Texas State University (TXST) is a large public research university located in central Texas. The main campus is located in San Marcos, with a satellite campus in Round Rock in the Austin metropolitan area. It was founded in 1899 to train teachers and began offering its first classes in 1903. Today, according to fall 2024 data, it is home to approximately 40,600 students, of which 36,200 are undergraduates and 4,400 are graduate students.

The university has nine academic faculties and is particularly noted for its McCoy School of Business and programs in Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Health Sciences, and its world-renowned "body farm" (Forensic Anthropology Center). TXST is classified as a university with a high proportion of Hispanic students and is a nationally recognized research university with more than $160 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2024. It has state-leading programs in forensic science (its Criminology graduate program is ranked 26th), drama (on the Hollywood Reporter's top 25 list), nursing (the first BSN program in Texas), respiratory therapy, and public school teacher preparation.

The San Marcos campus covers 517 acres on the banks of the San Marcos River. It includes the historic Old Main building (built in 1903), the Alkek Library (known for its special collections), Sewell Park, a dynamic campus plaza (the Quad), and a variety of research and student housing facilities. The Round Rock campus opened in 2005 and focuses on nursing, health sciences, graduate programs and continuing education. Student life is vibrant, with approximately 20% of students living on campus, more than 300 student clubs, award-winning bands ("The Pride of the Hill Country") and many social activities, including annual community service events ("The Big Event").

In sports, the Bobcats compete in the Sun Belt Conference in NCAA Division I and their mascot is Boko the Bobcat. The university has a strong sporting tradition and has expanded Bobcat Stadium to support its football status.

Featured Departments: Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Forensic Anthropology, Public Administration, Music, Criminology
Rankings: EduRank 2025: 208th among US universities, 717th worldwide
Location: San Marcos (main campus) & Round Rock, Texas, USA
Year of Establishment: 1899