Texas State University: A Destination For Thousands Of Students

Texas State University is a public research university with campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock, Texas. Founded in 1899, it has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. In fall 2024, Texas State University recorded its highest-ever enrollment, with 40,678 students, surpassing 40,000 for the first time in its 125-year history. This number includes over 34,000 undergraduate students and more than 4,000 graduate students.

Texas State University's record-breaking student enrollment in 2024

Texas State University has broken its record for student enrollment in 2024, with a total of 40,678 students enrolled for the fall 2024 semester. This is the first time in the university's 125-year history that enrollment has surpassed 40,000 students, marking a significant milestone. The record count includes all-time high enrollment numbers for first-year students, with 8,165 first-year students enrolled, surpassing the previous year's record of 8,138.

The university's Round Rock Campus also hit an all-time high, with a 24% increase in enrollment over fall 2023. This increase is attributed to the addition of 10 new academic programs, allowing students to complete a four-year degree without commuting to the main campus in San Marcos. Overall, Texas State University offers over 200 degree programs across various fields, including engineering, healthcare, and the arts.

The historic enrollment numbers are a testament to the university's strategic enrollment plan, which aims to make higher education more accessible to Texans. More than 41% of TXST students are the first in their families to pursue a college degree, reflecting the university's commitment to serving the diverse population of Texas. The demographics of the student body mirror those of the state, with 95% of students hailing from Texas itself.

The record-breaking enrollment extends beyond just first-year students. The number of transfer students choosing TXST remains robust, with 2,829 students in 2024, an increase of 146 above the previous year. Additionally, international student enrollment has set a new record, surpassing 1,500 for the first time in TXST history. The university's efforts to make higher education attainable for all are reflected in the diverse and growing student body.

Texas State University's record-breaking enrollment in 2024 is a testament to its reputation as one of the largest and most accessible universities in the United States. With a combination of academic excellence, supportive environment, and a wide range of degree programs, TXST continues to attract top-quality students from Texas and beyond.

The university's 10 colleges and over 200 degree programs

Texas State University offers its 40,000+ students a choice from over 200 degree programs across 10 colleges. The university's colleges are devoted to research, creativity, and education across a range of fields, including business, health, fine arts, and STEM.

The College of Science and Engineering is the largest college at Texas State University, with 8,942 students enrolled in Fall 2024. The college offers a range of degree programs in fields such as construction/engineering, information management, and health information management. The college also houses the St. David's School of Nursing, which offers over 30 degree programs at the Round Rock Campus.

The College of Liberal Arts is the second-largest college, with 5,850 students. It offers degree programs in areas such as communication studies, mass communication, and public administration. The College of Fine Arts and Communication, with 5,232 students, provides education in areas like the arts, music, and performing arts. The McCoy College of Business, with 5,221 students, is accredited by AACSB International and offers degrees in business, accounting, and business analytics.

Texas State University also has smaller colleges, such as the Honors College, which offers a unique academic experience with small, interdisciplinary, seminar-style classes. Students from all majors can collaborate and enjoy a range of learning opportunities, including study abroad programs and unique course options. The university's commitment to applied research and hands-on experiences means that students can gain valuable, practical experience in various fields, including healthcare, business, digital media, and engineering.

The number of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students

Texas State University (TXST) is a public research university with campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock, Texas. In the fall of 2024, the university reached a record-breaking enrollment of 40,678 students, comprising a mix of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. This number included over 34,000 undergraduates, marking the first time in the university's 125-year history that enrollment surpassed 40,000.

The large number of undergraduate students at Texas State University reflects its commitment to providing accessible higher education to Texans. With over 34,000 undergraduates, the university offers a wide range of bachelor's degree programs to cater to diverse academic interests. This number also underscores the university's appeal to students seeking a quality education within the state of Texas.

In addition to its strong undergraduate enrollment, Texas State University also boasts a significant number of graduate students. According to figures from fall 2024, the university has more than 4,000 graduate students. This includes students pursuing various master's and doctoral programs offered by the university. The graduate student population at Texas State University contributes to its vibrant academic community and showcases the university's ability to attract students seeking advanced degrees.

Doctoral programs at Texas State University have also witnessed notable enrollment numbers. In fall 2024, the university welcomed 136 new doctoral students, representing a 22.5% increase from the previous year. This increase is attributed to the university's ongoing investment in expanding its graduate programs, particularly as part of the Run to R1 initiative. The university's efforts to enhance its doctoral programs have resulted in a growing community of doctoral students, contributing to the institution's research and scholarly pursuits.

The breakdown of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at Texas State University highlights the institution's ability to cater to a diverse array of educational needs. With a large undergraduate population, the university accommodates those seeking foundational degrees. Simultaneously, the significant number of graduate and doctoral students underscores the university's success in attracting individuals pursuing advanced research and specialized fields. This mix of students across different academic levels fosters a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, benefiting the entire Texas State University community.

The student body composition and demographics

Texas State University is a public institution that was founded in 1899. It has a large student body, with a total enrollment of over 40,000 students as of Fall 2024, surpassing previous records. The student body is diverse, with a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a significant number of international students.

The gender breakdown of the student population shows a majority of female students, with approximately 60% women and 40% men. This ratio is consistent among both undergraduate and graduate students, indicating a balanced gender distribution across different levels of study.

In terms of ethnic diversity, Texas State University has a diverse range of racial and ethnic groups represented on campus. The exact breakdown varies across sources, but one source indicates that about 43% of the students identify as White, around 39% as Hispanic/Latino, roughly 10% as Black or African American, around 3% as Asian, and the remaining students identify as multiple races, American Indian, or Pacific Islander, among other ethnicities. This diversity contributes to a rich and heterogeneous campus environment.

The majority of the student body at Texas State University is from Texas, with approximately 95-96% of students being in-state residents. This is a common characteristic of state schools, where the majority of the student population tends to be from the same state. However, Texas State also has a significant number of international students, with representation from 83 to 87 countries, adding to the cultural diversity on campus.

The university's student body is spread across its campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock, Texas. The San Marcos Campus is the larger of the two, accommodating more than 8,000 students, while the Round Rock Campus has seen significant growth, with over 2,200 students enrolled as of Fall 2024. The expansion of academic programs at the Round Rock Campus has contributed to its increasing popularity among students.

The history of Texas State University and its evolution since 1899

Texas State University was founded in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, a teaching institution with a mission to educate future teachers for the state's rapidly expanding public education system. Located in San Marcos, the university's first campus building, Old Main, was constructed on Chautauqua Hill, overlooking the San Marcos River. This location was chosen for its natural beauty and the belief that it would inspire students to strive for "high aims and noble ambitions."

In its early years, Texas State University was dedicated solely to training teachers, and students earned permanent state teaching certificates after three years of coursework. The school's curriculum included subjects such as history, civics, geography, education, and various sciences. As the institution grew, its scope expanded, and in 1913, it became a junior college, offering two years of college-level work. This was followed by another significant change in 1916 when the school authorized two additional years of college instruction, enabling students to earn bachelor's degrees in arts or science in education.

The university underwent several name changes throughout the early 20th century, reflecting its evolving status and mission. In 1918, it became the Southwest Texas State Normal College, and in 1923, it was renamed the Southwest Texas State Teachers College. During this era, the university also navigated challenges, including the impact of World War I, which saw enrollment drop as young men enlisted in the armed forces. Despite these setbacks, the university continued to grow and expand its academic offerings.

By the late 1920s, the university had become a prominent force in athletics, with men's and women's basketball teams achieving notable success. The football team, established in 1908, became a permanent fixture of campus life, winning several conference championships. The university also adopted its iconic Bobcat mascot during this period, chosen to represent the tenacity and fighting spirit of the school.

Over the subsequent decades, Texas State University continued to broaden its academic programs and increase its enrollment. In 2003, the university underwent a significant transformation when the regional designation was dropped from its name, becoming Texas State University-San Marcos. This change signaled its evolution into a major, multipurpose university serving the diverse educational needs of Texans. In 2013, the university's name was simplified to Texas State University, reflecting its status as an emerging research institution within the state.

Today, Texas State University has an enrollment of over 40,000 students, making it one of the largest public universities in Texas. The university offers more than 200 degree programs across various disciplines, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

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