Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 72.7%, an average net price of $19,890, and an overall rank of #531 (Grade B+). About 69.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $69,112 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Texas Tech University is a public university in Lubbock, TX. Students most often pursue Petroleum Engineering and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.0% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 76.3%, roughly 26.4 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Texas Tech 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 Tech University graduates 69.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 67.7% and keeps 85.0% 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 Tech 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: $8,635 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 | $11,852 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,742 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,731 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,525 |
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 32.3% of Texas Tech University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below 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 $15,008 to $25,269 depending on family income. Use Texas Tech University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,147/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,269/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $69,112
- 10-Year Median Earnings $67,143
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~28.2%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.1%
- Employment Rate 92.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Texas Tech University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Texas Tech University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Texas Tech University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Texas Tech University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 550-640
- SAT Math 540-640
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 32,394
- Full-Time Students 91.1%
- Part-Time Students 8.9%
- Retention Rate 85.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 69.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 67.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Texas Tech University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Texas Tech 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 72.7%, Texas Tech 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 72.7% acceptance rate, Texas Tech 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 1090 and 1280 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Texas Tech University undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 5.4%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 5.3%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.2%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.0%
- Psychology, General 3.8%
See more majors
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 3.6%
- Marketing 3.6%
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. Petroleum Engineering $116,140
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $106,327
- 3. Computer Engineering $104,343
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Industrial Engineering $104,083
- 5. Construction Engineering $102,183
- 6. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $98,444
- 7. Chemical Engineering $96,061
- 8. Information Science/Studies $93,736
- 9. Mechanical Engineering $93,452
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $92,415
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (Doctoral Degree) $121,452
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $110,997
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $110,047
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $104,362
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $95,346
- 6. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $87,966
- 7. Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies (Master's Degree) $78,644
- 8. Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degree) $77,754
- 9. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Master's Degree) $76,829
- 10. Architecture (Master's Degree) $72,822
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Petroleum Engineering grads earn $116,140—26% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($92,415). Graduate: Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research programs lead with $121,452 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 Tech 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 540 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 383 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 288 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 259 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 259 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 (56 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biology, General
- Animal Sciences
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Chemical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- History
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Industrial Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Computer Engineering
- Agricultural Public Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Nutrition Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Petroleum Engineering
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Construction Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Journalism
- Chemistry
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Social Work
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Philosophy
- Landscape Architecture
- International/Globalization Studies
- Dance
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Online Master's Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Architecture
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Animal Sciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Music
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biology, General
- Security Science and Technology
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology, General
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Food Science and Technology
- Biotechnology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Statistics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Anthropology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Landscape Architecture
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Online Doctoral Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Music
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Plant Sciences
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Chemical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Economics
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Physics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Public Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Industrial Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Petroleum Engineering
- Engineering Science
- Environmental Design
- Behavioral Sciences
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (33 programs)▼
- Geography and Cartography
- Architecture
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Music
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Engineering, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Construction Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Plant Sciences
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- English Language and Literature, General
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Philosophy
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- International/Globalization Studies
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Accounting and Related Services
- Publishing
- Petroleum Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Environmental Design
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (25 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Real Estate
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Architecture
- Music
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Petroleum Engineering
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Production Operations
- International Business
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 32,394
- Full-Time Students 91.1%
- Part-Time Students 8.9%
- Male Students 50.0%
- Female Students 50.0%
- Caucasian 51.8%
- Asian 3.5%
- Hispanic 30.3%
- Black 6.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Texas Tech University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Texas Tech University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Texas Tech University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #531 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,890 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $69,112 median earnings. The 69.9% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 85.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Texas Tech University's Strengths
Ranked #531 with a B+ grade, Texas Tech University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Texas Tech University excel at providing affordable education ($19,890 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 Tech University's 85.0% retention and 69.9% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($69,112 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Texas Tech University and $19,890 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 69.9% graduation rate sits 7.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.0% first-year retention is 8.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $69,112 run about 12% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,890 is roughly $18 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 92.4% employment rate within three years is 24.2 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.4% employment rate within three years sits 24.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 32.3% trails the national share by 6.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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 Tech University—a public university in Lubbock, TX—at B+ overall. It appears at #531 in EDsmart's rankings Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B-, 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.
About 85.0% of first-year students return; 69.9% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 67.7%. 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 $19,890 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,525.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,635 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.3% 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
Five years after graduation, alumni earn roughly $69,112 at the median. That sits about 12% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 92.4% of alumni working within three years.
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
72.7% 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 Texas Tech 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 Tech University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/texas-tech-university/
MLA (9th): “Texas Tech University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/texas-tech-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Texas Tech University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/texas-tech-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas Tech University's acceptance rate?
Texas Tech University's acceptance rate is 72.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Texas Tech University cost?
At Texas Tech University, listed tuition and fees are $11,852 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,890. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Texas Tech University's ranking?
Texas Tech University ranks #531 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Texas Tech University's graduation rate?
At Texas Tech University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 69.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 67.7%, and first-year retention is 85.0%.
What are Texas Tech University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Texas Tech University report median earnings of $69,112 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Texas Tech University's student population?
Texas Tech University enrolls about 32,394 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5005
- Website www.ttu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$977.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.6%