About Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University is a state university, located in Stephenville, Texas, which is well-known for its horse breeding program and innovative teacher education. Founded in 1899, Tarleton State is known for having one of the largest and oldest public school improvement partnerships, helping more than 50 area school districts. In 1917, Tarleton became a member of the Texas A&M University System and, in 1973, the school gained status as a university. Today, TSU is one of the country’s fastest-growing public universities and is recorded as the second-largest institution in the Texas A&M system.
TSU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a vibrant learning community. Tarleton State University offers more than 30 online bachelor’s completion programs and master’s degree programs, all taught by expert faculty. These online programs offer small class sizes and personal attention. TSU online degrees have the same requirements as on-campus degrees and graduates earn the same degrees as students attending classes on one of TSU’s campuses.
Accreditation & Licensing
Tarleton State University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 15,101 ; Graduate: 2,618Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 20% ; Graduate: 59%Graduation Rate:
48%Transfer Rate:
29%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$53,040Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$19,606Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
68%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,224Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Tarleton State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Engineering
Healthcare
Math & Science
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Tarleton can be a budget-friendly path to finish a degree. In Texas, it is known for a lower cost. One full yearly estimate, including tuition, room, board, and meals, is about $19K to $21K.
The school also offers distance and nontraditional options that can help students manage cost while they finish. A clear degree plan matters. If course planning changes late, students may need extra classes and more time. So while yearly cost can be lower, total cost can rise if graduation plans shift.
At Tarleton State University, day-to-day class support is a real strength. Professors are often easy to reach and easy to work with. Some keep helping even after a class ends. That gives students steady help with assignments and course topics.
Degree planning support can be less consistent. At times, advising has missed important requirement details. That can lead to surprise classes late in a program. Overall, Tarleton offers strong professor support, while planning guidance may vary.
Tarleton State University offers online classes that are flexible and easy to use. Many students mix online and in-person courses. It is common to take more online classes than face-to-face classes.
This setup works well for adults with jobs and busy weeks. Courses give you structure, but you also need to manage your time. Flexible options help school fit with work, family, and daily life.
Tarleton is a strong choice for students who want online learning and a schedule they can keep.
Classes at Tarleton often feel personal and discussion-friendly. Small class sections make it easier to ask questions and stay involved.
Professors are often described as easy to work with, thoughtful, and helpful. That classroom style can make learning feel more direct and less distant.
Workload varies by course level and major. Expect a mix of engaging early classes and heavier writing in upper-level work, including long papers.
Tarleton State University offers a lot to like. Professors are approachable and easy to reach. Classes often go deep and feel worth the effort. Students get steady support with daily coursework, which helps them stay on track.
Cost is also a strong point. Tarleton is often seen as one of the more affordable options in Texas. A full yearly cost can be around $19,000 to $21,000. Online and hybrid classes are flexible and easy to use, which can make work and school easier to balance.
Good planning still matters. Degree plans should stay accurate from start to finish so timelines do not shift late. For students who want lower cost, flexible formats, and close faculty contact, Tarleton can be a solid choice.
Tarleton State University offers a lot to like. Professors are approachable and easy to reach. Classes often go deep and feel worth the effort. Students get steady support with daily coursework, which helps them stay on track.
Cost is also a strong point. Tarleton is often seen as one of the more affordable options in Texas. A full yearly cost can be around $19,000 to $21,000. Online and hybrid classes are flexible and easy to use, which can make work and school easier to balance.
Good planning still matters. Degree plans should stay accurate from start to finish so timelines do not shift late. For students who want lower cost, flexible formats, and close faculty contact, Tarleton can be a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tarleton State University
Is Tarleton State University accredited?
Yes. Tarleton State University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Tarleton State University offer?
Tarleton State University offers 28 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Tarleton State University offer?
Tarleton State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Tarleton State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Tarleton State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Tarleton State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Tarleton State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Tarleton State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Tarleton State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 2.5 appears most often.
Is Tarleton State University military friendly?
Tarleton State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Tarleton State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Tarleton State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Additional Materials May Be Required, Essay/Writing Sample, and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Tarleton State University accept life experience credit?
Tarleton State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Tarleton State University programs fully online or mixed?
Tarleton State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Tarleton State University offer?
Tarleton State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Engineering, Math & Science, and Art & Liberal Arts; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Tarleton State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Tarleton State University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Tarleton State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Tarleton State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Tarleton State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Tarleton State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Tarleton State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Tarleton State University is featured in 18 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Tarleton State University is located in Texas
Texas at a Glance:

Top Majors in Texas:
Top Incentives in Texas:
- TEXAS Grant: Up to $5,195 annually
Top Career Pathways in Texas:
- Entry Level: Project Engineer ($75,000)
- Mid Level: Operations Manager ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Energy Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP



















