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Nelson University vs Texas State University

Nelson University is a private university in Waxahachie, TX, and Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos, TX. Both admit about 89% of applicants. Texas State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,805 a year against $21,662 at Nelson University. About 56% of students graduate at Texas State University, compared with 39% at Nelson University. Ten years after enrolling, Texas State University alumni earn a median of about $56,906, against $46,238 for Nelson University.

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waxahachie, TX
San Marcos, TX
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,479
36,177
Acceptance rate
89%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.18–3.68
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1090
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
19–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,662
$16,805
Full cost / yr
$34,504
$28,073
In-state tuition
$25,064
$11,450
Out-of-state tuition
$25,064
$22,930
Application fee
$35
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,583
$12,715
$30k - $48k
$18,396
$13,557
$48k - $75k
$21,731
$13,804
$75k - $110k
$23,883
$20,028
Over $110k
$25,474
$24,713
Outcomes
Graduation rate
39%
56%
Freshman retention
75%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,425
$46,716
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,238
$56,906
Median debt at graduation
$24,725
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
37%
First-generation students
38%
36%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Not reported
Rolling

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 Nelson University or Texas State University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 89% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Nelson University or Texas State University?
Texas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,805 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,662 at Nelson 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 Nelson University and Texas State University?
Before aid, Texas State University costs about $28,073 a year and Nelson University about $34,504. 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, Nelson University or Texas State University?
Texas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,715 there, against about $17,583 at Nelson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Nelson University or Texas State University?
Texas State University is the larger of the two, with about 36,177 undergraduates against 1,479 at Nelson University.
Does Nelson University or Texas State University have a better graduation rate?
Texas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 39% at Nelson University.
Do graduates of Nelson University or Texas State University earn more?
Texas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,906 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,238 for Nelson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Nelson University and Texas State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Nelson University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Texas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Nelson University and Texas State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1090 at Nelson University and 980–1200 at Texas 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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