Tarleton State University is a public research institution located in Stephenville, Texas, and is a founding member of The Texas A&M University System. Established in 1899, the university has grown to serve over 17,000 students across its main campus and additional locations in Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan, and online. Tarleton offers nearly 130 degree programs through its eight colleges, emphasizing real-world learning and addressing regional, state, and national needs. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and is a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.