Texas State University combines open access admission with exceptional mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university serves 36.1% Pell-eligible and 35.8% first-generation students while achieving mobility performance among the highest tracked nationally, demonstrating that broad accessibility supports economic advancement.
Above average, showing positive long-term value despite modest earnings levels
Above average, reflecting controlled costs and reasonable debt levels relative to outcomes
Well above average, indicating strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop 2% nationally for economic mobility
Texas State University delivers economic mobility outcomes that rank among the highest nationally while maintaining affordability and accessibility. Graduates earn a median of $56,906 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 63rd percentile nationally.
While earnings fall $1,068 below expectations based on student demographics, this places the institution around the national average for value-added performance. The earnings distribution ranges from $38,577 at the 25th percentile to $80,902 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career trajectories across the university's 20 academic programs.
Students seeking affordable access to higher education with strong economic mobility outcomes, particularly first-generation (35.8%) and Pell-eligible students (36.1%) who want diverse program options at a large public university with open admission policies.
Texas State University admits 89.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Texas State in the Open Access category, making it significantly more accessible than many four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that Texas State is more accessible than typical public universities, admitting 11.4 percentage points more applicants than its peer group. This open access approach reflects the university's mission to serve a broad population of Texas students, including many who are first-generation college students or from lower-income families.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Texas State University's published cost of attendance is $26,348 per year, including $23,210 in out-of-state tuition ($11,450 for Texas residents), $12,270 for room and board, and $740 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $16,438 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,910 through various aid programs.
This net price positions Texas State $848 below the peer median of $15,590, making it more affordable than typical public universities of similar size and scope. The university's financial aid approach creates significant cost reductions for students across all income levels, with particularly substantial support for lower-income families.
Texas State's affordability index ranks at the 68.8th percentile nationally, above average, reflecting the institution's commitment to accessible higher education. The combination of moderate sticker prices and meaningful financial aid results in net costs that support the university's mission of serving diverse student populations, including substantial numbers of Pell-eligible and first-generation students who benefit most from affordable pricing structures.
Computer Science.
232 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
87 graduates
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
134 graduates
Industrial Engineering.
36 graduates
Manufacturing Engineering.
37 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Francisco State University Similar quality tier (#44 ranked) | CA | 96% | $68,077 | #44 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
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This is the Texas State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/texas-state-university/analysis.
Texas State University ranks #44 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with mobility performance at the 98.7th percentile—among the highest we track. Located in San Marcos, Texas, this large public university maintains open access with an 89.5% acceptance rate while demonstrating exceptional economic mobility outcomes.
Texas State enrolls 36.1% Pell-eligible students and 35.8% first-generation students, positioning it well above typical access measures for public institutions. The university's combination of broad accessibility and strong mobility outcomes places it firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions serve diverse student populations while delivering meaningful economic advancement.
With SAT scores ranging from 980 to 1,190 and strong performance at the 89.0th percentile nationally, Texas State demonstrates that accessible admission can coexist with academic quality and positive post-graduation results.
For prospective students, this high acceptance rate means admission is primarily based on meeting basic eligibility requirements rather than competing against other applicants. Students should focus on demonstrating college readiness through their academic preparation rather than viewing admission as highly competitive.
However, meeting admission requirements and succeeding academically once enrolled requires proper preparation and commitment to academic success. This accessibility makes Texas State an excellent option for students seeking quality higher education without the uncertainty associated with highly selective admission processes.
Texas State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early careers. Median earnings increase from $46,716 six years after enrollment to $52,554 at eight years and $56,906 at ten years, representing 21.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 9,986 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward movement as graduates advance in their careers and gain professional experience.
Low-income graduates earn $48,300 ten years after enrollment, indicating meaningful economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The distribution of earnings spans from $38,577 at the 25th percentile to $80,902 at the 75th percentile, a 2.1:1 ratio that reflects the diversity of academic programs and career paths.
Approximately 26.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating the institution prepares students for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions with a median of $60,543, Texas State graduates earn $3,637 less annually, though this difference occurs alongside significantly lower debt burdens and broader accessibility.
Texas State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Computer Science stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $92,305, ranking #1 in Texas and #80 nationally, graduating 232 students with a value score of 56.8.
Construction Engineering Technology ranks #2 in Texas and #8 nationally, graduating 134 students who earn $86,836 with an impressive value score of 77.4. The university's largest programs by enrollment include Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies with 544 graduates, Psychology with 475 graduates, and Exercise Science and Kinesiology with 475 graduates.
Business programs demonstrate strong representation with Business Administration and Management graduating 420 students earning $57,305, and Digital Marketing graduating 353 students earning $59,736. Creative programs also show competitive outcomes, with Advertising ranking #2 in Texas and #18 nationally, graduating 315 students who earn $50,780.
Commercial Photography ranks #2 in Texas and #16 nationally, demonstrating the university's strength in diverse professional fields beyond traditional academic disciplines.
University Of South Florida Similar quality tier (#43 ranked) | FL | 41% | $57,743 | #43 | Compare |
University Of North Texas Similar quality tier in Southwest (#41 ranked) | TX | 72% | $57,010 | #41 | Compare |
California State University-Dominguez Hills Similar quality tier (#47 ranked) | CA | 91% | $57,162 | #47 | Compare |
Stony Brook University Similar quality tier (#49 ranked) | NY | 49% | $74,502 | #49 | Compare |
