About Texas State University
Texas State University educates 34,547 students in the college town of San Marcos, about 30 minutes south of Austin. This public research university has built a strong reputation for its education and business programs, producing graduates who go on to major careers. Notable alumni include President Lyndon B. Johnson and country music legend George Strait. The university draws almost entirely from Texas, with 97% of students coming from in-state.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. Students pay an average net price of $16,438 after aid, which is manageable compared to many schools. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,906 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $21,000. For Texas families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $12,144, making college accessible to lower-income students. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students.
The student body is 60% female and reflects Texas demographics, with 42% Hispanic students and 39% white students. With a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, expect larger classes, especially in introductory courses. The 77% retention rate suggests most students are happy enough to return for sophomore year, though the 56% six-year graduation rate means finishing on time requires focus and planning.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. Students pay an average net price of $16,438 after aid, which is manageable compared to many schools. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,906 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $21,000. For Texas families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $12,144, making college accessible to lower-income students. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students.
The student body is 60% female and reflects Texas demographics, with 42% Hispanic students and 39% white students. With a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, expect larger classes, especially in introductory courses. The 77% retention rate suggests most students are happy enough to return for sophomore year, though the 56% six-year graduation rate means finishing on time requires focus and planning.
Academics & Faculty
Texas State built its reputation as a teacher's college when it opened in 1899, and education remains one of its strongest programs today. The university also offers solid business and communication programs that attract many of the 34,547 students on campus. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, you won't get the small class attention of a liberal arts college, but professors are generally accessible for a large public research university. The 56.2% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work part-time or take longer to finish, which is common at schools where 42% of students are Hispanic and many are first-generation college students balancing family responsibilities with academics.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.2%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,906
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,192 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $86,129 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $74,038 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $72,274 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,456 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,965 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,858 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,557 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $63,263 |
Campus Life
San Marcos sits between Austin and San Antonio, about 30 minutes from either city, giving students easy access to major Texas metros while living in a classic college town. With 6,753 students housed on campus out of 34,547 total enrollment, about 20% of students live in dorms, meaning most commute from nearby apartments or stay home since 97% are Texas residents. The campus hugs the San Marcos River, and students spend weekends tubing, swimming at nearby swimming holes like Jacob's Well, or heading to Austin for concerts and nightlife.
Texas heat dominates most of the year, so pack sunscreen and light clothes rather than heavy coats. Winter rarely drops below freezing. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for introductory classes. Greek life has a presence but doesn't dominate social life like at some Texas schools. Many students work part-time jobs since this is a commuter-heavy campus where people balance school with other responsibilities. Football games against Sun Belt rivals draw decent crowds, but Texas State doesn't have the football obsession of bigger Texas universities.
Texas heat dominates most of the year, so pack sunscreen and light clothes rather than heavy coats. Winter rarely drops below freezing. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for introductory classes. Greek life has a presence but doesn't dominate social life like at some Texas schools. Many students work part-time jobs since this is a commuter-heavy campus where people balance school with other responsibilities. Football games against Sun Belt rivals draw decent crowds, but Texas State doesn't have the football obsession of bigger Texas universities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 6,753 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1899
Campus Safety (2023)
378 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 61 | 32 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 43 | 27 | 2 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 39 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 29 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 19 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 14 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–62°F
- July Avg
- 73°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Texas State draws mostly Texas students, with 97% coming from in-state, showing its strong reputation as an affordable option for state residents. The student body is 42% Hispanic and 39% White, reflecting the changing demographics of Texas and the school's role in serving diverse communities. Women make up 60% of students, which fits with Texas State's strength in education and health programs that traditionally attract more female students. About 36% receive Pell Grants, meaning the university serves many first-generation and working-class families looking for quality education at a reasonable price.
- Men
- 40.0%
- Women
- 60.0%
- White
- 39.2%
- Black
- 9.4%
- Hispanic
- 42.2%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 97.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.2%
Location
Texas State University sits in San Marcos, Texas, about 30 miles south of Austin and 45 miles north of San Antonio. San Marcos has a population of around 65,000, making it a classic college town where the university's 34,547 students make up more than half the community. The city sits along the San Marcos River and is famous for its crystal-clear spring-fed waters, which maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. The area offers easy access to both Austin's music scene and San Antonio's cultural attractions, giving students the best of small-town college life with big-city opportunities nearby. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Texas State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Marcos, Texas 78666
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,906
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,874
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Texas State University?
Texas State University accepts 87.70% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1080. The school welcomes a broad range of students to its San Marcos campus, making it accessible for most Texas high school graduates.
How much does Texas State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,438 annually, with in-state tuition at $11,450. Lower-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,144 after aid, making this public university particularly affordable for Texas residents.
What are the strongest academic programs at Texas State University?
The university operates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its comprehensive programs. Texas State particularly excels in education and business, building on its reputation as a major public research institution serving over 34,000 students.
What do graduates of Texas State University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $56,906 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $21,000. The school maintains a 95.2% employment rate, reflecting strong career outcomes for Bobcats entering the Texas job market.
Where is Texas State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in San Marcos, a small city between Austin and San Antonio, housing 6,753 students on campus. With 60% female enrollment and 42% Hispanic students, the university reflects the changing demographics of modern Texas higher education.
Does Texas State University have notable alumni?
The university counts President Lyndon B. Johnson and actor Matthew McConaughey among its distinguished graduates. Founded in 1899, Texas State has produced leaders across politics, entertainment, and business while maintaining its strong Texas identity through 12 NCAA Division I athletic programs.
