Texas State University
Texas State University has an acceptance rate of 89.3%, annual tuition of $11,450, average net price of $16,805, and a national rank of #519 (Grade B+), with a 62.3% graduation rate, about 36,177 undergraduates, and median earnings of $58,786 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos, TX. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, and 80.1% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 73.1%, roughly 23.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Texas 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
Texas State University graduates 62.3% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 80.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Texas 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 | $11,450 |
| Books and Supplies | $760 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,630 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,290 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,073 |
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 37.2% of Texas State University students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $12,715 to $24,713 depending on family income. Use Texas State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,028/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,713/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $58,786
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,906
- Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
- Average Student Debt $21,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.0%
- Employment Rate 90.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Texas 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.
Texas State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Texas State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Texas State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Texas State University graduates earn $58,786 median four years after graduation, -3% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 500-610
- SAT Math 480-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 36,177
- Full-Time Students 85.8%
- Part-Time Students 14.2%
- Retention Rate 80.1%
- Graduation Rate 62.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into Texas State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Texas 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 89.3%, Texas 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 89.3% acceptance rate, Texas 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 980 and 1200 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Texas State University undergraduates. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 7.2%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.3%
- Psychology, General 6.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.6%
- Marketing 4.7%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.2%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.0%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.8%
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 Science $113,108
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $104,885
- 3. Physics $101,450
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Construction Engineering Technologies $96,457
- 5. Industrial Engineering $88,735
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $88,254
- 7. Manufacturing Engineering $86,375
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $80,518
- 9. Applied Mathematics $73,629
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,210
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $118,911
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $102,310
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $93,963
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $92,541
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $88,423
- 6. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $85,352
- 7. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $81,234
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $78,605
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $70,792
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $66,776
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $113,108—54% more than Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing ($73,210). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $118,911 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Texas 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, 544 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 475 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 475 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 420 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 353 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 (73 programs)â–¼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Computer Science
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Political Science and Government
- Design and Applied Arts
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Anthropology
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Sociology
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Music
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Geography and Cartography
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International/Global Studies
- Animal Sciences
- Dance
- Applied Mathematics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Journalism
- Economics
- Public Administration
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Mathematics
- Public Health
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Agriculture, General
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Chemistry
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Physics
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
Online Master's Degrees (57 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer Science
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Administration
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- History
- Anthropology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Engineering, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Sociology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Philosophy
- International/Global Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Sustainability Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Accounting and Computer Science
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Gerontology
- Chemistry
- Agriculture, General
- Marketing
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Applied Mathematics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Legal Support Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (8 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Materials Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Education, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (21 programs)â–¼
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Special Education and Teaching
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Music
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, General
- International/Global Studies
- History
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Legal Support Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 36,177
- Full-Time Students 85.8%
- Part-Time Students 14.2%
- Male Students 40.5%
- Female Students 59.5%
- Caucasian 36.4%
- Asian 2.8%
- Hispanic 41.1%
- Black 9.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Texas State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Texas State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas State 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 State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Texas State University has a diverse student body, with 36.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas State 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 State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Texas State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #519 nationally with a 73.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,805 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $58,786 median earnings. The 62.3% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 80.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Texas State University's Strengths
Ranked #519 with a B+ grade, Texas State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Texas State University excel at providing affordable education ($16,805 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 State University's 80.1% retention and 62.3% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($58,786 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Texas State University's 73.1% ROI and $16,805 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 62.3% graduation rate sits 0.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.1% first-year retention is 3.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 73.1% return on investment is 23.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,786 run about 3% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $16,805 is roughly $3,274 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.2% employment rate within three years sits 22.0 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
Texas State University is a public university based in San Marcos, TX and earns a B+ overall grade. It appears at #519 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (C).
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.
Student momentum is strong: 80.1% retention and 62.3% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is 73.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $16,805 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,073.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,268 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.2% 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
Median earnings come in near $58,786 four years after graduation. This is roughly 3% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 90.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 73.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.3% 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 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas State University's acceptance rate?
Texas State University's acceptance rate is 89.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Texas State University cost?
At Texas State University, listed tuition and fees are $11,450 per year, and the average net price after aid is $16,805. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Texas State University's ranking?
Texas State University ranks #519 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Texas State University's graduation rate?
At Texas State University, the graduation rate is 62.3%, and first-year retention is 80.1%.
What are Texas State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Texas State University report median earnings of $58,786 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Texas State University's student population?
Texas State University enrolls about 36,177 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address San Marcos, TX 78666
- Website www.txst.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$358.6M