(AUSTIN) - Enrollment at Texas State University System institutions reached a record high this semester, despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fall 2020 preliminary headcount enrollment at TSUS’s seven member institutions is 87,387 - a one percent increase compared to Fall 2019.
“Faculty, staff, and administrators across TSUS have worked incredibly hard to keep our institutions open and students on track during this pandemic,” said Chancellor Brian McCall. “The enrollment growth we’re seeing is clear evidence of our institutions’ continuing commitment to student success.”
Lamar University and Sam Houston State University, which have robust online programs, contributed significantly to the system’s enrollment growth, reporting enrollment increases of five and two percent, respectively. TSUS leads the state in the percentage of students taking courses online.
Headcount enrollment at the system’s two-year institutions - Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Orange, and Lamar State College Port Arthur - grew by five percent, from 9,160 in Fall 2019 to 9,637 this semester. LIT recorded the most significant gain of any TSUS institution, growing enrollment by 14 percent over the last year.
Preliminary enrollment figures are based on a 12th class day census and are subject to change when final enrollment numbers are reported to the state.
The Texas State University System, founded in 1911, is the state’s first university system, with seven member institutions spanning from far West Texas to the Gulf Coast. Member institutions include Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University, Texas State University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Orange, and Lamar State College Port Arthur.