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Tradition, Pride & Spirit - Tarleton's Legacy

John Tarleton's Dream: John Tarleton, an Erath County pioneer, bequeathed $100,000 to establish an institution in hopes of educating youth and giving them an opportunity he never had.

Overview

When you walk across our beautiful campus, you will notice we do things differently here at Tarleton.  You are more than a face in the crowd – you are part of the Tarleton family.  With our state-of-the-art Candle Lighting Ceremony facilities, 110 years of tradition, friendly faculty and staff, and active student body, there is no doubt that Tarleton’s legacy is alive and strong across our campus.

Founded in 1899 as a private, liberal arts college known then as John Tarleton College, the institution became a member of The Texas A&M University System in 1917, a four-year degree-granting institution in 1959 and gained status as a university in 1973.

The third largest non-land grant agriculture university in the United States, Tarleton is a leader in teacher education. It has one of the largest and oldest public school improvement partnerships in the United States, benefiting more A male and female student in front of the Education Building than 50 area school districts. The university also is a national leader in educating agricultural education teachers.

With its main campus located one hour from Fort Worth in Stephenville, Texas, Tarleton serves as the educational and cultural flagship of the Cross Timbers Region. With a population of 17,000, Stephenville is known as one of the country's most desirable places to live and is included in Norman Crampton's The 100 Best Small Towns in America published by Prentice Hall.

Get to Know Us

Library: Past and Present

Quick Facts

General Information
Founded 1899
Joined A&M System 1917
Colors Purple and White
Mascot Texan Rider
Athletic Affiliation Lone Star Conference
Campus Life
Student / Faculty Ratio 18 to 1
Students & Faculty Come From 220 Texas counties, 45 states, and 34 foreign countries
Student Organizations 100+
Athletics Men (Texans): Baseball, Basketball, Track & Field, Cross Country, and Football
Women (TexAnns): Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Cross Country, Tennis, and Golf
Recreational Sports Fall Team Sports: Flag Football, Volleyball, Soccer
Spring Team Sports: Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Individual/Dual Sports: Golf Scramble, Intramural Rodeo, Racquetball, Rock Climbing
Tournaments: Archery, Table Tennis, Eight Ball
Finances
Estimated Cost per Academic Year* $13,333
2009-2010 Operating Budget $111.5 million
Erath County Economic Impact $170 million
State of Texas Economic Impact $311 million
Academics
Undergraduate Degree Programs 60+
Graduate Degree Programs 22
Doctorate Degree Programs 1
Associate Degree Programs 2

*Ranks among the most affordable public four-year universities in Texas

Tarleton ranks in the Top 25% for 6 Yr Graduation Rate and in the Bottom 25% for Tuition and Related Costs