Tarleton State University is a public, coeducational, state university that provides information and structure which supports institutional planning, assessment, policy analysis, and decisions leading to institutional effectiveness.

Tarleton State University was founded in 1899 as a private, liberal arts college known then as John Tarleton College. It became a member of The Texas A&M University System in 1917 and nowadays, the institution is one of the state's fastest growing institutions with an enrollment of approximately 9,500 for fall 2007. The University is located in Stephenville, Texas and it is the largest non-land-grant university primarily devoted to agriculture in the United States.
Accredited as a senior college in 1966, Tarleton initiated many new programs, including graduate courses in 1970. Tarleton continues to break new ground in many academic arenas, including water quality and other environmental science topics. Students come from more than 220 Texas counties, as well as 45 states and 17 foreign countries.

The University allows students to earn several degrees online. It is also possible to choose online courses.
The main goal of the University is to provide information and structure which supports institutional planning, assessment, policy analysis, and decisions leading to institutional effectiveness.

The University provides the financial aid for students in pursuit of their education. Scholarships are awarded for academic ability and achievement, demonstrated leadership, ability to perform (music, band, etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs.