The Texas State University System, founded in 1911, is the first higher education system established in Texas. Beginning as an administrative means to consolidate the support and management of state teacher colleges, the System has evolved into a network of higher education institutions stretching from the Texas–Louisiana border to the Big Bend region of west Texas.
Today, seven component institutions offer a broad range of academic and career opportunities. Throughout the System, faculty and staff are preparing students to work in and contribute to our global society.
The Texas State University System is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the governor. In addition, a nonvoting student regent is appointed annually to the board. The administration, which is headed by a board-appointed chancellor, is based in Austin, where it provides support to the System components and state government.
The Texas State University System is Texas' first university system. Established in 1911, the System supports seven institutions by providing centralized support such as legal counsel, accounting, audit, academic program planning, contract administration, government relations and communications services.
The Texas State University System consists of seven institutions located throughout the state: 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. You can view a map of our institutions here.
The System Administration Building is located at 601 Colorado Street, Austin, TX, 78701.
TSUS is the third-largest of the six university systems in Texas, with enrollment exceeding 88,000 students in the Spring 2023 semester.
Total budgeted revenue for the Texas State University System and its component institutions is $1.35 billion in FY 2019. Of this, approximately 31 percent was appropriated by the state.
The Texas State University System is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the governor. A chancellor selected by the Board of Regents is the chief executive officer of the System.
Our universities and colleges offer a wide range of academic and job training opportunities, from welding certificates to doctoral degrees. Each institution maintains a list of available degrees and certificates on its website.
The Texas State University System maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. However, tuition and fees vary depending on the institution and program of study.
The mission of the Texas State University System is:
To advance and extend knowledge, learning, and culture, especially within Texas.
To provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally, and professionally.
To prepare students to contribute to the state’s and nation’s economy, culture, and future.
To offer undergraduate and graduate instruction leading to professional certificates and undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
To provide public services that enrich the institutions, communities, and the state.
To foster creative and artistic expression that enhances the cultural richness of the state.
To support research and commercial development that result in new technologies and products which benefit the state.