
Denton, TXpublicwww.twu.edu/
Texas Woman's University (TWU) is a public institution in Denton, Texas, with a nearly 96% acceptance rate and a strong focus on health professions, nursing, and education. Known for its affordability and high financial aid distribution, TWU offers a supportive environment with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, though its graduation rates lag behind national averages. The university stands out for its leadership in women's education and its expanding online and graduate programs.
Texas Woman's University is one of the least selective public universities in Texas, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 96.1% (8,029 admissions from 8,353 applications in 2024). The university has seen an 11.5% growth in admissions recently. TWU employs a test-optional policy (SAT/ACT not required) and guarantees admission to students ranked in the top 25% of their high school class. The middle 50% SAT range is 960–1150, and the ACT range is 16–23. About 19% of admitted students have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, while 17% fall between 3.25–3.49. The application deadline is rolling, and the admissions office actively recruits for graduate and online programs.
TWU offers 75 programs across 91 undergraduate and graduate degrees, with many available fully or partially online. The most popular majors are nursing, general studies, and psychology, reflecting the university’s historic strength in health professions and education. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, allowing for personalized attention, though the graduation rate is just 48%. TWU is particularly known for its nursing, nutrition, and occupational therapy programs, which have strong regional reputations. The university emphasizes practical, career-oriented education, with many programs designed to meet workforce demands.
TWU fosters a commuter-heavy campus, with 74% of students living off-campus and only 27% in university-affiliated housing. The university provides leadership programs, cultural events, and community service opportunities across its Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses. Student life focuses on identity exploration, relationship-building, and professional development, with resources like the Dallas leadership center (214-689-6696) and Houston student services. Social media engagement (YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn) helps connect students, though the lack of a strong residential culture means many seek activities off-campus.
TWU’s graduation rate is 48% (4-year) and 61% (6-year), placing it in the bottom 25% nationally. However, the university aims to boost this to 65% by 2028. Alumni outcomes are mixed: median 10-year earnings are $56,544, and TWU scores 74% in salary impact (per The Wall Street Journal) but only 25% in graduation performance. Forbes highlights TWU’s low student debt and leadership success metrics, though its return on investment lags behind peers. Nursing graduates fare best, with strong local employment, while other majors face more variable outcomes.
TWU is one of Texas’s most affordable public universities, with an average net price of $10,763 after aid. 88% of full-time undergraduates receive grants or scholarships, averaging $7,422 per student. The total cost after aid is $11,682, with 66.18% of students receiving financial aid. TWU offers need-based and merit scholarships, along with work-study and federal loans. The university’s tuition estimator tool helps families plan, though some students report higher-than-expected out-of-pocket costs for housing and fees.
TWU is one of the few public universities in the U.S. primarily focused on women’s education, though it admits all genders. Its nursing and health sciences programs are regionally dominant, and its online expansion makes it a leader in flexible education. Despite low graduation rates, TWU delivers strong value for cost-conscious students, particularly those pursuing healthcare careers. The university’s Dallas and Houston campuses provide urban professional opportunities, while its Denton campus offers a traditional college experience. TWU’s mission—combining affordability with career readiness—makes it a unique option in Texas higher ed.