Tarlac State University’s origins can be traced back to 1906, when it first began to offer industrial and vocational courses. After undergoing several transformations, it was in 1989 that the institution became recognised as a university by President Corazno C.Aqiuno.
Today, the university’s core programmes are centred around technology, engineering, accountancy and education. The main campus is located within Tarlac City, as are two of its extension campuses: San Isidro and Lucinda. The third extension campus, Capas, is located in Capas town.
Across arts, sciences, social sciences, law, criminology, governance, business, and computer studies, the university offers 33 bachelor’s programmes and 10 graduate degree programmes to its students. In addition to bachelor's and master's degrees, Tarlac State University also offers doctorate degree programmes in business administration, public administration and education.
Tarlac State University has a well-known criminology school in the Philippines and was the first state university with an Advanced Manufacturing Training Hub for engineering students.
There are a range of extracurricular offerings, from performing arts to dance troupes, as well as the Supreme Student Council.
In addition to extracurricular activities, Tarlac City offers a range of activities and events for students to enjoy such as the Malatarlak Festival.