Texas Southern University
The Vibe Check
Texas Southern University feels like a close-knit community where students are genuinely supported by faculty who know them by name. The campus buzzes with a strong sense of HBCU pride and resilience, creating an environment that is both challenging and empowering. It's a place where tradition meets ambition, and students are motivated to rise above challenges.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
TSU is a powerhouse in specific fields, particularly Health Professions, Business, and the Sciences, offering strong, career-focused programs. The university provides unique research opportunities through its proximity to the Texas Medical Center and NASA Johnson Space Center. While large lecture classes exist, dedicated professors offer personalized mentorship, especially within the honors program.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Houston
Student life is deeply intertwined with the vibrant city of Houston, offering endless options for dining, music, and cultural exploration. Students often spend weekends exploring the famous Museum District, catching live jazz or hip-hop shows, or cheering on Houston's professional sports teams. The city's diverse food scene and warm climate also make it easy to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals year-round.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($38,924):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus has a dedicated police force and operates a 24/7 escort service for students walking across campus. Like any urban university, students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially when venturing into the surrounding Houston area.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely affordable tuition, especially for in-state students.
- ✓ Prime location in Houston provides vast internship and job opportunities.
- ✓ Strong, established programs in Health Professions and Business.
- ✓ Supportive, close-knit community feel within a major urban university.
Cons
- ✗ The 22.5% graduation rate is significantly below the national average.
- ✗ The 57% retention rate suggests challenges with student persistence.
- ✗ Campus facilities and resources may be less extensive than at larger flagship universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas Southern University is a historically Black university (HBCU) known for its strong academic programs in Business, Health Professions, and Law. It holds the distinction of being the first HBCU in Texas to house a pharmacy school. The university is also recognized for its notable alumni in politics, law, and the arts, and its unique location near the Texas Medical Center and NASA provides unparalleled research and internship opportunities.
No, Texas Southern University has an open admissions policy with a very high acceptance rate of 93.35%. This means that the university admits nearly all applicants who meet the minimum requirements. While admission is not highly selective, applicants are still encouraged to submit a strong application to be considered for scholarships and program placement.
Campus life at TSU is vibrant and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on HBCU culture and tradition. Students can engage in a variety of student organizations, Greek life, and athletic events. Being located in Houston, students also have the entire city at their fingertips, from museums and sports to a world-renowned food scene.
For many students, Texas Southern University represents a strong financial value. With low in-state tuition and a high percentage of students receiving Pell Grants, the barrier to entry is relatively low. When you combine the affordable cost with the career opportunities available in Houston, the potential return on investment, particularly for degrees in high-demand fields like health and business, can be quite favorable.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 7,580
- In-State Tuition $9,173
- Out-of-State $21,773
- Zip Code 77004
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an in-state tuition under $10,000, TSU offers a remarkably affordable path to a degree, especially for Texas residents. The average net price of roughly $19,700 is competitive, and the high Pell Grant rate indicates significant financial support for students with need. For many, the investment is well worth it, as the low cost of entry provides access to valuable degrees and networks in a major economic hub like Houston.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.