Texas State University
San Marcos, United States
Texas State University
San Marcos, United States
Founded
1899
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
44,500+
Acceptance Rate
89%
Discover Texas State University: Overview & History
Discover Texas State University: Overview & History
Texas State University is a public research university with its main campus in San Marcos, Texas, approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin. Established in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, the university has grown to become the seventh-largest university in Texas, offering over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across nine colleges.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Texas State is classified as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity and designated as an Emerging Research University by the State of Texas. The university is also recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, with a student body that closely mirrors the demographics of Texas.
The main campus spans 517 acres of hilly terrain along the scenic San Marcos River, with additional facilities including the 101-acre Round Rock Campus north of Austin and the 70-acre Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Park. Texas State is the alma mater of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, making it the only university in Texas to have graduated a U.S. president.
Key Milestones
- 1899: Established by the Texas Legislature as Southwest Texas State Normal School to train public school teachers.
- 1903: Opened its doors with 303 students and 17 faculty; Old Main, the first campus building, was completed.
- 2010: Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
- 2013: Officially renamed Texas State University, reflecting its growth as an emerging research institution.
Academic Colleges & Programs at Texas State University
Academic Colleges & Programs at Texas State University
Texas State University offers more than 200 degree programs through nine academic colleges, serving undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The university provides diverse academic pathways ranging from liberal arts to STEM fields, with over 70 STEM-designated degree programs. The Graduate College offers more than 100 master's and doctoral programs across all academic colleges.
McCoy College of Business
One of the university's most competitive colleges, the McCoy College is recognized as a Tier 1 MBA program by CEO Magazine and ranked among the top 30 business schools at U.S. public universities by Poets & Quants.
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
College of Science and Engineering
Offering rigorous programs in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and engineering, this college supports Texas State's mission to achieve R1 Carnegie classification through expanding research activity.
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Biology
College of Education
Building on the university's founding mission of teacher preparation, the College of Education is ranked number one in Texas for graduating public school teachers by the Texas Education Agency.
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Counseling and Educational Psychology
- Health and Human Performance
College of Health Professions
Housed primarily at the Round Rock Campus, this college trains the next generation of healthcare leaders through hands-on clinical experience and thousands of affiliate agreements with hospitals and community clinics.
- Nursing (St. David's School of Nursing)
- Health Information Management
- Physical Therapy
College of Fine Arts and Communication
This college offers creative and communication-focused programs, including a nationally recognized graphic design program ranked among the top 50 in the country, as well as a unique Sound Recording Technology program.
- Communication Studies
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Theatre and Dance
College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts provides a broad foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and languages, preparing students for careers in law, government, social services, and more.
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Admission Requirements for Texas State University
Admission Requirements for Texas State University
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationApplyTexas or Common Application with USD 75 fee (USD 90 for international applicants)
- High School Curriculum4 credits each of English, Math, and Science; recommended college-prep curriculum
- Class RankTop 75% of high school class for assured admission consideration
- SAT/ACT ScoresTest-optional for students ranked in the top 75% of their class; median SAT 1085, median ACT 22
- English ProficiencyTOEFL required for international applicants; essay optional but recommended
Graduate Admission
- ApplicationOnline application through the Graduate College with application fee
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- GPA RequirementMinimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (varies by program)
- Standardized TestsGRE or GMAT required for some programs; check specific department requirements
- Supporting DocumentsOfficial transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation (varies by program)
Priority deadline for freshman applicants seeking the earliest admission decision and maximum scholarship consideration.
Standard application deadline for fall semester freshman admission with full consideration for financial aid.
Latest deadline for fall semester freshman applications; late applications may be considered on a space-available basis.
Graduate application deadlines vary by program and term. Check the Graduate College website for specific dates.
Tuition, Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition, Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
Texas State University offers competitive tuition rates, particularly for Texas residents. The university awarded over USD 213 million in grants and scholarships in fiscal year 2024, demonstrating its commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable.
| Cost Category | Texas Resident | Non-Resident / International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (Undergraduate) | USD 11,450 | USD 22,930 |
| Tuition & Fees (Graduate) | USD 8,997 | USD 16,377 |
| Room & Board | USD 13,000 | USD 13,000 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 760 | USD 760 |
| Total | USD 25,210 | USD 36,690 |
Merit & Competitive Scholarships
Texas State offers a range of merit-based scholarships for both incoming freshmen and continuing students based on academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
- Eligibility: Based on high school class rank, academic record, and holistic review
- Test Scores: SAT/ACT not required for top 75% class rank students
- Renewable: Yes, with continued academic performance requirements
International Student Scholarships
Texas State provides merit-based scholarship opportunities for international students to help offset the cost of out-of-state tuition and support global diversity on campus.
- Type: Merit-based awards for international undergraduate and graduate students
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission; some require separate application
- Financial Aid: 55% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid
Campus & Facilities at Texas State University
Campus & Facilities at Texas State University
Texas State University's main campus spans 517 acres of scenic, hilly terrain along the San Marcos River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The campus features over 250 buildings, blending historic architecture like the iconic Old Main with modern research and academic facilities.
Built in 1903, Old Main is the university's original Victorian Gothic landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983.
The seven-story Albert B. Alkek Library serves as the academic heart of campus, housing the Southwestern Writers Collection and the Wittliff Gallery.
The crystal-clear San Marcos River runs through campus, providing a unique natural setting for recreation, research, and environmental education.
Housing & Dining
On-Campus Housing
Texas State offers a variety of on-campus housing options including traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment-style accommodations, with a dormitory capacity among the largest in the nation.
- Traditional residence halls for freshmen
- Suite and apartment-style options for upperclassmen
- Living-learning communities for academic enrichment
Dining Services
Multiple dining facilities across campus offer diverse meal options to accommodate various dietary preferences and schedules, with flexible meal plan options available for all students.
- Multiple dining halls and food courts
- Flexible meal plan options for residents and commuters
- Retail dining locations and coffee shops throughout campus
Student Life at Texas State University
Student Life at Texas State University
Student life at Texas State University is vibrant and diverse, with hundreds of student organizations, campus activities, and athletic events throughout the year. San Marcos is consistently named one of the best college towns in the United States, and the university's scenic Hill Country setting offers unique outdoor recreation opportunities.
San Marcos, Texas: Location & City Life
San Marcos, Texas: Location & City Life
Life in San Marcos
San Marcos is a lively college town located approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin along the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. Known for its spring-fed rivers, vibrant downtown, and affordable cost of living, San Marcos offers students an ideal balance of small-town charm and access to major metropolitan areas.
Outdoor Recreation
The San Marcos River offers year-round tubing, kayaking, and swimming in crystal-clear spring-fed waters, while nearby parks and trails provide hiking and cycling opportunities.
Proximity to Austin & San Antonio
Located between two major Texas cities, students enjoy easy access to internships, cultural events, live music, dining, and professional networking opportunities.
Affordable Cost of Living
San Marcos offers a lower cost of living compared to Austin and San Antonio, making it an attractive and budget-friendly location for college students.
Growing Job Market
The Austin-San Marcos corridor is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, with a booming technology, healthcare, and education job market benefiting graduates.
Career Outcomes & Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes & Notable Alumni
Top Employers of Texas State Graduates
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
Provides visa and immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, pre-departure orientation, and ongoing assistance to help international students thrive at Texas State.
Offers intensive English language programs for non-native speakers to prepare for academic success before or alongside degree enrollment.
Assists students with resume writing, job search strategies, interview preparation, career fairs, and internship placement with employers across Texas and beyond.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Texas State University: Worldwide Rankings
Texas State University: Worldwide Rankings
Texas State University has been steadily climbing in national and international rankings, reflecting its growth in research, enrollment, student outcomes, and academic quality. The university jumped 16 spots in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities ranking.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Top Public Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #145 |
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 |
| Undergraduate Engineering | U.S. News & World Report | #194-211 |
| Online Master's in Education | U.S. News & World Report | #76 |
Features
Texas State University offers diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines, extensive research opportunities, vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, dedicated faculty members, strong community engagement, and modern campus facilities.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
October - April
Location
601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States
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