Texas Southern University Tuition and Fees
(Last Updated – 06/2025)
Texas Southern University is among the largest historically Black universities in the nation, with more than 8,400 students enrolled each year. This public university offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs, including Biological Sciences, Engineering, Health Administration, and more.
Total Cost of Attendance
For the 2024-25 academic year, costs for Texas Southern University were $29,655 for in-state students. This is slightly above the national average of $28,840 for in-state public universities. For students from out of state, the cost of attendance was $41,955, which is less than the national average of $46,730.
Costs for 2024-2025
|
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
|
Tuition & Fees |
$9,173 |
$21,473 |
|
Books & Supplies |
$1,654 |
$1,654 |
|
Room & Board |
$12,800 |
$12,800 |
|
Other Expenses |
$6,028 |
$6,028 |
|
Total Cost of Attendance |
$29,655 |
$41,955 |
Financial Aid
Nearly all Texas Southern University students have some form of financial aid. For example, in the 2022-23 year, 98% of undergraduates received some kind of aid. This includes federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans.
Explore financial aid options: Texas Student Loan & Scholarships.
Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:
• Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.
• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.
• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.
• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.
Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.
You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:
• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state
• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
Of the students who use financial aid to cover Texas Southern University tuition, 70% have federal student loans. And 2% of Texas Southern undergraduates have private student loans that average $14,881.
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.
What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans
Projected 4-Year-Degree Price
The projected cost of a four-year in-state degree at Texas Southern University is $118,620, including tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses. This is slightly higher than the national average of $115,360. The four-year cost for out-of-state students would be $167,820. This is less than the national average of $186,920.
Here’s some Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2024-25
|
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
|
Tuition & Fees |
$9,173 |
$21,473 |
|
Books & Supplies |
$1,654 |
$1,654 |
|
Total Cost of Attendance |
$10,827 |
$23,127 |
For the 2024-25 academic year, the undergraduate cost for Texas Southern University tuition, fees, and books totaled $10,827 for in-state students. Students who live out of state paid $23,127. Compare this to the national averages of $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state, and you will see that TSU tuition is more affordable than a typical school.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2024-25
|
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
|
Tuition |
$6,858 |
$14,058 |
|
Fees |
$1,470 |
$1,470 |
|
Total Cost of Attendance |
$8,328 |
$15,528 |
The cost of Texas Southern University tuition and fees for graduate students were $8,328 for Texas residents, and $15,488 for non-residents. Fees were $1,470 for both. For comparison, the average national cost of a Master’s degree is $21,730, according to recent data, meaning TSU offers good value.
There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.
Cost per Credit Hour
For the most recently published rates, the cost per credit hour at Texas Southern University for residents was $197 to $239. The cost for non-residents was $470 per credit hour.
Campus Housing Expenses
Costs for 2024-25
|
Student Type |
On-Campus |
Off-Campus |
|
Room & Board |
$12,800 |
$18,670 |
|
Other Expenses |
$6,028 |
$6,028 |
|
Total |
$18,828 |
$24,698 |
All freshmen at TSU Houston are required to live on campus during their first year. There are double-occupancy dormitory-style rooms, and the four freshmen towers are gender-specific. Additionally, freshmen must purchase a meal plan while residing on campus.
Texas Southern University Acceptance Rate
Fall 2024
|
Number of Applications |
Number Accepted |
Percentage Accepted |
7,867 |
7,344 |
93% |
The TSU acceptance rate is 93%, so applicants have a very good chance of being accepted.
TSU Admission Requirements
To apply to Texas Southern, students need to submit the following:
Required:
• High school GPA
• High school transcript
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if applicable
Recommended:
• College-preparatory program
• Letter of recommendation
• Formal demonstration of competencies
To apply as an undergraduate to TSU, these are the general freshman application deadlines:
• Fall term – May 31
• Spring term – December 1
SAT and ACT Scores
Although Texas Southern University does not typically require standardized test scores, students are welcome to submit their SAT/ACT test scores. Submitted scores will be considered. (Some students whose high school curriculum doesn’t adhere TSU’s guidelines may be required to submit scores.) For reference, here are previous scores submitted to TSU in Fall 2023.
|
Subject |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
|
SAT Evidence-Based |
420 |
510 |
|
SAT Math |
380 |
490 |
|
ACT Composite |
15 |
19 |
|
ACT English |
13 |
19 |
|
ACT Math |
15 |
17 |
Popular Majors at Texas Southern University
TSU undergraduate students can choose from among 100+ different bachelor’s degree programs. These are the most popular majors at Texas Southern University.
1. Biology/Biological Sciences
The university offers General Biology Services as a comprehensive or pre-health professional option. The degree provides a foundation of biological courses, like Cell Biology, Microbiology, Conservation Biology, and Genetics.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 79
2. Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
In the Administration of Justice program, criminal justice students take courses in Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement and Introduction to Corrections, among many others.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 68
3. General Studies
This program has a broad curriculum that helps students reach their academic and future career goals by providing a solid foundation across various topics. Courses include English, math, sciences, history, political science, and creative arts.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 61
4. Business Administration and Management
Those pursuing this business major take courses such as Management Principles, Entrepreneurship, and more. These skills are applicable to an array of career options.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 59
5. Psychology
This program provides a solid foundation in psychology and teaches psychology research methods, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation, and how to apply them.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 55
6. Radio and Television
Courses like Media and Society, Computer Applications in Communications, and Media Management & Marketing are included in TSU’s Radio and Television program. Through the curriculum, students receive hands-on training to prepare them for careers in media communications.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 37
7. Health/ Health Care Administration/ Management
By taking classes such as Health Policy, Healthcare Finance, and Health Care Organizations, students are prepared for a career in the healthcare field, often with an emphasis on management.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 37
8. Social Work
The curriculum for this field of study includes courses on Social Legislation, Violence and Abuse in Families, and Social Welfare Policy. Students may opt for a career in child services or community social work.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 32
9. Political Science
Students learn about government and public affairs (including such topics as homeland security). This program, which offers three different tracks, prepares students for a career in public service or for continuing their studies.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 30
10. Health and Wellness
Those majoring in Health and Wellness study Human Sexuality, Mental Health, and Diseases & Consumer Health, among many other classes. Graduates can go on to careers in athletic training and sports management, as well as other occupations.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 27
Graduation Rate
These are the graduation rates at Texas Southern University for those who started their education in Fall 2017:
• 4 years: 6%
• 6 years: 20%
Post-Graduation Median Earnings
TSU graduates earn a median annual salary of $38,924, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. This is below the national average of $68,516 for college graduates.
Bottom Line
Texas Southern offers students a wide variety of majors to choose from and a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs and organizations. TSU’s acceptance rate is less selective (it currently has a 93% acceptance rate), and its tuition is lower than the national average for both in-state and out-of-state students. Plus, many undergraduates receive financial aid to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
SOISL-Q225-060