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Texas State University vs Tarleton State University

Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos, TX, and Tarleton State University is a public university in Stephenville, TX. Texas State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 90% at Tarleton State University. Texas State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,805 a year against $20,783 at Tarleton State University. About 56% of students graduate at Texas State University, compared with 50% at Tarleton State University. Ten years after enrolling, Texas State University alumni earn a median of about $56,906, against $53,040 for Tarleton State University.

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
San Marcos, TX
Stephenville, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
36,177
12,673
Acceptance rate
89%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1200
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,805
$20,783
Full cost / yr
$28,073
$24,100
In-state tuition
$11,450
$8,302
Out-of-state tuition
$22,930
$18,142
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,715
$15,574
$30k - $48k
$13,557
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$13,804
$20,396
$75k - $110k
$20,028
$23,466
Over $110k
$24,713
$24,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
50%
Freshman retention
80%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,716
$46,729
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,906
$53,040
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$19,606
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
34%
First-generation students
36%
42%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Texas State University or Tarleton State University harder to get into?
Texas State University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% 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, Texas State University or Tarleton State University?
Texas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,805 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,783 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Texas State University and Tarleton State University?
Before aid, Tarleton State University costs about $24,100 a year and Texas State University about $28,073. 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, Texas State University or Tarleton State University?
Texas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,715 there, against about $15,574 at Tarleton State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Texas State University or Tarleton State University?
Texas State University is the larger of the two, with about 36,177 undergraduates against 12,673 at Tarleton State University.
Does Texas State University or Tarleton State University have a better graduation rate?
Texas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 50% at Tarleton State University.
Do graduates of Texas State University or Tarleton State University earn more?
Texas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,906 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,040 for Tarleton State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Texas State University and Tarleton State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Texas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tarleton State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Texas State University and Tarleton State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1200 at Texas State 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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