows that 37.1% of students receive Pell grants, indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students who benefit from need-based assistance.
The cost structure reflects Tarleton State's public mission to provide accessible higher education while maintaining quality academic programs and campus resources.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
201 graduates
Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician.
57 graduates
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
24 graduates
Blood Bank Technology Specialist.
20 graduates
Business/Commerce, General.
247 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Appalachian State University Similar quality tier (#284 ranked) | NC | 89% | $51,836 | #284 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Tarleton State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/tarleton-state-university/analysis.
Open access with strong mobility outcomes
Tarleton State University ranks #283 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with composite performance at the 82.7th percentile. Located in Stephenville, Texas, this large public university maintains an Open Access admission policy with a 94.2% acceptance rate while demonstrating strong institutional support across key performance areas.
Tarleton State enrolls 37.1% Pell-eligible students and 42.1% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to educational access. The university demonstrates well above average access performance at the 81.4th percentile and strong mobility outcomes at the 89.6th percentile.
Graduates earn $53,040 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 50th percentile nationally, while achieving $1,610 in earnings beyond expectations at the 62.3rd percentile. This combination of high accessibility, controlled costs, and consistent outcomes positions Tarleton State as an Opportunity Builder institution, serving students who benefit from structured educational pathways.
For prospective students, this accessibility means that meeting basic admission requirements typically results in acceptance. However, students should focus on preparation for academic success rather than admission competition.
The high acceptance rate creates opportunities for students who may not qualify for more selective institutions but are prepared to engage seriously with college-level coursework. Students should view Tarleton State as a reliable option for college access while researching academic support services and degree completion resources.
The university's retention rate of 73.8% indicates that admitted students benefit from institutional support systems designed to promote persistence and success.
Tarleton State graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $46,729 six years after enrollment to $50,130 at eight years and $53,040 at ten years, representing 13.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 3,836 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. The university generates $1,610 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Tarleton State at the 62.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
This above average performance indicates the institution's effectiveness in translating educational access into economic advancement. Low-income graduates earn $44,800, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the gap between the 25th percentile ($35,348) and 75th percentile ($73,166) reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 26.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward movement, reflecting career advancement as graduates gain professional experience.
Tarleton State offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out with 201 graduates earning $73,918 and ranking #93 nationally and #9 in Texas.
Chemical Engineering Technology produces 57 graduates with median earnings of $71,921, ranking #9 nationally and #2 in Texas. Business/Commerce, General graduates 247 students with median earnings of $59,606, ranking #29 nationally and #5 in Texas.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies serves as one of the university's largest programs, graduating 249 students with earnings of $46,014 and ranking #31 nationally. Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 222 students earning $48,162, while Corrections Administration produces 150 graduates earning $49,034 and ranking #63 nationally.
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations reflects the university's agricultural heritage, graduating 178 students with earnings of $49,434. These programs demonstrate Tarleton State's strength in professional preparation across healthcare, engineering, business, and agricultural fields.
Mississippi State University Similar quality tier (#282 ranked) | MS | 76% | $51,513 | #282 | Compare |
University Of Alabama At Birmingham Similar quality tier (#281 ranked) | AL | 88% | $54,501 | #281 | Compare |
Texas A & M University-Kingsville Similar quality tier in Southwest (#285 ranked) | TX | 92% | $51,450 | #285 | Compare |
Ball State University Similar quality tier (#287 ranked) | IN | 72% | $51,833 | #287 | Compare |
