Record Enrollment, Fresh Amenities Herald Tarleton Fall Semester

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STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State University just keeps growing. More students. More faculty and staff. More academic prowess. More student perks. It’s a story that never gets old.

The university has shattered enrollment records each semester for the past three years, and this fall sets another all-time high at almost 15,000 students — up nearly14 percent from 2019 — proving that Tarleton State is a first-choice destination for more and more students.

The Class of 2026 is approaching 2,500; it’s the largest, most diverse and well-prepared group of incoming students in 123 years. Ninety-six percent are Texas residents, giving Tarleton bragging rights for a student body with the third highest number of Texas counties (233) represented.

“Our growing enrollment is a testament to the university’s commitment to provide top-shelf, transformative learning experiences every day,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “Our faculty and staff are all in to ensure that every student feels welcomed, valued and connected. They’re fully energized, ready for the best fall in Tarleton history.”

Nearly half (48 percent) of Tarleton Texans are the first in their family to attend college, and 37 percent report an ethnicity other than white. Hispanic students account for 22.2 percent of this fall’s enrollment, moving the university closer to becoming an Hispanic Serving Institution.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued trust that students and families put in our institution,” Dr. Hurley said. “Their confidence speaks volumes about this very special place.”

More faculty and staff — 66 faculty and 25 staff added this fall — ensure a dynamic education, and six new market-responsive majors (14 since 2019) will connect students to expanding fields throughout North Central Texas and beyond. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is reviewing a PhD in counseling (which only seven other Texas universities offer) and another in animal and natural resources.

Partnerships with two local apartments, The Edge on Washington and Grove at Stephenville, are providing more housing options to accommodate Tarleton’s robust growth, while new amenities and nationally branded food choices like Blaze Pizza and Auntie Anne’s contribute to a university experience that’s second to none.

An almost $12 million Aquatics Center on the Stephenville campus features indoor and outdoor pools for competitive and recreational swimming. And several Stephenville campus facilities have been renovated.

Dirt is flying for the second building on the Fort Worth campus, with move-in set for 2024. At more than 100,000 square feet of classroom and specialized lab space, the $66 million Interprofessional Education Building will address the region’s two most pressing needs — increased access to quality healthcare and education.

Dr. Hurley: “Indeed the story does not get old. But it does continue to get better.”