Sul Ross State University
Sul Ross State University is a public university in Alpine, TX ranked #1670 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 1,396 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 98.7%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 44.9% first-year retention, and 29.9% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $13,286, about $3,712 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -35.4%, roughly 120.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $34,340. That's about $9,348 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Sul Ross State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Sul Ross State University graduates 29.9% of students within six years and keeps 44.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Sul Ross State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $7,592 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,167 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,892 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,927 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,529 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 57.7% of Sul Ross State University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,110 to $20,279 depending on family income. Use Sul Ross State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,596/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,279/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $34,340
- 10-Year Median Earnings $34,340
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 44.0%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Sul Ross State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Sul Ross State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Sul Ross State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Sul Ross State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Sul Ross State University graduates earn $34,340 median, the -35.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 470-550
- SAT Math 460-560
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,396
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 44.9%
- Graduation Rate 29.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Sul Ross State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Sul Ross State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 98.7%, Sul Ross State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 98.7% acceptance rate, Sul Ross State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 930 and 1110 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Sul Ross State University undergraduates. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 17.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 11.9%
- Business/Commerce, General 11.3%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.8%
- Psychology, General 8.6%
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Pol 6.0%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.7%
- Animal Sciences 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $39,828
- 2. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $39,723
- 3. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $37,501
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $32,033
- 5. Biology, General $31,629
- 6. Psychology, General $28,156
- 7. Animal Sciences $28,002
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $67,128
- 2. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $60,059
- 3. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $58,327
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $55,540
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $51,295
- 6. Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (Master's Degree) $46,631
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $39,828—42% more than Animal Sciences ($28,002). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $67,128 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Sul Ross State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (26 programs)▼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business/Commerce, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Animal Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Music
- Mathematics
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Political Science and Government
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Homeland Security
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,396
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.8%
- Female Students 57.2%
- Caucasian 19.2%
- Asian 0.1%
- Hispanic 67.8%
- Black 8.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 57.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Sul Ross State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Sul Ross State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Sul Ross State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Sul Ross State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Sul Ross State University has a diverse student body, with 19.2% identifying as White. 57.7% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Sul Ross State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Sul Ross State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Sul Ross State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1670 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,286 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $34,340 median earnings. The 29.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 44.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Sul Ross State University's Strengths
Ranked #1670 with a C grade, Sul Ross State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Sul Ross State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,286 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Sul Ross State University's 44.9% retention and 29.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($34,340 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Sul Ross State University and $13,286 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 29.9% six-year graduation rate sits 32.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 44.9% first-year retention is 31.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -35.4% return on investment is 120.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $34,340 run about 21% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,286 is roughly $6,732 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 44.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Sul Ross State University—a public university in Alpine, TX—at C overall. It stands at #1670 among 1942 schools Completion earns C-, Support C, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
44.9% of learners come back after year one while 29.9% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -35.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,286 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,529.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,243 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 57.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $34,340 six years after entry. This is roughly 21% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 88.0% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -35.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
98.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Sul Ross State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Alpine, TX 79832
- Website www.sulross.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$26.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.9%