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Texas State University

San Marcos, TX

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

“Auctoritas Gravitas Humanitas Veritas”("Prestige, Seriousness, Humanity, Truth")

Public research university
Type
39,376
Undergrad
5,215
Graduate
$1.6B
Endowment
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Kelly Damphousse

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

About Texas State University

Texas State: A rapidly growing R2 university, rich in history and dedicated to impactful research.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of San Marcos, Texas State University stands as a dynamic public research institution with a rich history and a forward-thinking vision. Designated as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity" and an Emerging Research University by the State of Texas, TXST is a powerhouse of innovation. As the seventh-largest university in Texas, it proudly serves a record enrollment of over 44,500 students, fostering a diverse and inclusive community as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

Established in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, its initial purpose was to train the state's future educators. The university's campus holds significant historical moments, including President Lyndon B. Johnson's return in 1965 to sign the monumental Higher Education Act, a cornerstone of his Great Society programs. Texas State also marks a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, enrolling its first African-American students in 1963 and later seeing students courageously protest the Vietnam War, known as the "San Marcos 10."

Academically, Texas State offers an impressive array of over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across its nine colleges. The university's commitment to discovery is evident in its substantial research expenditures, exceeding $160 million in fiscal year 2024. It is home to world-renowned facilities like the Forensic Anthropology Center, the largest forensics research facility globally. Beyond academics, students thrive in a vibrant campus life, with the Bobcat intercollegiate sports teams competing in NCAA Division I and preparing to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026, promising an exciting future for student-athletes and fans alike.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Designated an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity" and an Emerging Research University.
  • ✦Record enrollment of 44,596 students (Fall 2025), making it the seventh-largest university in Texas.
  • ✦Offers over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs.
  • ✦Designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • ✦Home to the world's largest forensics research facility: the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State.
  • ✦Invested over $160 million in research expenditures during fiscal year 2024.
  • ✦NCAA Division I FBS Bobcats will join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026.

Timeline

1899
Established as Southwest Texas State Normal School on May 10, with a mission to train teachers.
1903
Opened its doors to the first 303 students in September, with Old Main completed.
1963
Enrolled its first African-American students, following a federal lawsuit.
1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson returned to campus on November 8 to sign the Higher Education Act.
1969
Ten students, known as the 'San Marcos 10,' were suspended for protesting the Vietnam War on November 13.
1994
Acquired the Aquarena Springs property, intending to use it as a research and education center.
2005
The Texas State University Round Rock Campus opened in the greater north Austin area.
2026
Texas State Bobcats intercollegiate sports teams will join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1.

Leadership

Kelly Damphousse
President
Pranesh Aswath
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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