For the fourth straight year, Tarleton State University has been named to Money magazine’s “Best Colleges in America” list.
Money’s annual Best Colleges list showcases the country’s top values and is based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.
“At Tarleton State, we are transforming lives. We are proud to offer an affordable, first-class education to help students reach their potential,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “This recognition is a credit to the incredible faculty and staff who work diligently to deliver a remarkable student experience for our Texans.”
From an initial list of more than 2,400 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges in the United States, just 732 schools met the requirements to be included.
In the 2025 star ratings, Tarleton State was elevated to 3.5 stars, up from 3 stars a year ago, lifting Tarleton State to the same star rating as Texas Tech University, Texas State University and UTEP around the state of Texas.
Tarleton State is one of the fastest-growing universities nationally and No. 1 in Texas. The student body features over 230 Texas counties, 48 states and 40 countries. According to an independent study by the global research firm Lightcast, Tarleton generated an estimated $2.9 billion in total economic impact to Texas in FY 2022-23.
The editorial staff at Money magazine is responsible for the final ratings decisions. Data collection and analysis for the ratings were led by Money’s rankings partner, Witlytic.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
