Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University has an acceptance rate of 96.9%, annual tuition of $9,173, average net price of $16,590, and a national rank of #1439 (Grade C+), with a 22.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 6,844 undergraduates, and median earnings of $55,112 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Texas Southern University is a public university in Houston, TX. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 66.2% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 61.7%, roughly 11.8 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Texas Southern University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Texas Southern University graduates 22.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 36.2% and keeps 66.2% 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 Texas Southern 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 | $9,173 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,654 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,800 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,028 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,052 |
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 72.3% of Texas Southern 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 $16,437 to $21,610 depending on family income. Use Texas Southern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,698/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,610/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $55,112
- 10-Year Median Earnings $38,924
- Average Years to Graduate 5.4 years
- Average Student Debt $29,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 27.4%
- Employment Rate 86.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Texas Southern 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.
Texas Southern University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Texas Southern University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Texas Southern University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Texas Southern University graduates earn $55,112 median four years after graduation, -9% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 420-520
- SAT Math 380-480
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-19
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,844
- Full-Time Students 87.0%
- Part-Time Students 13.0%
- Retention Rate 66.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 22.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 36.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Texas Southern University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Texas Southern 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 96.9%, Texas Southern 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 96.9% acceptance rate, Texas Southern 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 800 and 1000 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Texas Southern University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Biology, General, and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.5%
- Biology, General 5.8%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 5.8%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.6%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 5.6%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.6%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.4%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.2%
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. Computer and Information Sciences, General $65,875
- 2. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $64,846
- 3. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $62,503
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $60,470
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $58,991
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $56,348
- 7. Public Health $54,775
- 8. Political Science and Government $54,608
- 9. Psychology, General $53,881
- 10. Social Work $52,740
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $139,367
- 2. Law (First Professional Degree) $83,014
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $80,773
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $75,749
- 5. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $61,546
- 6. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $57,667
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $51,483
- 8. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $33,963
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $65,875—25% more than Social Work ($52,740). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $139,367 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Texas Southern 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
- Law (First Professional Degree, 210 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 85 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 75 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 58 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 (42 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Journalism
- Social Work
- Civil Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Sociology
- Air Transportation
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Music
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Public Administration
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- History
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Homeland Security
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
Online Master's Degrees (18 programs)▼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Computer Science
- Psychology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Sociology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- History
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- English Language and Literature, General
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,844
- Full-Time Students 87.0%
- Part-Time Students 13.0%
- Male Students 35.3%
- Female Students 64.7%
- Caucasian 0.7%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 8.0%
- Black 85.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 72.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Texas Southern University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Texas Southern University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas Southern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Texas Southern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Texas Southern University has a diverse student body, with 0.7% identifying as White. Women make up 64.7% of undergraduates. 72.3% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas Southern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Texas Southern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Texas Southern University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1439 nationally with a 61.7% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,590 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $55,112 median earnings. The 22.2% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 66.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Texas Southern University's Strengths
Ranked #1439 with a C+ grade, Texas Southern University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Texas Southern University excel at providing affordable education ($16,590 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: Texas Southern University's 66.2% retention and 22.2% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($55,112 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Texas Southern University's 61.7% ROI and $16,590 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 22.2% graduation rate sits 40.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 66.2% first-year retention is 10.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 61.7% return on investment is 11.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,112 run about 9% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $16,590 is roughly $3,489 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 66.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.4% employment rate within three years sits 18.2 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 Texas Southern University—a public university in Houston, TX—at C+ overall. It appears at #1439 in EDsmart's national list 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.
66.2% of learners come back after year one while 22.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (36.2% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 61.7%, 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 $16,590 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,052.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,462 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $29,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 72.3% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $55,112 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 9% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 86.4%.
Plan around an ROI of about 61.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.9% 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 Texas Southern 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas Southern University's acceptance rate?
Texas Southern University's acceptance rate is 96.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Texas Southern University cost?
At Texas Southern University, listed tuition and fees are $9,173 per year, and the average net price after aid is $16,590. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Texas Southern University's ranking?
Texas Southern University ranks #1439 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Texas Southern University's graduation rate?
At Texas Southern University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 22.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 36.2%, and first-year retention is 66.2%.
What are Texas Southern University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Texas Southern University report median earnings of $55,112 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Texas Southern University's student population?
Texas Southern University enrolls about 6,844 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Houston, TX 77004
- Website www.tsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$85.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.9%