STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has been ranked as one of the Best Colleges for Rural America by Washington Monthly, recognizing an ongoing institutional commitment to serving rural students.
The inaugural Best Colleges for Rural America rankings assess colleges on their ability to recruit in-state students and graduate them into in-demand fields like teaching, nursing, engineering, agriculture and natural resources management. By engaging and preparing students from rural areas to work where they are most needed, institutions like Tarleton State help their communities thrive.
Tarleton State joins fellow Texas A&M System institutions Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-Victoria and Texas A&M University-Texarkana in the list’s top 25.
“This recognition reflects our longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening rural communities,” said President Dr. James Hurley. “As a first-generation college student, I personally recognize that a quality education is the first step towards a student’s upward mobility and community growth. We are dedicated to removing barriers and preparing students for meaningful careers.”
Since its founding in 1899, Tarleton State has prided itself in offering an affordable, quality higher education experience. Through initiatives such as the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program and Tarleton State Promise Program, Tarleton State actively works to remove financial barriers for students.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.