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Texas Southern University

Houston, TX·Public·6,619 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Texas residents. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. 71% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

93%
Accept
6,619
Students
$19,734
Net Price
20%
Grad Rate
$37,600
Earnings
10 yr
$16,250
Debt

About This School

Texas Southern University is a public institution located in Houston, Texas with approximately 6,619 undergraduate students enrolled. Texas Southern University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 93%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,734 per year. The graduation rate is 20%, and the typical graduate earns $37,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Texas Southern University is a public historically black university in Houston, Texas, United States. The university is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while it's an accessible HBCU in Houston with real research activity and a manageable median debt of $16,250, the 20% graduation rate and 57% freshman retention rate are serious red flags that suggest many students struggle to finish. Worth considering if you're drawn to its Thurgood Marshall College Fund membership, strong legal and pre-professional programs, or the Houston network — but have an honest conversation about support systems and a clear plan to stay on track.

Founded
1947
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing17%
Health Professions10%
Biological Sciences10%
Communications8%
Psychology6%
Engineering5%
Social Sciences4%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Megan Thee StallionJim HinesBarbara JordanYolanda AdamsAl GreenRobert TaylorMichael StrahanClifton ChenierConrad MurraySylvia GarciaEmma Nyra

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite913
Reading 75th %ile510
Math 75th %ile490

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite17

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,173
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,773
Avg Net Price
$19,734
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants71%
Median debt at graduation$16,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
20%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
57%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black86%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,619 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Texas Southern University

3100 Cleburne St

Houston, TX 77004

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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