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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,100 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,142 |
| Room and Board | $10,920 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,248 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$3,317 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,783 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,574 |
| $30–48k | $16,980 |
| $48–75k | $20,396 |
| $75–110k | $23,466 |
| $110k+ | $24,076 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Graduates of Tarleton State carry median debt of $19,606, with borrowing ranging from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,561 at the 75th percentile. This debt level ranks at the 72nd percentile nationally, indicating above average borrowing compared to all institutions.
However, compared to the peer median debt of $20,000, Tarleton State graduates borrow $394 less, demonstrating controlled borrowing relative to similar universities. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 indicates manageable debt burden, as graduates typically earn enough to service their loans comfortably.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $14,966 with monthly payments of $197, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The debt distribution shows that one-quarter of students graduate with $5,500 or less in debt, while the highest-borrowing quarter accumulates $23,561 or more.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Tarleton State presents a solid educational investment profile. With earnings beyond expectations of $1,610 at the 62.3rd percentile, graduates typically perform above predicted outcomes based on student demographics and institutional characteristics.
Median earnings of $53,040 rank at the 50th percentile nationally, indicating consistent but not exceptional earning power. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 demonstrates manageable borrowing relative to income potential, supporting sustainable loan repayment.
Compared to peer institutions, Tarleton State graduates earn $7,503 less annually but also borrow $394 less, creating a mixed value proposition. The net price advantage of $4,671 below peer median helps offset the earnings differential, particularly in early career years when loan payments represent the largest financial burden.
Tarleton State's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to accessibility and affordability. With 37.1% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a substantial population of lower-income students who qualify for federal need-based aid.
The average financial aid savings of $2,720 provides meaningful cost reduction from the published price. The net price structure shows progressive support, with the largest aid packages directed toward families earning less than $30,000 annually.
Middle-income families also receive aid, with net prices remaining below the full cost of attendance through the $75,000 income level. The aid system appears designed to make higher education accessible across diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining the institution's financial sustainability.
