New Students

John Tarleton's Dream

John Tarleton, an Erath County pioneer, bequeathed $100,000 to establish an institution in hopes of educating youth and givng them an opportunity he never had. His dream set the foundation for the university's mission to create a culture of excellence for students.

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. Tarleton State University is now one of the state's fastest growing institutions with an enrollment of approximately 9,500 for fall 2007.

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.

Upgraded campus facilities and affordable tuition combined with Stephenville's economical cost of living, make Tarleton one of the best university values in Texas.

Quick Facts

• 2007 Fall Enrollment: 9,465
  
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
  
• Estimated Cost per Academic Year: $12,000
  
• Combined Endowment Funds FY 2007: $41.14 million
  
• 2007-2008 Operating Budget: $112,500,000
  
• Research Expenditures FY 2006: $11.11 million
  
• Erath County Economic Impact: $170 million
  
• State of Texas Economic Impact: $311 million
• Ranks in the top 25% for 4-year graduation rates and in the bottom 25% for tuition and related costs at public universities
• Students come from 221 Texas counties, 45 states, 2 U.S. territories and 34 foreign countries to find a welcoming new living and learning environment