Stephenville, TX · Private University
Is Tarleton State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,040
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,878
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,958
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$71,832
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.95x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
51.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,606
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$20,261
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Tarleton State University graduates earn $8,040 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Tarleton State University ranked by graduate earnings
270 graduates
49 graduates
20 graduates
35 graduates
216 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Tarleton State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Tarleton State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $73,918) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $27,259) is $46,659/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $73,918 | 4.1x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $71,921 | 4.0x |
| Construction Engineering Technologies(1yr data) | $70,481 | 3.9x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $61,729 | 3.4x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $59,606 | 3.3x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $55,952 | 3.1x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $55,760 | 3.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services(1yr data) | $55,138 | 3.1x |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians(1yr data) | $51,917 | 2.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $51,321 | 2.9x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $50,309 | 2.8x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $49,434 | 2.8x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,034 | 2.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering(1yr data) | $48,585 | 2.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $48,162 | 2.7x |
| Biology, General | $46,999 | 2.6x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $46,014 | 2.6x |
| Marketing | $45,687 | 2.5x |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy | $44,092 | 2.5x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $42,890 | 2.4x |
| Social Work | $40,698 | 2.3x |
| Animal Sciences | $39,740 | 2.2x |
| Psychology, General | $39,627 | 2.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $39,063 | 2.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General(1yr data) | $34,754 | 1.9x |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | $34,721 | 1.9x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest(1yr data) | $27,259 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Tarleton State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $53,040 10 years after starting, $8,040 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.