MSU vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

Compare Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX with Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tarleton State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 5,324 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Midwestern State University is located in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting); Tarleton State University is in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Midwestern State University 18:1; Tarleton State University 20:1.

MSU vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Tarleton? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Midwestern State University than Tarleton ($11,215 vs. $16,159).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tarleton State University are 1.8% lower than at Midwestern State University ($10,920 vs. $11,124).
• Midwestern State University is 27.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $2,278 more per year; $10,580.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.8% higher at Tarleton than at Midwestern State University (about $5,612 more per year; $18,142.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midwestern State University than at Tarleton State University (92% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midwestern State University students is 39.2% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($11,037 vs. $7,929).

MSU vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU or Tarleton? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tarleton and MSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Tarleton State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at MSU (1010).
• Incoming Tarleton students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Midwestern State University 910/1100; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Midwestern State University 16/22; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test-free; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Tarleton students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.21) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Tarleton (89.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at MSU vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

MSU vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Tarleton? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Tarleton State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $2,549 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($19,750 vs. $22,299).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($204 vs. $230).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tarleton students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.