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AdmissionsOS

Tarleton State University vs University of Houston-Downtown

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

Tarleton State University University of Houston-Downtown
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 90% 90%
SAT range (mid 50%) 980-1,160 940-1,110
ACT range (mid 50%) 19-24 16-22
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $20,783 $10,542
Sticker cost of attendance $24,100 $20,749
Graduation rate 48% 33%
Retention rate 70% 67%
Undergraduates 12,673 12,555
Student-faculty ratio 20:1 18:1
Setting Stephenville, TX Houston, TX
Type Public Public
Application fee $50 n/a
Test policy Required for some n/a

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is Tarleton State University or University of Houston-Downtown harder to get into?

Tarleton State University is more selective, with a 90% acceptance rate versus 90% at University of Houston-Downtown. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, Tarleton State University or University of Houston-Downtown?

University of Houston-Downtown has the lower average net price ($10,542 versus $20,783). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.