STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley celebrated record enrollment, expanding academic and research opportunities, championship success and historic investment in the university’s future during today’s 2026 State of the University address.
Centered on the theme “Made for More,” Dr. Hurley reflected on the university’s continued momentum and the people driving its growth and impact across Texas.
“Tarleton State’s momentum is about far more than growth,” said President Hurley. “It is about the opportunities we create for our students, the impact we make across Texas and the people who make that work possible. Together, we are building a university positioned to serve more Texans than ever before and make an even greater difference for generations to come.”
Tarleton State reached another enrollment milestone this fall with more than 28,000 students, an increase of 113% since fall 2019. The university also welcomed its largest first-time-in-college class in history with more than 3,400 students, up 12% from fall 2025. Graduate enrollment increased 14%, online enrollment grew 4.6% and Tarleton Today enrollment increased 17%.
Interest in Tarleton State continues to rise as well, with undergraduate applications up 22% and first-time freshman applications increasing 24% year over year. Students now represent all 50 states, 54 countries and 236 Texas counties.
The university continues to expand access for students before they reach college through Tarleton Today, its dual enrollment program. The program includes 100 active high school districts, 25 courses, 37 Tarleton State faculty members and 407 high school teachers. Nearly half of participating high school seniors applied to Tarleton State for fall 2026.
Affordability remains central to that growth. Tarleton State awarded $29.8 million in scholarships, up from $26.7 million, while continuing to expand support for first-generation students, veterans and military-connected families.
Academic offerings also continue to grow in response to workforce needs. Twelve new programs began in fall 2025, eight launched in fall 2026 and 10 additional programs are planned for 2027-28. Within the Division of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, College of Kinesiology and Sports Science, and College of Health and Clinical Professions were elevated from schools to stand-alone colleges.
Student outcomes remain strong. For the seventh consecutive year, Tarleton State ranks No. 1 among public doctoral universities in Texas for graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. The latest figure shows 83.4% of Tarleton State graduates reaching one of those outcomes.
Research activity reached another university record with $32.7 million in expenditures in fiscal year 2025, a 31.5% increase in one year and the largest annual increase in university history. Faculty and students are advancing research in areas ranging from rural healthcare and cardiovascular health to agriculture, wildlife conservation, STEM teacher preparation and plastics and PFAS detection and removal.
Tarleton State’s impact continues to broaden statewide, with the university contributing $4 billion in income to Texas.
Dr. Hurley’s address also highlighted the university’s continued investment in the student experience. The Purple Pantry has expanded in Stephenville and Fort Worth, TRIO programming now supports first-generation students across multiple locations, and Tarleton State has eliminated the retention gap between first-generation and non-first-generation students. The university is one of only 18 institutions nationwide recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion.
Tarleton State earned six distinctions during the past year recognizing its commitment to veterans and military-connected families. International opportunities are expanding as well, with 48% of study-abroad participants identifying as first-generation students and a new $50,000 scholarship supporting study-abroad experiences.
Texans continued to excel on the national stage. Tarleton State student-athletes posted a record 3.32 GPA in spring 2026, with 80% earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The university claimed eight conference championships, the 2025-26 WAC Commissioner’s Cup and the inaugural Chancellor’s Cup, while Tarleton State Rodeo earned its 42nd national championship.
That momentum is being matched by significant investment in Tarleton State’s future. The university invested more than $215.7 million in new and renovated facilities during fiscal year 2026, including 277,000 square feet of new space. Completed capital projects represent approximately $218 million, while another $630.6 million in active, planned, and proposed projects includes the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (application status-seeking accreditation), Regents Hall, a new residence hall, agriculture and natural resources facilities, a second parking structure and an Innovation and Incubation Hub.
Philanthropic support has also reached new heights. Tarleton State now has more than 104,000 living alumni and has raised more than $82.8 million during the past two fiscal years, marking four consecutive years of record fundraising. Giving Week surpassed $1 million with more than 900 gifts.
The university’s fiscal year 2027 comprehensive budget stands at $943.3 million, up 251% from fiscal year 2019, while operating budget revenues have increased 73% during the same period. Tarleton State is also investing directly in its employees through professional development and education benefits, including more than $1 million awarded to employees pursuing additional degrees.
“Our progress is powered by the people who teach, support, serve, discover and lead every day,” President Hurley said. “That is what ‘Made for More’ means at Tarleton State. It is what we can achieve together for our students, our communities and the future of Texas.”
