Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, Texas, is a distinguished member of The Texas A&M University System. Known for its rich tradition, personalized learning environment and commitment to student success, Tarleton State’s main campus blends small-town charm with state-of-the-art academic facilities, while the fast-growing Fort Worth campus brings education to one of the largest metro areas in Texas. Students choose Tarleton State for its affordable, high-quality education, robust career services and vibrant campus life. Tarleton State’s mission is to provide cutting-edge programs that equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce while staying true to its mission of access, opportunity and affordability.
Get to know Tarleton State University
College Highlights
“Tarleton State has helped prepare me for my future career as a healthcare professional through hands-on learning experiences. Tarleton State really stands out with its emphasis on hands-on learning across all majors. Students get real-world experiences as a part of their degree program.” – Madison Pearson
At Tarleton State, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Students are actively involved in hands-on learning through internships, research projects and service-based experiences. The university’s Applied Learning Experiences (ALE) initiative encourages every student to complete at least three high-impact experiences before graduation, such as fieldwork, faculty-led research or community service tied to their major.
Whether it’s working on real-world engineering challenges, conducting agricultural studies in state-of-the-art labs and research farms or serving local communities through education and public health projects, Tarleton State students put their learning into action. These immersive opportunities help students build both confidence and a strong professional foundation before entering the workforce or graduate school.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 1%
Hispanic/Latine: 24%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 7%
White, non-Hispanic: 62%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%
“I had several options for colleges, but Tarleton State really stood out over the others with a great student-to-faculty ratio and great personal attention. Here at Tarleton State, students know they are a name, not a number.” – Aurod Ounsinegad
Tarleton State’s faculty are deeply invested in student success, balancing scholarly expertise with everyday mentorship. The university offers robust undergraduate programs across colleges in Agriculture, Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Education, Liberal Arts and more, all grounded in innovation and service-oriented learning.
Faculty members are deeply invested in student success, bringing real-world experience into the classroom and guiding students through hands-on, project-based learning.
Through small class sizes and a supportive academic environment, students benefit from personal attention and strong mentorship. Tarleton State’s instructors prioritize not just subject mastery, but also the development of critical thinking, communication and leadership skills, altogether ensuring that graduates are well prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“Traditions at Tarleton State are unique and unmatched. They unite us and foster a sense of belonging, and I will carry those experiences in my heart for life.” – Magnolia Dunlap
A strong sense of pride and tradition runs through the heart of Tarleton State’s campus life. Students are welcomed into a tight-knit community where involvement is the norm. With more than 100 student organizations, active Greek life and a wide array of leadership and service opportunities, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Beyond student clubs, Tarleton State celebrates a rich blend of university traditions. Located in the friendly town of Stephenville and just a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, students enjoy the charm of small-town life along with access to big-city opportunities for internships, exploration and entertainment.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Tarleton State’s main campus resides in Stephenville, which is a rural town just outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Students can enjoy the charm of a small-town while also having the access to city opportunities for internships, exploration and entertainment. Additionally, the fast growth of Tarleton State’s Fort Worth campus offers a more urban setting for students. Tarleton State University is striving to enhance the quality of life while delivering a life-changing education across the state of Texas and beyond.
ATHLETICS
Tarleton State University is a full member of NCAA Division I Athletics, as a full member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Football competes at the FCS level as part of the United Athletic Conference (UAC) and Beach Volleyball competes in Conference USA (C-USA). Athletic event admission is free for all students, as our Texans gather to create a vibrant student section at home events. Tarleton State sponsors 17 NCAA Division I sports, as well as one of the nation’s premier rodeo programs. The Texans represent the purple and white on the nation’s biggest stage. Tarleton State’s nickname is the Texans and the official mascot of the university is the Texan Rider, but fans may also see spirit symbols patrolling the sidelines such as Oscar P, the legendary pet duck of our founder John Tarleton, and the Purple Poo, the oldest spirit organization in Texas. These university spirit symbols help bring the history and tradition of our university to life on game days.
Career readiness is built into the fabric of a Tarleton State education. From day one, students receive the guidance and support they need to clarify their goals and chart a path toward meaningful careers. The Career Services team, in collaboration with faculty and community partners, helps students find internships, develop professional skills and make connections that matter.
Whether entering high-demand fields like healthcare, agriculture, education or technology, Tarleton State graduates are well prepared to thrive. Many students also take advantage of pathways into graduate and professional programs — equipped with hands-on experience, strong academic preparation and the confidence that comes from a job well done.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES FOR REAL-WORLD SUCCESS
Capstone and senior-level internships serve as high-impact practices that bridge academic learning and professional application. These internships reflect Tarleton State’s strategic commitment to socioeconomic mobility and workforce development, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Through partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers, schools and agricultural enterprises, Tarleton State facilitates community-based internships that align with regional workforce needs. These partnerships not only benefit students by offering real-world learning opportunities but also provide local organizations with access to emerging talent, fresh perspectives and current industry knowledge.
Additionally, internships contribute to local economic development by equipping students with the skills necessary to meet critical workforce demands in fields such as healthcare, education and technology. Many students choose to remain in the region after graduation, strengthening the local economy and fostering long-term partnerships between Tarleton State and the surrounding communities.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 580
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 470 | 75th Percentile: 570
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT English
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 24
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $4,416
Tuition (out-of-state): $14,496
Fees: $3,462
Room: $6,378
Board: $4,468
What Others are Saying
Contact Tarleton State University
Contact Admissions
tarleton.edu/admissions
(254) 968-9123
admissions@tarleton.edu
Campus Location
1333 W. Washington
Stephenville, TX 76402
(254) 968-9000