Nelson University vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

Compare Nelson University in Waxahachie, 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 Nelson University based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting); Tarleton State University is in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nelson University 15:1; Tarleton State University 20:1.

Nelson University vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nelson University 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 Tarleton State University than Nelson University ($16,159 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 12.1% lower than at Tarleton State University ($9,598 vs. $10,920).
• Nelson University is 201.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $16,762 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at Nelson University than at Tarleton State University (about $6,922 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Tarleton State University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 52.3% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($12,075 vs. $7,929).

Nelson University vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nelson University or Tarleton? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tarleton and Nelson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tarleton State University (1070) is 80 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nelson University 890/1090; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsTarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nelson University - Required; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tarleton students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.21) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Tarleton has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 56.8% at Nelson University vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

Nelson University vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nelson University and Tarleton? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Tarleton State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($204 vs. $271).
• More Tarleton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 50%)

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.