Texas State University

Texas State University is a public research university located in San Marcos, Texas, with additional campuses in Round Rock, Texas, and Querétaro, Mexico. Established in 1899, it is part of the Texas State University System and serves a large and diverse student population. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across multiple colleges, including programs in education, business, health professions, fine arts, and the sciences. Classified as a doctoral university with high research activity, Texas State is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Its location between Austin and San Antonio attracts students interested in academic study combined with access to major metropolitan areas and public service, technology, and creative industries.

Texas State University was founded in 1899 as Southwest Texas State Normal School in San Marcos, Texas, to train public school teachers for a rapidly growing state. Leslie Waggener served as the institution’s first president. In 1918, the school became Southwest Texas State Normal College and began granting bachelor’s degrees, reflecting expanding academic standards. It was renamed Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1923 and later Southwest Texas State College in 1959 as its mission broadened beyond teacher education. The institution achieved university status in 1969 as Southwest Texas State University, adding graduate and doctoral programs. In 2003, it was renamed Texas State University to reflect its statewide role. In the 21st century, Texas State University expanded research activity, opened the Round Rock Campus, and earned designation as an emerging research university, continuing its evolution into a comprehensive public research institution.