STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Seven consecutive years of enrollment growth have led Tarleton State University to another record fall, with preliminary enrollment exceeding 27,000 students across Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, RELLIS and Online.
Tarleton State welcomed more than 4,600 new Texans this fall, including 3,400 first-time-in-college students which is up 12% from fall 2025. As part of the growth, the university continues to attract high-achieving applicants from across Texas, with students who graduated in the top 10% of their high school class accounting for more than 15% of the first-time-in-college cohort.
“Our continued enrollment growth reflects the tremendous value students and families see in a Tarleton State education,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “We are providing more students than ever with access to an affordable, high-quality education while preparing graduates to lead, serve and make an immediate impact in Texas and beyond.”
Enrollment in Tarleton Today, the university’s dual enrollment program established in 2023, also reached an all-time high. Represented by 100 school districts across Texas, the dual-enrollment program has seen a 74% increase from the previous year. The program provides an affordable pathway for high school students to earn college credit and accelerate their preparation for higher education.
Beyond the growth of the Tarleton Today program, Tarleton State’s postsecondary enrollment alone has grown more than 20% since 2019, outpacing the average growth rate for Texas public universities. Graduate education has also gained momentum, with 14% enrollment growth across master’s and doctoral programs.
“Students are choosing Tarleton State because they recognize the opportunities available here,” said Dr. Hurley. “From innovative academic programs and hands-on learning to a supportive campus community, we are creating an environment where talented students can achieve at the highest level.”
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 27,000 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.