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Texas Southern University

Houston, TX

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Excellence in Achievement

Wikipedia
1927
Founded
Public historically black university
Type
6,619
Total Students
6,844
Undergrad
522
Graduate
$100M
Endowment
(2024)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$22K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
93%
Acceptance Rate
20%
Graduation Rate
6-year
57%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Texas Southern University

A vibrant HBCU in Houston, driving research, economic impact, and civil rights legacy.

Texas Southern University (TSU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance in Houston, Texas. As a public historically black university, TSU is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," underscoring its commitment to impactful research and advanced scholarship. Beyond its academic prowess, TSU is deeply embedded in the fabric of Houston's Third Ward, serving as both a cultural and community center, and a vital economic engine contributing over $500 million annually to the region.

TSU's history is intertwined with the pursuit of equality and access. Established in 1947 as Texas State University for Negroes in response to the landmark Sweatt v. Painter case, it provided comparable educational opportunities for African Americans. The university's students further cemented its legacy in 1960 by organizing Houston's first sit-ins, playing a pivotal role in the city's desegregation efforts – a courageous act commemorated by a historical marker.

Academically, TSU offers a robust experience for its 7,366 students, guided by the motto "Excellence in Achievement." Its Jesse H. Jones School of Business is a point of pride, being the first HBCU business school to achieve AACSB accreditation and consistently earning recognition from The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is another distinguished institution, known for its diversity and accreditation by the American Bar Association.

Beyond academics, TSU fosters a dynamic student experience. The university's intercollegiate sports teams, the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division I, while the renowned "Ocean of Soul" marching band is a source of immense campus spirit. For prospective students and families, Texas Southern University represents a unique opportunity to join a community rich in history, dedicated to academic achievement, and deeply committed to community engagement.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity."
  • Home to the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, the first HBCU business school accredited by AACSB and recognized by The Princeton Review.
  • Features the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, one of Texas's six public law schools, consistently ranked among the nation's most diverse.
  • Plays a crucial role as an economic engine for Greater Houston, contributing over $500 million in gross sales and supporting more than 3,000 jobs.
  • A historic institution with a legacy in the Civil Rights Movement, including leading Houston's first sit-ins in 1960.
  • Boasts a vibrant student experience with NCAA Division I athletics (the Tigers) and the renowned "Ocean of Soul" marching band.
  • Serves a diverse student body of 7,366 with an endowment of $100 million, guided by its motto: "Excellence in Achievement."

Timeline

1927
Established as Houston Colored Junior College.
1934
Renamed Houston College for Negroes.
1947
Texas State University for Negroes authorized and funded, incorporating Houston College for Negroes.
1950
U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Sweatt v. Painter, impacting 'separate but equal' education.
1951
Renamed Texas Southern University.
1960
TSU students organized Houston's first sit-in, contributing to city-wide desegregation.
1976
The law school was formally named the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
2019
Hosted a Democratic presidential debate.
🏛️
99 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Texas Southern University

💼

Jesse H. Jones School of Business

The first business school at an HBCU to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and consistently highly ranked by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.

⚖️

Thurgood Marshall School of Law

One of six public law schools in Texas, accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), and recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its diversity.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Lillian B. Poats (interim)
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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