PARENT & FAMILY GUIDE TARLETON STATE
WELCOME TO THE BLEED PUR PLE
MEMBER OF THE TEXAS A&M SYSTEM
DIVISION I ATHLE TICS
47% OF STUDENTS ARE FIRSTGENERATION 48 40
TARLETON STATE LOCATIONS
18,000+ FALL 2024 ENROLLMENT
$13,780 AVERAGE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
92% OF FIRST TIME STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
VISIT OPTIONS
CAMPUS TOURS
DAILY CAMPUS TOURS
See firsthand what life is like at Tarleton State. These weekday walking tours help you and your student get a true sense of student life. Tours are offered Monday through Friday, year-round, with some Saturday tours available.
AGRICULTURE CENTER TOURS
If your student is interested in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, take this tour and discover the hands-on experiences waiting for your student.
FORT WORTH CAMPUS TOURS
Explore our Fort Worth location and see how it offers the full Tarleton State experience in a vibrant urban setting.
CAMPUS PREVIEW EVENTS
CAMPUS PREVIEW DAY
Campus Preview Day is designed for your student to explore our many academic opportunities and experience the spirit of Tarleton State.
SENIOR HALL CRAWL
A hands-on way to help your student prepare and feel confident about where they’ll call home.
JUNIOR PREVIEW DAY
A head start for your high school junior! Explore majors, meet faculty, and begin the college search at Tarleton State.
VISITING TARLETON STATE
TIPS FOR VISITING CAMPUS
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
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Wear appropriate clothing and shoes to walk across campus! ADA accommodations are also available.
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS
You will have the chance to ask both current students and an admissions counselor all your questions!
PLAN AHEAD
Take advantage of specialty tours that can be included in your day like housing tours, Ag Center tours, and specific academic department tours. If your student has a major in mind, email beforehand to request an academic meeting with their program.
VISIT THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE
The Texan bookstore is your one-stop-shop to get all your Tarleton State swag.
EXPLORE STEPHENVILLE
We highly recommend setting some time aside to explore Stephenville. Ask your tour guide for recommendations on their favorite places.
For any accommodations, academic meeting requests, or additional questions email the University Visitor Experience team at welcomecenter@tarleton.edu.
ACADEMIC MAJORS & SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
At Tarleton State, your student will have access to a strong support system designed to help them succeed in the classroom and feel confident on their college journey. From one-on-one help to academic resources and advising, we’re here to guide them every step of the way.
PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
• Academic Coaching
• Peer Mentoring
• Supplemental Instruction
• Tutoring & Learning Center
GROUP RESOURCES
• Accounting Lab
• Engineering Success Center
• Math Achievement Center
• Speaking Center
• Writing Center
HONORS COLLEGE
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
• Academic Advising
• Accessibility Services
• Student Resources & Basic Needs
• TRIO Programs & First-Gen Initiatives
Your student can challenge themselves intellectually and earn an honors designation on their transcript.
WHY CONSIDER THE HONORS COLLEGE?
• Stand out when applying to grad school
• Live in Honors Hall
• Apply to be a Presidential Honors Scholar earning up to $10,000/year in scholarships
• Early course registration
• Smaller class sizes
COME EXPLORE!
• Tour the Honors College
• Shadow a current honors student
SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENT
At Tarleton State, we believe parents and families play a vital role in their student’s success from the moment they apply to the moment they walk the stage and beyond!
GETTING THEM STARTED
• Help them explore majors and career paths that align with their strengths
• Assist with organizing application materials and important deadlines
• Talk about independence and what to expect in college life
SUPPORTING THEIR JOURNEY
• Encourage them to use academic and wellness resources early and often
• Talk through class schedules, goals, and time management
• Celebrate wins, big or small, to help keep motivation high
You’re an important part of the Texan family every step of the way.
HANDS-ON LEARNING & CAREER READINESS
We know there is more to college than what happens in the classroom, which is why we offer hands-on experiences starting in your student’s first semester. Here are a few of the hands-on opportunities your student can participate in:
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
CAREER SERVICES
Career Services is committed to preparing your student for a successful future by helping them discover and pursue a career path that aligns with their goals and strengths.
Services offered include:
• One-on-One Career Coaching
• Career Exploration Tools Handshake, Quinncia, Focus2Career
• Career Fairs every semester
• Development Workshops
• Employer Events
• Curriculum Integration
• Job Simulations
• And more...
TEXAN SMART
Through interactive activities at the Texan Smart Center, students can participate in workshops and sessions to enhance financial practices and receive one-on-one coaching to support financial wellness.
Past workshops and events have covered topics such as:
• Budgeting
• Credit Reports & Scores
• Credit Cards
• Managing Debt
• Student Loans
• Saving
• Taxes
SEE A STUDENT’S DAY IN THE LIFE
ADMITTED GETTING YOUR STUDENT
JULY Admission Applications open!
OCTOBER Housing Application open! DECEMBER DEC 1 deadline to apply for Spring 2025
AUGUST Scholarship Application open!
OCTOBER FAFSA/TASFA opens for Applications!
May 1st is National College Decision Day!
MARCH - JULY Attend a Texan Orientation! MAY
Attend a Duck Camp!
JUNE - AUGUST
JUNE
JUNE 1 deadline to apply for Summer 2025
AUG 1 deadline to apply for Fall 2025
AUGUST
AUGUST Move in, Attend T-Week, Start Classes!
TOP 50% (50-100 Percentile)
25-49%
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement or the Distinguished Level of Achievement
Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement or the Distinguished Level of Achievement
COMPLETE LIST OF ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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Automatic Admission
Individual Review
CONNECT WITH YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR
HOW TO APPLY
SUBMIT TARLETON STATE UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION
Applications are accepted through the Tarleton State Undergraduate Application, ApplyTexas or CommonApp. Students only need to submit one application and we have no preference on which one they use. The application fee is $50 with fee waivers available to those who qualify.
ORDER TRANSCRIPTS
Ask your student’s high school to send the official transcript electronically, by email, or by mail.
ORDER TEST SCORES (OPTIONAL)
Although not required for admission, ACT or SAT scores can increase your student’s scholarship award and be used for TSI exemption.
• Tarleton State’s SAT code: 6817
• Tarleton State’s ACT code: 4204
FIND YOUR STEPS TO APPLY
MY STUDENT IS ADMITTED, WHAT’S NEXT?
MAXIMIZE YOUR STUDENT’S ASSISTANCE
The earlier your student applies for scholarships and financial aid, the sooner you’ll know what resources are available to help pay for college. Here are a few tips to maximize your aid:
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Submit the FAFSA or TASFA using Tarleton State’s school code: 003631
Submit the Tarleton State General Scholarship Application; one application with over 600 opportunities.
Meet with Veteran Services regarding Veteran and Dependant benefits.
Submit final high school transcript.
GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIPS
The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program guarantees a minimum scholarship, based on your student’s academic performance.
Tarleton State’s general scholarship application must be completed to qualify. Awards are renewable for up to 4 years and will be split between fall and spring semesters. If your student is graduating from a Distinguished High School Partner, they will have a higher award amount.
TARLETON STATE PROMISE
For students that qualify, a Tarleton State bachelor’s degree could come at a low cost. The Tarleton State Promise covers tuition and required fees (including parking), book allowance, and meal plan (no housing). A FAFSA & General Scholarship Application must be completed to determine program eligibility.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
HOW DO WE APPLY FOR HOUSING, AND IS IT REQUIRED?
You can apply for housing here: choose.tarleton.edu/PGHousing
First-time freshmen are required to live on campus for one year.
CENTENNIAL HALL
Split Room Layout
Open Room Layout
$3,357/Semester
$3,010/Semester
Shared Triple Layout
$2,026/Semester
HERITAGE HALL
2 Bed Room Layout
$3,704/Semester
LEGENDS & LEGACY HALLS
Split Room Layout
$3,675/Semester
HUNEWELL & ANNEX HALL
Open Room Layout
$2,292/Semester
DINING EXPERIENCES
Your student can refuel in one of our 14 dining destinations - from the dining hall and food truck alley to national chains and Tarleton State exclusive restaurants.
• Chick-fil-a
• Blaze Pizza
• Auntie Anne’s
• Starbucks
MEAL PLANS
• Dunkin Donuts
• Tarleton Dining Hall
• Oscar P’s General Store
• T-Birds Campus Burrito
• Sushi Mama
• Food Truck Alley
• Sandellas’s Flatbread
• Buffalo Wild Wings
Choose from one of our meal plans to gain access to our all-you-care-to-eat Dining Hall, featuring a variety of stations including Adobo Cantina.
For the most up-to-date meal plan options, scan the QR code.
PEACE OF MIND
CAMPUS SAFETY
• 24/7 Campus Patrol
• Student escort shuttles (Sun-Thu, 7PM-1AM)
• 24/7 Safety escorts
• 24/7 Motor Assist- vehicle unlocks, jumpstarts, etc.
• Self Defense Training
• Code Purple Emergency Alerts – get access to Tarleton State’s emergency notifications at tarleton.edu/texanalert/.
STUDENT HEALTH & COUNSELING CENTER
On campus clinic and 24/7 counseling center. choose.tarleton.edu/PGHealth & choose.tarleton.edu/PGCounsel
PURPLE PANTRY
HONORS HALL
2 Bedroom Suite
$4,209/Semester
Open Room Layout
$3,554/Semester
Confidential and discreet services to assist and connect you to food resources in your community.
YOU & YOUR TEXAN WILL THRIVE HERE
YOUR TEXAN WILL THRIVE HERE
The college experience does not end in the classroom. From campus events and club sports to student organizations and study abroad, your student will have a rich, well-rounded college experience.
STUDY ABROAD
More than $240,000 in study abroad scholarships awarded each year.
CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER
Weight Room, Indoor & Outdoor Pool, Fitness Classes, Personal Training, Climbing Wall, Adventure Trips, Challenge Course and E-Sports Lounge.
COMPETITIVE SPORTS
Tarleton State offers 20 sport clubs, 13 different sports, and 3 esports tournaments through intramural sports.
GAME ON
Every student has free admission into Tarleton State athletic games and fine art performances.
ORGANIZATIONS
Over 150 student organizations, including multicultural clubs, greek life, and leadership & service.
ON-CAMPUS JOBS
There are a number of part-time employment opportunities for your student right here on campus.
YOU WILL THRIVE HERE, TOO
As a Tarleton State parent, you’re an important part of the Texan family. There are plenty of ways for you to stay connected and involved, too!
WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT ANYTIME!
We love having Texan families on campus! Join us for special events throughout the year: Family Weekend, Homecoming, EECU Event Center shows, and more.
PARENT PORTAL
Keep up to date with ongoing events and what’s happening in your student’s journey.
PARENT BLOG
Get advice, tips, and insight from other Tarleton State families.
CAMPUS DIRECTORY & FAQS
All information provided in this booklet, including but not limited to scholarship amounts, cost of attendance, and admission requirements, is subject to change.
We have a blog that breaks down how to navigate your Texan Bill Pay here: choose.tarleton.edu/PGBill.
WHAT IS FERPA, AND HOW CAN I GAIN ACCESS?
FERPA is a federal law that safeguards the privacy of student education records and grants students certain rights over their records. For information on how to release records visit here: choose.tarleton.edu/PGFERPA.
WHEN SHOULD WE START PLANNING FOR COLLEGE?
You should start planning during your students’ high school years. Starting early allows you more time to explore your options, research scholarships and financial aid, and prepare for the transition.
SHOULD MY STUDENT APPLY FOR AID, EVEN IF THEY THINK THEY WON’T QUALIFY?
Yes! Many families think they don’t qualify and prevent themselves from receiving aid by not applying. Some sources of aid are available regardless of need, plus the FAFSA/TASFA is free!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY STUDENT COMPLETES THE FAFSA/TASFA?
Your student’s application will be processed by the Department of Education and then will be sent to Tarleton State University so eligibility can be determined. Once your student’s financial aid award is available, they will receive a Financial Aid notification via email.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DISBURSEMENT AND A REFUND?
Disbursement is when financial aid and scholarships awards are released to pay for your student’s tuition, fees, and housing expenses. A refund is when you receive money back after your financial aid and scholarship(s) have paid for your expenses and you have funds left over. Your student will need to select their refund preference at: choose.tarleton.edu/PGRefund.
WE DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START WITH FINANCIAL AID, WHO CAN WE TALK TO?
We know that financial aid can be tough, but our financial aid team of advisors are ready to walk you through this process. To make an appointment with a financial aid advisor, please email finaid@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9070.
ARE THERE OTHER LOCATIONS BESIDES STEPHENVILLE?
Yes! In addition to our main campus in Stephenville, Tarleton State offers classes at locations in Fort Worth, Waco, and Bryan. Each location offers unique degree programs and student support, so your student can find the right fit wherever they are.
