Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public research university located in Lubbock, Texas. It has around 40,000 students and is known for its strong programs in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Law, and Health Sciences. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 71%. TTU emphasizes research opportunities and a balanced campus life. Its graduation rate is around 60%, and Texas Tech graduates have average starting salaries of approximately USD $55,000–60,000 annually.
Texas State University (TXST) is a public university located in San Marcos, Texas, with a student population of approximately 39,000. It is recognized for programs in Education, Music, Mass Communication, and Healthcare. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of about 53%. TXST offers a more personalized academic environment with a focus on teaching and student engagement. Its graduation rate is around 56%, and graduates earn average starting salaries of USD $50,000–55,000 annually.
| Texas Tech University | Texas State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.5 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 317 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 731 QS World University 2026 | # 597 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 1200 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1201 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 277 for Engineering by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2024 # 71 for Law by US News 2024 | # 364 for Engineering by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 338 for Medicine by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 1201 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| Programs | UG Programs -103 PG Programs -62 | UG Programs -50 PG Programs -47 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71.0 % | 88.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1070 TOEFL-79 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1020 TOEFL-78 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 24696 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 18270 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 21852 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 43040 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 34570 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24200 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The average earnings for bachelors degree ranges from $24K to $111K for depending on the streams. The average earnings for masters degree ranges from $33K to $133K depending on the stream. | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $140,000 Bachelor of Science: $60,000 Bachelor of Arts: $49,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language test scores Submit letters of recommendation Submit personal statement Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.0/10 Read 3 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 2 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 251 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 92 for Business by US News 2025 # 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 120 for Business by US News 2025 # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 100/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 100/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 52/90TOEFL - 78/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -38570 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -37168 |
| application dates | Dec 1, 2024 (Summer/Fall Priority Scholarship Deadline) | Jun 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Sep 1, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Oct 1, 2026 (Standard Application Deadline For Spring Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Texas Tech University | Texas State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1923 | 1899 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 22:1 | 20:1 |
| Male:Female | 54% Male, 46% Female | 42% Male, 58% Female |
| Location Facts | The Texas tech university system consists of five institutions at 26 academic locations in 22 cities. The Lubbock campus is home to the main academic university, law school, and medical school (Health Sciences Center). It is one of two institutions (the other being UT Austin) in Texas to have a graduate school, law school, and medical school on its main campus. | The Texas State University main campus is located in San Marcos, Texas, midway between Austin and San Antonio. The university's Round Rock Campus (RRC) is located in Round Rock, Texas, 20 miles (32 km) north of Austin. |
| Library | The university libraries consists of the main library and the subject libraries like law library, architecture library etc. The libraries contain total of 2,094,423 volumes, 294 total guides, 129,671 guide views and 84,981 guide sessions. | The Alkek library was named in 1991 for an alumnus, Albert B. Alkek, who became an oilman, rancher, and philanthropist. University Libraries provide key services and resources that fuel the success of research and innovation at Texas State University. University Libraries comprise three facilities and two prestigious collections that are continually evolving to meet the needs of the growing university and an ever-changing, technology-driven world. |
| Campus Life | There are over 516 student clubs and organizations at Texas Tech. The Student Union Building, located centrally on campus, is the hub of daily student activity. It houses restaurants, coffee shops, a book store, meeting rooms, lecture halls, movie rooms, and study areas, as well as the offices and meeting rooms of several student organizations and the Student Government Association. Approximately 20% of students live on campus, and most students live on campus for at least a portion of their academic careers. Texas Tech's athletic teams are known as the Red Raiders with the exception of the women's basketball team, which is known as the Lady Raiders. Texas Tech competes in NCAA Division I FBS (formerly Division I-A) and is a member of the Big 12 Conference. The Carol of Lights is an annual event, sponsored by the Residence Halls Association, traditionally held the first Friday in December, to celebrate the holiday season. There are numerous such other events held on the campus. | Approximately 20% of Texas State students live in on-campus or in university-owned housing including about 95% of freshman students. Texas State University has more than 300 student organizations registered with its Student Involvement department. These organizations include Greek organizations, academic groups, honors societies, service groups, sports clubs, and common interest groups. Texas State has more than 30 fraternities and sororities, including 13 fraternities from the North American Interfraternity Conference, 9 fraternities and sororities from the historically African-American National Pan-Hellenic Council, 8 sororities from the National Panhellenic Conference, and 9 multicultural fraternities and sororities from the National Multicultural Greek Council. The school's student government is an organization of both undergraduate and graduate students who represent student's interests with the university administration. Student government has dealt with issues including concealed carry on campus and the university's anti-tobacco policy. Student Government also administers a scholarship fund that any Texas State student can apply to earn. Texas State currently competes at the NCAA Division I level and are members of the Sun Belt Conference. Texas State teams and athletes from multiple sports have won national and regional championships as well as medalists in the Olympic Games. |
| Hostel | #Off campus (with family) - $3546 #On campus - $9153 #Off campus (not with family) - $9153 | #Off campus (with family) - $6290 #Off campus (not with family) - $8420 #On campus - $9490 |
| Famous Alumni | Demetrio B. Lakas, President of the Republic of Panama from 1969 to 1978. Daniel I. J. Thornton, Governor of Colorado from 1951 to 1955 Donny Anderson, member of the Green Bay Packers folk rocker, John Denver Actor, Barry Corbin | Paul Goldschmidt, 6-time MLB All-Star Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States Robert L. Rutherford, General, United States Air Force John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System Ricky Wayne Sanders, 2× Super Bowl champion |
| City Life | The cost of living in Lubbock is very affordable. In 2021, Lubbock was voted the ninth-most affordable city in the United States. That's no mean feat. At nearly 8 percent below the national average, housing, transportation, and rent prices are more affordable than comparably sized U.S. cities. The difference in rent prices are negligible between the metro area and other parts of Lubbock, so housing seekers have more options and opportunity. One could expect around $635/month for a studio apartment; $726/month for a one-bedroom; $880/month for a two-bedroom; $1,272/month for a three-bedroom; and $1,546/month for a four-bedroom rental. The job market in Lubbock is a rising star among U.S. cities. With unemployment rates lower than the U.S. average, Lubbock expects nearly 40 percent job growth in the next 10 years. Not only is Lubbock great for startups, but there are also several high-paying, job-producing companies in Lubbock that keep residents employed. | With a diverse, vibrant community of nearly 100,000 residents, San Marcos is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in San Diego County. In addition to the top-ranked San Marcos Unified School District, residents can rely on an efficient public transportation system and access to quality medical care. Award-winning master-planned communities, such as San Elijo HIlls—which features a plethora of shops, restaurants, and more than 18 miles of hiking trails—provide residents with conveniently located amenities. Additionally, San Marcos enjoys a mild year-round climate, perfect for enjoying the city’s vast parks and trails program, as well as nearby lakes and beaches. |
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Texas Tech University vs Texas State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Texas Tech University (TTU) typically ranks higher internationally than Texas State University. In THE World University Rankings 2026, TTU is approximately 601–800 worldwide, with particular strengths in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Law, and Health Sciences. Texas State University is a regional state university 1201–1500 with particular strengths in Education, Business, Health Professions, and Criminal Justice, with an emphasis on applied learning and teaching.
General Information
TTU, established in 1923 in Lubbock, Texas, is a large public research university with ~40,000 students, providing a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Texas State University, established in 1899 in San Marcos, Texas, has ~40,000 students with a focus on mid-sized urban campus with applied research and strong teaching programs.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
TTU has a relatively selective admission policy 71%with greater competitiveness in Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences. Texas State University is also relatively selective 53% with relatively competitive majors in Business, Nursing, and Education, especially for in-state applicants.
Research Impact & Facilities
TTU is a Carnegie R2 research institution, with research facilities in Engineering, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Law, and significant partnerships for applied research. Texas State emphasizes teaching and community-based applied research, with centers in education, business, health, and environmental sciences.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both institutions are public schools, with in-state fees lower than out-of-state tuition. Both provide need-based and merit-based scholarships, although TTU might have slightly more graduate and research funding support.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
TTU graduates thrive in engineering, business, agriculture, health sciences, and law, frequently regionally and nationally known. Texas State graduates tend to find regional success in education, business, healthcare, and public administration, thanks to strong networks in Texas.
