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Baylor University vs Tarleton State University

Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX. Tarleton State University is a public university in Stephenville, TX. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants and Tarleton State University about 90%, making Baylor University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,783 a year at Tarleton State University after aid, and about $41,104 at Baylor University. About 80% of students graduate at Baylor University, compared with 50% at Tarleton State University. Ten years after enrolling, Baylor University alumni earn a median of about $65,793, against $53,040 for Tarleton State University.

Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waco, TX
Stephenville, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
14,785
12,673
Acceptance rate
51%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
19–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$20,783
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$24,100
In-state tuition
$58,100
$8,302
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$18,142
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$15,574
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$20,396
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$23,466
Over $110k
$47,895
$24,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
50%
Freshman retention
91%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$46,729
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$53,040
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$19,606
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
34%
First-generation students
17%
42%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Baylor University or Tarleton State University harder to get into?
Baylor University is harder to get into. It admits about 51% of applicants, compared with 90% at Tarleton State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Tarleton State University?
Tarleton State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,783 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,104 at Baylor University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Baylor University and Tarleton State University?
Before aid, Tarleton State University costs about $24,100 a year and Baylor University about $74,226. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Baylor University or Tarleton State University?
Tarleton State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,574 there, against about $22,024 at Baylor University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Baylor University or Tarleton State University?
Baylor University is the larger of the two, with about 14,785 undergraduates against 12,673 at Tarleton State University.
Does Baylor University or Tarleton State University have a better graduation rate?
Baylor University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 50% at Tarleton State University.
Do graduates of Baylor University or Tarleton State University earn more?
Baylor University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,793 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,040 for Tarleton State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Baylor University and Tarleton State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Tarleton State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Baylor University and Tarleton State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor University and 980–1160 at Tarleton State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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