Tarleton State University (Corps of Cadets)
Stephenville, TX
"Civilization prospers with commerce"
The Verdict
The Texan Corps of Cadets represents a rare opportunity—a reborn military tradition within the Texas A&M University System. Originally established in 1917, the Corps went dormant in the 1950s before being reactivated in 2016, making it one of the newest senior military college programs in America.
What sets Tarleton apart is its civilian leadership track called "Texan Leaders," allowing students to develop leadership skills without military service obligation—and graduating seniors are recognized with cowboy boots, hats, and customized belt buckles in true Texas fashion. The Corps operates as the 8th academic college at Tarleton, offering three degree pathways (B.S., B.A., B.A.A.S.) in Leadership and Strategic Studies while producing officers for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Tarleton State's Texan Corps of Cadets, reactivated in 2016, offers Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps commissioning. In-state cost with housing $22,475 (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesIn-State
$22,475
Out-of-State
$35,315
Endowment
$42 million
*Includes tuition, fees, housing and food.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- High school transcript with minimum 2.0 GPA
- SAT or ACT scores (encouraged but not required for admission)
- Completion of Texas college preparatory curriculum
- Corps of Cadets application and commitment
- Interview with Corps staff (recommended)
Admitted Student Profile
53%
Acceptance Rate
3.20
Avg GPA
1060
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
200 acres (main campus), plus 2,600+ acres of agricultural facilities
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
21,000
Student:Teacher
24:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Structured day includes morning physical training, academic classes across all university majors, afternoon Corps activities including drill and leadership labs, and evening quiet hours for study. Cadets wear distinctive uniforms based on day of week and scheduled activities. The program emphasizes peer-led accountability through the cadet chain of command.
Discipline Model
The Corps operates under a cadet chain of command structure with Battalion Headquarters, Alpha Company, and Bravo Company. Leadership positions include Cadet Colonel, Company Commanders, Platoon Leaders, and Squad Leaders. Freshmen and sophomores are required to live in Corps-designated housing at Traditions South. The program emphasizes peer leadership development with upperclassmen mentoring underclassmen through daily interactions and formal leadership responsibilities.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A (university program)
Where Graduates Go
Cadets may pursue commissioning through Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC (cross-town agreement with TCU), or Marine Corps options; graduates have received appointments to service academies for graduate programs
Hall of Fame
Lt. Col. William Edwin Dyess
WWII hero who survived the Bataan Death March, escaped Japanese captivity, wrote the first eyewitness account of the march's brutality; Dyess Air Force Base named in his honor; Congressional Gold Medal recipient (posthumous, 2018); U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame inaugural inductee
Ben Barnes
Former Lieutenant Governor of Texas (1969-1973) and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives (1965-1969)
Maj. Gen. Chad Parker
U.S. Army Major General; returned to Tarleton in 2024 to commission cadets and speak at commissioning ceremony
J.W. Fritz
Dallas Police Captain who led the investigation of President John F. Kennedy's assassination
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Corps cadets participate in structured physical training as part of their military development program. PT sessions are integrated into the weekly schedule alongside ROTC physical fitness requirements. Cadets must meet Army Physical Fitness Test standards if pursuing Army ROTC commissioning.
Facilities
200-acre main campus in Stephenville features the new EECU Center (opened 2025, seats 8,000-10,000), 72,000 sq ft Sports Recreation Center, Memorial Stadium for football, and multiple athletic complexes. Traditions South residence hall houses Corps cadets in a living-learning leadership environment. The university also operates 2,600+ acres of agricultural facilities including an 800-acre operational farm and the 1,200-acre Hunewell Ranch.
External Ratings
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Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
60%
Graduation Rate
$53,040
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$20,261
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
NCES consumer portal with costs, programs, and retention data
Comprehensive institutional data from the IPEDS survey
Department of Education outcomes and cost data
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Photo Gallery
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