Texas State University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Texas State University is a large public research institution in San Marcos, Texas, established in 1899 with a mission to train teachers for the state. Over time, it has grown into one of the largest universities in Texas, enrolling more than 44,000 students as of 2025. The university operates additional campuses in Round Rock, Texas, and Querétaro, Mexico, reflecting its expanding academic reach. It offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across nine colleges and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity,” Texas State also holds the designation of an Emerging Research University, with over $160 million spent on research in 2024.The main campus spans 517 acres along the scenic San Marcos River and includes hundreds of buildings as well as research facilities like the STAR Park. The university also maintains thousands of acres of additional land for research, recreation, and agriculture. Its Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State is the largest facility of its kind in the world. Texas State’s athletic teams, known as the Bobcats, compete in NCAA Division I and are set to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.Historically, the university has undergone multiple name changes, reflecting its evolving academic status—from a normal school to a full-fledged university. It played a role in significant social and political moments, such as desegregation in 1963 and student protests during the Vietnam War. Notably, former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, an alumnus, returned in 1965 to sign the Higher Education Act of 1965 on campus, highlighting the institution’s national importance.