Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas · Public · 89.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 49/100 · Below Average Value
Tarleton State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,302/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $18,142/yr |
| Average net price | $20,783/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,132 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,040 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,606 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $208 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 48.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,673 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,574 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,980 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,396 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,466 |
| $110,001+ | $24,076 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Tarleton State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $52,999 | C |
| Business Administration and Management | $66,572 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $89,677 | B+ |
| Psychology | $47,699 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $53,821 | C+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $53,503 | C+ |
| Animal Sciences | $43,185 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $44,106 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $63,969 | C+ |
| Social Work | $50,275 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Tarleton State University is $8,302/year ($18,142/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,783/year, or roughly $83,132 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $15,574/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,076/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,606 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $208 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,040 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.51 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 62.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 69.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 64.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 69.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 480-570 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 500-590 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-24 |
| Enrollment | 12,673 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 34.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,339 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarleton State University (this school) | 49 | $20,783 | $53,040 |
| Angelo State University | 49 | $15,091 | $50,116 |
| Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | 48 | $15,225 | $51,865 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 47 | $13,530 | $47,089 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 47 | $10,965 | $48,160 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | 46 | $17,613 | $49,827 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Tarleton State University is mixed. At $20,783 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.4 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 48.2% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $19,606 against $53,040 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.