Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas · Public · 89.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 63/100 · Fair Value
Texas State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,450/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,930/yr |
| Average net price | $16,805/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $67,220 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,906 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $223 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 55.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,177 |
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 | $12,715 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,557 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,804 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,028 |
| $110,001+ | $24,713 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Texas State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $50,549 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,832 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,048 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,447 | C+ |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $59,009 | C+ |
| Marketing | $71,539 | B |
| Computer Science | $104,127 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,100 | C+ |
| Biology | $55,605 | C |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $49,987 | C |
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 Texas State University is $11,450/year ($22,930/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 $16,805/year, or roughly $67,220 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,715/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,713/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $223 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,906 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 62.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 62.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 89.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 480-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 500-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-25 |
| Enrollment | 36,177 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 37.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,186 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State University (this school) | 63 | $16,805 | $56,906 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | 69 | $21,279 | $60,543 |
| Northern Arizona University | 64 | $14,158 | $54,384 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 63 | $22,063 | $65,287 |
| Angelo State University | 49 | $15,091 | $50,116 |
| Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | 48 | $15,225 | $51,865 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Texas State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $16,805 per year leads to $67,220 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $56,906 a decade out. The payback period of 9.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Areas of concern include concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,000 against $56,906 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.