Tarleton State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and GPA/test score cutoffs
- Hidden gems like Hazlewood, ROTC, and Tarleton Promise
- Honors College opportunities and how to qualify
If your student is considering Tarleton State University, the real numbers matter. As a public university in Texas, Tarleton offers guaranteed automatic scholarships, competitive pathways through the Honors College, and unique benefits for veterans and music/ROTC students. This guide breaks it all down in plain English so first-gen parents don’t have to dig through fine print. Be sure to also check the Texas state aid page for programs that can stack with Tarleton’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Tarleton State University
| Expense | Texas Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (15 credits/term) | $10,181 | $22,331 |
| Housing | $6,598 | $6,598 |
| Meals | $5,078 | $5,078 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,560 | $1,560 |
| Transportation | $1,502 | $1,502 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,431 | $2,431 |
| Loan Fees (est.) | $46 | $46 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $27,396 | $39,546 |
Special Tuition Waivers: Non-residents who earn a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 may qualify for in-state tuition rates under Texas law—saving about $12,150 per year compared to full non-resident tuition. At the graduate level, students from other Southern states may also qualify through the Academic Common Market (ACM) if their program is not offered in their home state.
Who qualifies for the competitive scholarship waiver?
Any non-resident who receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 awarded by Tarleton. Selection must be competitive and open to TX residents as well.
How much can families save?
Roughly $12,150 per year—the difference between resident and non-resident tuition/fees.
Is it automatic or do we have to apply?
It’s automatic once you’re awarded a qualifying scholarship. For ACM, graduate students must apply through their state’s higher education office and be certified for an eligible program.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (President’s Guaranteed Program)
Tarleton guarantees scholarships for first-time freshmen in the top 50% of their class. Students must complete the General Scholarship Application to be considered. Awards renew up to four years with full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress. Priority deadline: February 15.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Level | $4,000 | Top 10% rank or SAT ≥1300 / ACT ≥28 |
Yes — General Scholarship App | Yes (4 years with GPA/SAP) | Valedictorian-level students or high scorers (upper-20s ACT / 1300s SAT) |
| Purple Level | $3,000 | Top 10% rank with SAT 1100–1290 / ACT 22–27 | Yes — General Scholarship App | Yes | Top 10% grads with solid mid-range scores |
| Silver Level | $2,000 | Top 25% rank with SAT ≥1100 / ACT ≥22 | Yes — General Scholarship App | Yes | Upper-quartile students hitting college-ready scores |
| Texan Level | $500–$1,000 | Top 50% rank with submitted SAT/ACT scores | Yes — General Scholarship App | Yes | Students in the top half who submit test scores; most get $500, DHSP grads $1,000 |
| Distinguished High School Partner (DHSP) Boost | +$1,000 (Top 10%) +$500 (Top 25% & Top 50%) |
Graduates of DHSP schools, layered on top of the standard award | Yes — General Scholarship App | Yes | DHSP school grads; awards shift up one tier compared to non-DHSP peers |
Note: Tarleton does superscore ACT and SAT for scholarships, using the highest section scores across test dates. Eligibility is reviewed each year; verify with Tarleton before applying.
Do I need to apply separately for these?
Yes. You must submit Tarleton’s General Scholarship Application to be considered.
Does Tarleton superscore for scholarships?
Yes. Tarleton uses your best section scores from multiple test dates to maximize eligibility.
Can these awards stack?
No. Students receive only their single highest guaranteed award, but DHSP grads are bumped up by $500–$1,000. Other competitive or hidden-gem awards may stack separately.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
University-level competitive scholarships (separate from Honors College and departmental funds) are not publicly listed by Tarleton at this time. Most selective awards are administered through Honors or individual colleges via the General Scholarship Application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-level competitive scholarships (outside of Honors College/departmental awards) are published at this time. | |||||
Note: Competitive full-ride or flagship awards (if offered) are typically tied to the Honors College. Departmental/donor opportunities appear in Hidden Gems.
⭐ College Specialty
Tarleton State is best known for blending hands-on, practical learning with strong Texas traditions. While it’s not an R1 research powerhouse, it has carved out a reputation in agriculture, teacher education, and applied sciences that matter to employers across the state. For first-gen families, that means your student isn’t just earning a degree—they’re entering programs that come with pipelines to Texas schools, businesses, and industries.
Agricultural & Environmental Sciences — Tarleton is nationally recognized for agriculture, animal science, and environmental programs, with deep ties to Texas A&M AgriLife. Students gain access to research farms, equine centers, and internships that feed directly into Texas’s ag economy.
- Education & Teacher Prep — Tarleton is among the top producers of teachers in Texas, preparing more certified educators annually than many larger universities.
- Nursing & Health Sciences — Recognized regionally for producing workforce-ready nurses and allied health professionals; strong NCLEX pass rates highlight program quality.
- Criminal Justice — Well-known in Texas for CJ and law enforcement preparation; long-standing ties to police, corrections, and community service agencies.
- Engineering & Technology — Rapidly growing programs in civil, electrical, and construction management with strong local industry connections in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
🎖️ Honors College
The Honors College at Tarleton State is designed for motivated students who want more challenge, more mentoring, and more opportunity. Admission is by application, and being part of Honors opens doors to smaller classes, leadership development, and unique research and travel funding. For many students, it’s also the gateway to Tarleton’s most competitive scholarships.
GPA 3.75+ unweighted, top 10–15% of class, strong writing and leadership record. Many also bring AP/dual credit coursework and a clear interest in research or service projects.
- Priority registration and advising
- Honors-only housing and close faculty mentoring
- Specialized Honors seminars and project funding
- Eligibility for additional Honors scholarships
- Opportunities for study abroad and conference travel support
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Honors Program Scholarship | Substantial award (typically spread over 4 years) | Incoming freshmen (and select transfers) admitted to the Presidential Honors Program; Top 10% rank; ACT ≥27 or SAT ≥1260 | Yes — Honors College application required | Yes (maintain Honors standing and GPA) | Top academic students admitted into the Presidential Honors Program |
| Honors Degree Program Scholarship | $1,000–$4,000 | Students admitted into the Honors Degree Program; must maintain high GPA and progress in Honors curriculum | Yes — General Scholarship App + Honors enrollment | Yes (continue in Honors curriculum) | Honors students actively completing degree program requirements |
| Honors College Alumni Scholarship Endowment | Varies (typically ~$1,000) | Dedicated to students in the Honors College | Yes — via General Scholarship App | Yes (per endowment rules) | Honors students in good standing with strong academic or service record |
| Honors College Scholarships | ~$1,000–$2,000 | Incoming or continuing Honors students; GPA & active participation required | Yes — via General Scholarship App | Yes (with GPA and Honors standing) | Admitted Honors students who stay active in coursework and projects |
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the Honors College; top applicants may be invited to apply.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors seminars and projects are designed to fit into a four-year graduation plan.
When should students apply?
The priority deadline is February 15, aligning with Tarleton’s main scholarship timeline.
Are there extra scholarships?
Yes. Honors students can access smaller annual stipends and are competitive for travel/research funding. Departmental scholarships often give preference to Honors students.
📎 Official Links
✅ Final Thoughts
Tarleton State may not be as nationally known as Texas’s flagships, but it delivers real value for families. With guaranteed scholarships for strong academics, hidden gems for first-generation and leadership students, and an Honors College that opens doors to extra support, there’s a clear path to making Tarleton affordable. For first-gen parents, the key is to apply early, fill out the General Scholarship Application, and ask about stackable aid like Hazlewood or the Tarleton Promise program. Taken together, these opportunities can bring the cost of a degree down to something manageable without a mountain of loans.
✅ Last updated: September 9, 2025