Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Stephenville, Texas
94.2% Acceptance Rate
Tarleton State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
94.2%Acceptance Rate
3.21Avg GPA
1068Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$22,981Annual Cost
$53,040Grad Salary
37.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
94.2%
Avg GPA
3.21
Avg SAT
1068
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
960–1150
ACT Middle 50%
19–24
Avg Net Price
$20,261
Need-Based Aid
37.1% receive Pell
Tarleton State University is a public university in Texas that is known for its strong focus on agriculture, education, and professional degree programs. Admissions are selective, focusing on high academic achievement and the successful completion of a rigorous course load. The university looks for students who are ready to contribute to its vibrant, diverse campus community and participate in its active research and service-learning initiatives.
Prospective students should highlight their success in core academic subjects and their history of initiative in extracurricular activities. As a hub for research and professional networking in Texas, the university values ambitious students who are ready to take advantage of its extensive resources. Clearly expressing how one's professional goals align with the university's unique approach to innovation and student-led success is a great way to show institutional fit.
Tarleton State University Acceptance Rate
Tarleton State University (TSU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 94.2%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 94.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.21 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.01 – 3.20
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.76
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
TSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at TSU is 3.21. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.41-3.61 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.91 and 3.21, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
TSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at TSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.21, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.21 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.01 – 3.20
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.81 – 3.00
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.80
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Tarleton State University is a founding member of the Texas A&M University System; founded 1899 in Stephenville, TX (main campus, ~60 miles SW of Fort Worth); additional campuses in Fort Worth, Waco, and Bryan; enrollment 21,000+ (2025). SACSCOC-accredited; AACSB-accredited business (Dr. Sam Pack College of Business); CAEP-accredited education programs. Acceptance rate approximately 90?94% (sources vary; individual review available for applicants below guaranteed admission thresholds); test-optional (SAT/ACT encouraged for scholarships and TSI exemption, not required for admission). Application fee: $50; no fee for online-only applications in some cycles.
- President's Guaranteed Scholarship: top 50% class rank = $500?$4,000/year guaranteed (renewable 4 years); Distinguished High School Partner graduates = $1,000?$5,000/year; top 25% class rank required for out-of-state tuition waiver eligibility (minimum $1,000 competitive scholarship also required). Tarleton Promise: full tuition + fees + meal plan + book allowance for top 50% + household AGI ?$85,000; requires FAFSA. Transfer Guaranteed Scholarship: separate program for transfer students with 30+ transferable credits; complete General Scholarship Application.
- Guaranteed Master's Scholarship: extended to all newly admitted master's students from Spring 2026 onward; guaranteed $1,000/semester (9+ hrs), $600 (6+ hrs), or $250 (3+ hrs); renewable 4 long + 2 summer semesters. General Scholarship Application (AcademicWorks): opens August 1 annually, requires active admissions application + student ID; auto-matches 600+ awards; priority date February 15; first-come-first-served for many awards. FAFSA school code: 003631.
- Live-on requirement: all new incoming first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 12 credit hours must live in university housing for their first two years. Fall final admission deadline: August 1; Spring: December 1. Rodeo program: Tarleton fields a nationally competitive NIRA rodeo team; Presidential Rodeo Scholarship available via AcademicWorks for qualifying student athletes. Agriculture programs: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences with dedicated ag scholarships for Texas residents, Collegiate FFA members, and teaching-certification-seeking students.
- The Rigor Metric: At TSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at TSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Tarleton State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Tarleton State University (TSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into TSU Without SAT or ACT?
Tarleton State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Tarleton State University Average SAT Score: 1068
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Tarleton State University is 1068 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1068 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1068 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Tarleton State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 960, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at TSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 520 | 470 | 570 |
| SAT Reading | 535 | 490 | 580 |
| SAT Composite | 1068 | 960 | 1150 |
It means that if you have scored less than 960 then you are below most of the admitted students at TSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1150 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Tarleton State University (TSU) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Tarleton State University (TSU) are good but the admission staff at TSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Tarleton State University (TSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at TSU is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Tarleton State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 24 |
Can I get into Tarleton State University with a 24 ACT?
A 24 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Tarleton State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Tarleton State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Tarleton State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Tarleton State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 24 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for TSU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
TSU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
The President's Guaranteed Scholarship Is Automatic for Top 50% Class Rank - But the Tarleton Promise Can Eliminate All Tuition, Fees, Meals, and Books for Qualifying Low-Income Students
Tarleton's scholarship architecture has two distinct tiers that counselors must understand separately. Tier one: the President's Guaranteed Scholarship Program guarantees a merit award between $500 and $4,000 per year (renewable for up to four years) for all incoming freshmen who rank in the top 50% of their high school graduating class. Students from Distinguished High School Partner institutions receive a bonus of $500?$1,000, pushing the maximum to $5,000/year. No essay, interview, or separate scholarship application is required beyond submitting the Tarleton General Scholarship Application, which opens August 1 and has a priority date of February 15. Tier two: the Tarleton Promise Scholarship provides full tuition, fees, a meal plan, and a book allowance - full cost of attendance coverage - for students in the top 50% of their class with a household Adjusted Gross Income of $85,000 or less. Promise students must complete the FAFSA and maintain eligibility, but the scope of the award makes Tarleton's net cost effectively zero for qualifying students. Counselors should run both tiers simultaneously for every qualifying student rather than stopping at the guaranteed scholarship discovery.
Only Students in the Top 25% of Their Class Are Eligible for the Out-of-State Tuition Waiver - Know This Before Placing Non-Texas Students
Tarleton participates in a non-resident tuition waiver program tied to the Guaranteed Scholarship mechanism: students who graduate in the top 25% of their class and receive at least $1,000 in competitive scholarship funds may qualify for a waiver of the out-of-state tuition differential, effectively bringing their cost to the in-state rate. This is not automatic - eligibility is tied to class rank and scholarship funding level - and students in the top 25th?50th percentile of their class who might otherwise be interested in Tarleton for its cost profile will pay full non-resident tuition without the waiver. The state of Texas determines guaranteed admission based on top 10% class rank (automatic admission to all public Texas universities) and a matrix of quarter rank plus test scores for others. Tarleton's own admissions criteria allow individual review for applicants who do not meet guaranteed admission standards - meaning students with a 2.5+ GPA who fall below the top 25% can still be admitted under individual review, but will not qualify for the out-of-state tuition waiver.
The General Scholarship Application Opens August 1 - File It Immediately After Your Admissions Application, Not in December
Tarleton's scholarship ecosystem of 600+ awards - including the Guaranteed Scholarship, departmental awards for agriculture, nursing, STEM, rodeo, music, theatre, and business, and the Tarleton Promise - all flow through the General Scholarship Application on AcademicWorks. The application opens August 1 each year, requires an active admissions application with a student ID to access, and matches students automatically to eligible scholarships based on their profile. The priority date for next academic year consideration is February 15, but many scholarships within the system are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted - students who apply in August are in a stronger position than students who apply in February. Students targeting the STEM Scholarship (which requires a 3.0 GPA, demonstrated financial need, and enrollment in engineering, computer science, construction science, biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, pre-nursing, nursing, or criminal justice) must complete both the FAFSA and the general scholarship application before the February 15 priority window to be considered.
Tarleton Is a TAMU System Founding Member With AACSB-Accredited Business and Multiple Campuses - Its Academic Identity Extends Well Beyond Stephenville
Tarleton State University is a founding member of the Texas A&M University System - not a branch campus or affiliated institution, but an original system member with full university status and its own degree-granting authority in 120+ undergraduate programs. This means Tarleton degrees carry the Texas A&M System credential distinction that employers in agriculture, engineering, business, and the sciences recognize throughout Texas and beyond. The university holds AACSB accreditation for the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business (AACSB accreditation is held by fewer than 6% of business programs worldwide), CAEP accreditation for education, and SACSCOC regional accreditation. Beyond the main Stephenville campus, Tarleton operates campuses in Fort Worth, Waco, and Bryan, and a robust online presence - making it structurally accessible to non-traditional students in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Central Texas who want the A&M System credential without relocating to a flagship. Enrollment exceeded 21,000 students in 2025, with the Fort Worth campus serving a growing urban student population.
Expert Insight:
The most reliable planning failure at Tarleton involves the scholarship application timeline. The General Scholarship Application opens August 1 each year - but students who do not have an active admissions application and a Tarleton student ID number cannot access the system. Students who delay applying to Tarleton until October or November lose three months of first-come, first-served scholarship advantage, including for awards that exhaust their funding well before February 15. A second pattern specific to non-Texas students: assuming Tarleton's high acceptance rate means equivalent cost to in-state students. Without the top 25% class rank qualifier for the out-of-state tuition waiver, non-resident students pay full out-of-state tuition - which at a school that markets itself for affordability is a meaningful surprise. Both failures are entirely avoidable with an early August application submission and a clear counselor conversation about the waiver tier criteria before the student commits to applying from out of state.
TSU Profile
Full Name
Tarleton State University (TSU)
City
Stephenville
State
Texas
ZIP Code
76401-0000
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a TSU Degree Worth It?
Getting into TSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. TSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at TSU is $55,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.54%.
How much does a degree from TSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Tarleton State University is $22,981. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Tarleton State University is $20,261.
37.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to TSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Tarleton State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist TSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a TSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $53,040. An average TSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Tarleton State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Tarleton State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Piedmont University | Demorest, GA | 1074 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Tarleton State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at TSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Tarleton State University →
Frequently Asked Questions About TSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53,040 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $22,981 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
37.1% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Tarleton State University is 94.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.21. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.91, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.91, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.81 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.21, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Tarleton State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1068 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 960–1150.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.