Texas State University
Texas State University has an acceptance rate of 89.3%, an average net price of $16,660, and an overall rank of #910 (Grade B). About 54.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $61,430 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education 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 78.5%, roughly 28.6 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 54.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 62.0% and keeps 80.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B 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
Est. annual aid gap: $11,687 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $11,481 |
| Books and Supplies | $780 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,000 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,410 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,347 |
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 41.4% of Texas State University students receive Pell Grants — 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 $13,022 to $24,336 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 $17,400/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,336/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $61,430
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,523
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~31.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.0%
- Employment Rate 91.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Texas State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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.
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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 54.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 62.0%
- 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
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 423 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 391 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 344 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 318 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 317 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (72 programs)▼
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Animal Sciences
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Anthropology
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Sociology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Journalism
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Agriculture, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International/Globalization Studies
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Dance
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Civil Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Public Administration
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Economics
- Applied Mathematics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Philosophy
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geography and Environmental Studies
Online Master's Degrees (49 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Computer Science
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Accounting and Related Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Music
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- History
- Engineering, General
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Sustainability Studies
- International/Globalization Studies
- Agriculture, General
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Marketing
- Sociology
- Applied Mathematics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Information Science/Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
- Materials Engineering
- Data Analytics
Online Doctoral Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Materials Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer Science
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Education, Other
- Anthropology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (42 programs)▼
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Philosophy
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Music
- Geography and Cartography
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- International/Globalization Studies
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- History
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Computer Science
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- 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 41.4%
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 #910 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,660 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $61,430 median earnings. The 54.9% 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 #910 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 ($16,660 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 54.9% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($61,430 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Texas State University and $16,660 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 54.9% graduation rate sits 7.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.1% first-year retention is 3.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $61,430 run about 0% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $16,660 is roughly $3,248 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years is 23.5 points above the national 68.2%.
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.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years sits 23.5 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 #910 in EDsmart's rankings Category results include Completion (B), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B).
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, 54.9% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 62.0% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $16,660 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,347.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,687 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 41.4% 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 $61,430 five years after graduation. This is roughly 0% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 91.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Texas State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/texas-state-university/
MLA (9th): “Texas State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/texas-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Texas State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/texas-state-university/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does Texas State University cost?
At Texas State University, listed tuition and fees are $11,481 per year, and the average net price after aid is $16,660. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Texas State University's ranking?
Texas State University ranks #910 overall 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 within 150% of normal time is 54.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 62.0%, and first-year retention is 80.1%.
What are Texas State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Texas State University report median earnings of $61,430 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Texas State University's student population?
Texas State University enrolls about 36,177 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 601 University Dr, 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