West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) vs Tarleton State

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and Tarleton State University (TSU) are both excellent choices for students seeking a quality education in Texas. However, there are some key differences between the two universities that may make one a better fit for you than the other. WTAMU has a slightly higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, while TSU has a lower cost of attendance and a higher graduation rate. Both universities offer a variety of popular majors, including business, education, and nursing. To help you make an informed decision about which university is right for you, we've compiled a side-by-side comparison of WTAMU and TSU. Explore the table below to learn more about the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates of each university.
Tarleton State University logo

Tarleton State University

West Texas A & M University logo

West Texas A & M University

Overview

Location Stephenville, Texas Canyon, Texas
Campus setting Town: Remote Town: Fringe
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% 58.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 56.8% 97.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $55
SAT range 960 - 1140 980 - 1188
ACT range 17 - 23 18 - 24
Students submitting SAT score 46.0% 24.0%
Students submitting ACT score 27.0% 33.0%
Total number of applicants 10,657 5,743
Total number of admissions given out 6,054 5,573
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,150 1,353
Yield rate 35.5% 24.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Not 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: $23,838

Out of state: $25,844
Average net price $13,752 $13,802
Tuition
In state: $4,416

Out of state: $14,208
In state: $6,211

Out of state: $8,217
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,138

Meal plan: $4,068
Room/dormitory: $5,420

Meal plan: $3,530
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

80.0%
Average amount $8,110
86.0%
Average amount $7,009
Students receiving federal student loan 56.0%
Average amount $8,327
45.0%
Average amount $5,937
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $13,605
4.0%
Average amount $9,844

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 11,666
Men 36.3% Women 63.7%
7,083
Men 41.1% Women 58.9%
Graduate students 2,329
Men 31.6% Women 68.4%
2,519
Men 40.3% Women 59.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 2.7% 11.7%
International students 0.7% 1.9%
Campus local/setting Town: Remote Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity 3,906 2,200
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 Colorado New Mexico Oklahoma California

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Agriculture
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio 21:1 17:1
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% 45.7%
Dropout rate 17.3% 18.7%
Transferred out 31.1% 33.3%
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
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,023
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $87,734
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,323
  • Year 2: $58,402
  • Year 3: $72,324
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,278
  • Year 2: $65,089
  • Year 3: $66,720
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,194
  • Year 2: $43,798
  • Year 3: $51,234
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,416
  • Year 2: $44,542
  • Year 3: $50,987
Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,161
  • Year 2: $41,937
  • Year 3: $47,362
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,159
  • Year 2: $32,563
  • Year 3: $46,333
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,696
  • Year 2: $43,426
  • Year 3: $44,891
Music (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,424
  • Year 2: $41,937
  • Year 3: $43,827
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,611
  • Year 2: $35,914
  • Year 3: $41,560

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location and campus environment between West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and Tarleton State University?

    WTAMU is located in Canyon, Texas, a smaller town in the Texas Panhandle, offering a more rural and close-knit campus environment. Tarleton State University is situated in Stephenville, Texas, which is also a smaller city but is located in Central Texas, providing a slightly more accessible location to larger metropolitan areas. Both campuses offer a traditional college experience, but the setting of WTAMU is more isolated, while Tarleton has a more central Texas feel.

  • How do the academic programs compare at WTAMU and Tarleton State?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. WTAMU is particularly strong in agriculture, nursing, and education, reflecting its regional focus. Tarleton State has a strong reputation in agriculture, criminal justice, and engineering technology. Both universities are known for their affordability and commitment to student success, but the specific program strengths may align better with your individual academic interests.

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

    Both WTAMU and Tarleton State are known for their affordability compared to many other universities. Tuition and fees are generally comparable between the two institutions, as they are both part of the Texas A&M University System. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, housing choices, and other factors. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities.

  • What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at WTAMU and Tarleton State?

    Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. WTAMU has a strong emphasis on traditions and a close-knit community feel, with a focus on campus events and student involvement. Tarleton State also has a robust student life, with a wide variety of organizations and a strong emphasis on traditions and school spirit. The specific activities and organizations may vary, so it's a good idea to explore the websites of both universities to see which ones align with your interests.

  • How do the athletic programs compare at WTAMU and Tarleton State?

    Both universities have competitive athletic programs. WTAMU competes in NCAA Division II, with a strong presence in sports like football, basketball, and track and field. Tarleton State has transitioned to NCAA Division I, competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Tarleton's move to Division I offers more exposure and opportunities for its athletes. The level of competition and the specific sports offered will differ, so consider your interest in athletics when making your decision.

  • What are the career services and opportunities like at WTAMU and Tarleton State?

    Both universities provide career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job placement. WTAMU's career services often have strong connections to regional employers, particularly in agriculture, education, and healthcare. Tarleton State's career services also have strong ties to regional and statewide employers, with a focus on areas like agriculture, criminal justice, and engineering technology. The specific career opportunities may vary depending on your chosen field of study, so it's a good idea to research the career services offered by each university.

  • Which university is better for me, WTAMU or Tarleton State?

    The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prefer a smaller, more rural campus environment with a strong sense of community and a focus on regional industries, WTAMU might be a good fit. If you prefer a location with slightly more access to larger cities and a university with a growing Division I athletic program, Tarleton State could be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, and career aspirations when making your decision. Visiting both campuses, if possible, is highly recommended.

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