
1333 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA


Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation ensures that the institution meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
The university also holds specialized accreditations for particular programs. For instance, its education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which validates the quality of teacher training and certification preparation. Additionally, business programs at Tarleton State University have earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious mark of excellence recognized internationally.
Prospective students can be confident that the university's accreditations reflect a commitment to rigorous academic standards and continuous improvement across multiple disciplines.
Admission to Tarleton State University requires a completed secondary school record, including both grade point average and class rank. Applicants must have a General Educational Development (GED) credential if they do not present a traditional high school diploma. While standardized test scores are not prominently weighted, the university does require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native English speakers. Recommendations and competency assessments are suggested but not mandatory for admission consideration.
The university does not follow an open admission policy and requires completion of a college preparatory program. Credit can be earned through Advanced Placement exams, and dual credit opportunities are not acknowledged for admission purposes. Computer access or leasing is not a prerequisite for applicants.
Tarleton State University admits a high percentage of its applicants, with an acceptance rate around 94%, which places it among institutions with relatively inclusive admission standards. The average SAT score of enrolled students is approximately 1050, reflecting performance in the lower quartile nationally, while the average ACT composite score is about 20, ranking in the bottom 15% nationally. These figures indicate that the university serves a diverse academic profile of incoming students.
The application process at Tarleton State University involves a nonrefundable application fee that prospective students must pay to have their materials reviewed. This fee is part of the standard procedure to apply for admission and helps cover administrative costs associated with processing applications.
For students facing financial challenges, Tarleton State University offers fee waivers to reduce barriers to applying. Eligible applicants may request a waiver through specified criteria, ensuring that the cost does not deter qualified individuals from submitting their applications. These waivers are designed to support those who demonstrate need, promoting greater access to higher education.
Tarleton State University hosts an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus. This allows students to participate in the ROTC program without needing to attend a cooperating host institution elsewhere. The presence of an on-campus ROTC unit offers greater accessibility and convenience for prospective military cadets interested in pursuing leadership training alongside their academic studies.
Tarleton State University welcomes transfer students during the fall, spring, and summer terms, offering multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin studies. The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams in both subject-specific and general categories, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. Prospective transfer students who have completed prior coursework or examinations may find their credits evaluated for transfer, facilitating a smoother transition.
Additionally, Tarleton State University considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer application process, supporting a more comprehensive review of applicants' qualifications.
Tarleton State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities that cater to diverse academic interests and goals. Students can participate in faculty-led programs, which provide structured, short-term experiences abroad typically aligned with specific courses or disciplines. These programs allow for immersive learning while maintaining a close connection to Tarleton's curriculum.
Additionally, the university supports semester-long or year-long exchanges and direct enrollment options at partner institutions overseas. These opportunities enable students to immerse themselves fully in a different academic and cultural environment, contributing to both personal growth and global competency.
The available destinations and program formats cover a wide range of fields including business, agriculture, education, and the arts, accommodating various majors and academic schedules. Tarleton State University also offers resources to assist with planning, scholarships, and credit transfer, helping students integrate their study abroad experiences smoothly with their degree plans.
Median composite SAT score
1050Median composite ACT score
20Percent of students submitting ACT scores
14%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
47%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer