History
- Authorized by the Texas legislature in 1899, Southwest Texas State Normal School opened its doors in 1903.
Education
- Through our nine academic colleges, Texas State offers nearly 200 undergraduate and post-graduate degrees to serve the needs of future generations of Texans.
- Today The Graduate College offers 100 graduate master’s and doctoral programs in the following colleges: Applied Arts, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, McCoy College of Business Administration and Science.
- Our nationally recognized graduate programs draw applicants from across the country and around the globe. Our faculty members are renowned teachers and active researchers.
Research
- The mission of the Office of Research Development (ORD) is to provide opportunities and support to researchers in an effort to increase the number of quality proposals submitted to external sponsors.
- To support this mission, ORD provides a broad range of services and resources to researchers related to funding and proposal development.
Career
- Choosing a career and finding a job is an extremely complex—and often scary—process. Career Services provides individual and group assistance to undergraduates and graduate students to help you navigate your career path.
Career counselors can help you:
- Explore your skills and interests to evaluate potential educational and career paths
- Gain hands-on experience with job shadowing, internships or part-time work
- Conduct an effective job search and refine your resume, cover letter and interview skills
- Access resources for veterans, minority students and other special populations
Texas State University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1531 Ranking
- 63 Courses
- 1,646 Academic Staff
- 31,600 Students
- 316 Students (int'l)
- 18,644 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Student services
The University has an International Office whose mission is:
- Serving as immigration and cultural advisers to our international students and scholars, advocating on their behalf, and providing services and information that facilitate their cultural adjustment, retention and success.
- Assisting the university at large and our international students, alumni, scholars, faculty and staff in particular, in complying with governmental policies and regulations.
- Promoting global awareness and internationalization at the university by facilitating international agreements, and by administering international programming through hosting and sponsoring international events.
Housing services
- Housing at Texas State is unique because students choose which hall they would like to live in, so students can choose any available space in the halls. We offer a variety of living options to accommodate the diverse needs of our resident population.
- While styles range from traditional to apartment style, the Department of Housing and Residential life believes a traditional hall is the best for first-year students.
- These halls create a strong sense of community and students living in traditional halls tend to do better academically and socially.
- Housing is first-come, first served so make sure to sign a contract as soon as possible.
Library services
Albert B. Alkek Library is the most important information resource of the Texas State University community.
The Alkek Library Collection Includes:
- More than 1.5 million printed volumes
- 99,700+ electronic journals
- 506,000 e-books
- 430+ databases.
- Over a half-million microform & audio-visual materials.
ICT services
- Operating within the Division of Information Technology, Technology Resources provides secure, robust and cost-effective information technologies to Texas State University.
- We deliver secure telephone, computing, and Internet access as well as provide customer-focused technical support and training to assure optimal use of information technology.
Medical services
- Texas State international students are required to obtain coverage under the designated international student health insurance policy or present acceptable proof of other comparable and adequate health insurance coverage to the Student Health Center.
- The Student Health Center is now offering a new Travel Health Service for all Texas State students, faculty and staff.
Campus life
- Located about 20 miles outside of San Marcos in Wimberley, Texas, the University Camp is a 126-acre hideaway on the scenic Blanco River boasting two lodges, six campsites, four day-use sites, and several miles of hiking/biking trails.
- The University Camp is also home to the Texas State GOAL Challenge Course Program. The 3.5 mile trail system courses throughout the property and provides many scenic and nature study opportunities.
- Mountain biking is a popular trail activity, and portions of the trail are suitable only for experienced riders.
- The trail is great for family hikes and nature viewing. Swimming, wading, snorkeling, and fishing are excellent in the clear pools above and below the falls.
Sports facilities
- The Bobcat Club is the principal fundraising arm of the Texas State Intercollegiate Athletics Department.
- The Bobcat Club has provided a way for supporters to help talented Texas State student-athletes receive a top-tier education while pursuing their goals both on and off the field of competition.
- The Department of Campus Recreation will be recognized as a leader in recreation and leisure services.
Student clubs
- NACE - National Association of Colleges and Employers
- SoACE - Southern Association of Colleges and Employers
- CEIAINC - Cooperative Education & Internship Association
- TxCEIA - Texas Cooperative Education & Internship Association, Inc.
- NSEA - National Student Employment Association
- SASEA - Southern Association of Student Employment Administrator
- NCDA - National Career Development Association
- SAHRMA - San Antonio Human Resources Management Association
- AHRMA - Austin Human Resources Management Association
- SACUCCA - San Antonio Area Colleges and Universities Career Centers Assoc.
- CTLACC - Central Texas Liberal Arts Career Consortium
Accreditation
- SACS - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has reaffirmed its accreditation of Texas State UniversityABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and TechnologyACCE - American Council for Construction Education - Accredited February 2013ATMAE - Association of Technology, Management, and Applied EngineeringNSC - National Steering Committee - Concrete Industry Management Program
Texas State University Overview
Texas State University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 19.1% United States
Top 28.5% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1531
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 61 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1595 | 1592 | 1531 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| - | 1201 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Texas State University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
San Marcos City
Texas State University Student Reviews & Awards
4.1
Based on 21 reviews
- 5 Star 6 Reviews
- 4 Star 12 Reviews
- 3 Star 3 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.3
- Student Diversity 4.1
- Quality of Student Life 4.2
- Career Development 4.2
Texas State University
I am currently enrolled at Texas State University, pursuing a Master of Education in Special Education – Learning and Behavioral Disabilities. One of the aspects I truly value about my experience is the online accelerated program, which I am currently enrolled in. Choosing this program has been one of the best decisions I have made. It offers flexibility and convenience without compromising the quality of instruction. The coursework is well-organized, engaging, and directly applicable to my current and future practice in special education. While the program is highly effective, continued opportunities for increased peer collaboration and real-time discussions could further enhance the learning experience. Overall, I would summarize my study experience as positive, supportive, and well-prepared for future professional growth, as Texas State University provides both strong academic rigor and practical preparation for the field.
exceptional teachers
South Texas College is a solid choice for students starting out, especially if you�re looking for an affordable and supportive environment. While there are some small things that could be improved, they don�t take away from the value you get here. I�m glad I chose STC for my first year � it�s a good stepping stone toward bigger goals.
College is all about connections!
Texas state is great school for students looking for diversity and never ending opportunities! If interested in applying, I recommend that you take a look into University College's BGS program. My favorite part of being on campus was the people I met and the life longs friends I received. Just remember that college is all about connections!
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
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