University of North Texas (UNT) vs Tarleton State

When it comes to higher education in Texas, University of North Texas (UNT) and Tarleton State University (TSU) stand out as two prominent choices. While both offer a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, there are some key differences that set them apart. UNT boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. TSU, on the other hand, has a smaller student body, resulting in a more intimate learning environment. Additionally, UNT offers a wider variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly ranked options in business, music, and education. TSU, known for its strong agricultural and nursing programs, provides a more specialized curriculum. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two esteemed universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Tarleton State University logo

Tarleton State University

University of North Texas logo

University of North Texas

Overview

Location Stephenville, Texas Denton, Texas
Campus setting Town: Remote City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 70.0% 79.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 56.8% 81.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
SAT range 960 - 1140 1010 - 1240
ACT range 17 - 23 19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score 46.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 27.0% 15.0%
Total number of applicants 10,657 24,858
Total number of admissions given out 6,054 20,240
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,150 5,563
Yield rate 35.5% 27.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $22,286

Out of state: $32,078
In state: $26,456

Out of state: $36,272
Average net price $13,752 $11,915
Tuition
In state: $4,416

Out of state: $14,208
In state: $8,295

Out of state: $18,111
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,138

Meal plan: $4,068
$10,026
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

80.0%
Average amount $8,110
56.0%
Average amount $10,637
Students receiving federal student loan 56.0%
Average amount $8,327
34.0%
Average amount $4,551
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $13,605
2.0%
Average amount $13,919

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 11,666
Men 36.3% Women 63.7%
32,590
Men 46.1% Women 53.9%
Graduate students 2,329
Men 31.6% Women 68.4%
9,851
Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 2.7% 4.6%
International students 0.7% 10.7%
Campus local/setting Town: Remote City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 3,906 6,349
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California Arkansas Colorado Florida Texas Oklahoma California Illinois Florida

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 21:1 25:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 48.8% 60.2%
Dropout rate 17.3% 15.9%
Transferred out 31.1% 20.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $75,511
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,941
  • Year 2: $60,013
  • Year 3: $69,141
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,678
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $67,101
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,485
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $66,332
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,487
  • Year 2: $51,482
  • Year 3: $64,639
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,500
  • Year 2: $59,576
  • Year 3: $62,108
Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $56,641
  • Year 3: $61,489
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,645
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $59,754
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,322
  • Year 2: $48,041
  • Year 3: $52,771
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,771
  • Year 2: $48,237
  • Year 3: $52,290
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $72,762
  • Year 3: $85,494
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,395
  • Year 2: $77,401
  • Year 3: $85,490
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,290
  • Year 2: $70,680
  • Year 3: $82,826
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,305
  • Year 2: $68,219
  • Year 3: $75,208
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,613
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $75,110
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,753
  • Year 2: $61,814
  • Year 3: $72,859
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,771
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $70,033
Insurance (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,961
  • Year 2: $60,230
  • Year 3: $69,306
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,726
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $67,870
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,194
  • Year 2: $60,452
  • Year 3: $67,787

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between the University of North Texas (UNT) and Tarleton State University?

    UNT is a large, comprehensive research university located in Denton, Texas, offering a wide array of programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels. It's known for its strong arts, music, and business programs. Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, Texas, is a smaller, more student-focused university with a strong emphasis on agriculture, nursing, and education. It offers a more close-knit community feel and a more rural setting compared to UNT's urban environment.

  • Which university is larger, UNT or Tarleton State?

    UNT is significantly larger than Tarleton State University. UNT has a much larger student body, faculty, and campus size, offering a wider range of resources and opportunities due to its scale.

  • Where are UNT and Tarleton State located?

    UNT is located in Denton, Texas, a city north of Dallas known for its vibrant music scene and college-town atmosphere. Tarleton State University is located in Stephenville, Texas, a smaller town southwest of Fort Worth, offering a more rural and traditional Texas experience.

  • What are the academic strengths of UNT?

    UNT excels in areas such as music (particularly jazz studies), visual arts, business, education, and environmental science. It's a Tier One research university with a strong emphasis on innovation and discovery across various disciplines.

  • What are the academic strengths of Tarleton State University?

    Tarleton State University is known for its strong programs in agriculture, nursing, education, and business. It has a long-standing tradition in agricultural studies and offers hands-on learning experiences in these fields.

  • How do the campus cultures differ between UNT and Tarleton State?

    UNT has a more diverse and urban campus culture, reflecting the vibrant city of Denton. It's known for its arts scene, music festivals, and a wide range of student organizations. Tarleton State offers a more traditional, close-knit campus community with a strong emphasis on Texan traditions and school spirit. It's known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong alumni network.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at UNT versus Tarleton State?

    Generally, UNT and Tarleton State have comparable tuition rates for in-state students. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

  • What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

    UNT offers a vast array of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to diverse interests from academic to social and recreational. Tarleton State also has a wide range of student organizations, with a particular emphasis on Greek life, agricultural clubs, and organizations that promote Texan traditions and school spirit.

  • Which university is better for research opportunities?

    UNT, as a Tier One research university, generally offers more extensive research opportunities, particularly at the graduate level. However, Tarleton State also provides research opportunities, especially within its areas of academic strength, such as agriculture and environmental science. Students interested in research should explore specific faculty and departmental research initiatives at both universities.

  • How do the career services compare between UNT and Tarleton State?

    Both UNT and Tarleton State offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation. UNT's career services may have a broader reach due to its larger size and location near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Tarleton State's career services are tailored to its student population and regional job market, with strong connections to industries in central and north Texas.

  • What are the admission requirements for UNT and Tarleton State?

    Admission requirements for both universities typically include a high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and a review of academic transcripts. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study and the applicant's academic record. It's best to consult the admissions websites of both universities for the most current and detailed information.

  • Which university has a stronger focus on athletics?

    Both universities offer a variety of athletic programs. UNT competes in NCAA Division I as the Mean Green, while Tarleton State competes in NCAA Division I as the Texans. UNT's athletic program is generally larger and more comprehensive, but Tarleton State has a passionate fan base and a growing athletic program.

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