Texas Southern University is a public historically Black university located in Houston, Texas, in the city’s Third Ward. Founded in 1927, it is part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is classified as a doctoral university with high research activity. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across disciplines such as business, law, education, public affairs, pharmacy, engineering, and the sciences. Texas Southern University is known for its role in advancing educational access during segregation and for its contributions to urban research and community engagement. Its diverse student body is drawn to its strong professional programs, metropolitan setting, and longstanding commitment to serving historically underrepresented communities.
With a 96.91% acceptance rate, Texas Southern University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Texas Southern University was founded in 1927 as Houston Colored Junior College, created by the Houston Independent School District during the era of racial segregation. In 1934 it became Houston College for Negroes, expanding to a four-year institution. In 1947 the Texas Legislature established Texas State University for Negroes, partly in response to legal challenges over segregated legal education, and the institution was renamed Texas Southern University in 1951. Located in Houston’s Third Ward, Texas Southern University played a significant role in the civil rights movement, including student-led sit-ins in 1960. In 1973 the university broadened its mission to emphasize urban issues and community engagement. Over time it expanded graduate and professional programs, including law and pharmacy, and added major facilities such as the University Museum in 2000 and the Spearman Technology Building in 2014, reflecting its continued institutional growth.
Texas Southern University has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning classes may be larger, especially in introductory courses. While lecture-based learning may be more common, students still have opportunities to connect with professors through office hours, discussion sections, and academic advising.
Applying to Texas Southern University involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, and any required supporting materials for specific programs. As a public university in Houston, Texas Southern University considers a range of academic backgrounds and offers pathways for first-time freshmen, transfer students, and graduate applicants. Prospective students should review program-specific requirements and application deadlines carefully.
Texas Southern University participates in federal and state financial aid programs, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Students at Texas Southern University can complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based assistance, and the university also offers institutional scholarships tied to academic achievement and program enrollment.
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