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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: Where history meets innovation in a dynamic, high-research Texas environment.

Texas State University, or TXST, stands as a vibrant public research institution rooted in the heart of San Marcos, Texas. Celebrated as the seventh-largest university in the state, TXST has experienced remarkable growth, welcoming a record-setting enrollment of nearly 45,000 students. Designated as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity" and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Texas State offers a dynamic learning environment on its picturesque campus, nestled on hilly land along the scenic San Marcos River, reflecting its motto: "Prestige, Seriousness, Humanity, Truth."

Academically, Texas State provides a vast landscape of opportunity with over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs spanning nine diverse colleges. The university is a powerhouse of innovation, dedicating over $160 million to research in fiscal year 2024. Its commitment to groundbreaking work is exemplified by facilities like the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Park, and notably, the world's largest Forensic Anthropology Center, drawing students and researchers passionate about discovery.

The history of Texas State is rich and transformative. Established in 1899 to train the future educators of Texas, it proudly counts U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson among its esteemed alumni, a connection solidified when he returned to campus to sign the historic Higher Education Act of 1965. The university also championed progress by enrolling its first African-American students in 1963. Today's students experience a spirited Bobcat community, competing in NCAA Division I athletics with plans to join the Pac-12 Conference, while benefiting from an expansive campus that includes satellite locations in Round Rock, Texas, and Querétaro, Mexico, fostering a truly comprehensive university experience.

Key Highlights

  • Seventh-largest university in Texas, boasting a record enrollment of 44,596 students (Fall 2025).
  • Designated as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity" and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
  • Offers over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across nine colleges.
  • Invested over $160 million in research expenditures during fiscal year 2024.
  • Home to the world's largest Forensic Anthropology Center, a leading forensics research facility.
  • Alma mater of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who signed the Higher Education Act of 1965 on campus.
  • NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics, with teams joining the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026.

Timeline

1899
Established as Southwest Texas State Normal School on May 10.
1903
Opened its doors to its first 303 students.
1963
Enrolled its first African-American students following a federal lawsuit.
1965
U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act of 1965 on campus.
1969
Renamed Southwest Texas State University.
2003
Renamed Texas State University-San Marcos.
2005
Opened the Texas State University Round Rock Campus.
2013
Adopted its current name, Texas State University.

Leadership

Kelly Damphousse
President
Pranesh Aswath
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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