Academics
Texas State University is a large research university that offers students the “diversity, quality of instruction, [and] resources of a large university with the feel of a smaller school.” This is “a friendly institution that is growing in population and academics,” and its size lends to “well-funded programs, activities, learning opportunities,” and “merit-based financial aid.” Additionally, “there are countless programs to help students succeed” and “lots of student outreach programs,” and the school puts on events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year built around a central theme (most recently “Innovation”).
The “very student-focused” professors at Texas State “are fantastic and try to help you reach your full potential.” To do this, they “attempt to make everyone feel as if they are important [in addition to] their opinions and ideas” being important as well. They “come from actual job experience that they share with students” and “make an effort to keep you up to date on new findings in their field,” all while being “very aware of current events [which they] easily relate … to our topic of class.” The “small school feel helps people to find what’s right for them,” and the faculty and staff at Texas State “give the students as many opportunities as possible.” As one student sums it up: “It’s big enough that there are tons of opportunities to get involved in internships or organizations,” but it’s “very helpful to have academic advisors that you can visit at any time.”
Student Body
This is “an inclusive campus”—more than half of all Texas State students are minorities and students come “from all … races [and] sexual orientations,” making the school feel “unique and very diverse.” This range means there are “a lot of opposing ideas on everything from politics to social issues,” but “students engage each other in a productive manner” in this “open-minded and engaging campus climate.” (One student notes the variety even more specifically, mentioning “a healthy mix of people invested in studies, in parties, in their specific interests, or in nothing at all.”) Since students are mainly Texans, people “are friendly and easy to talk to,” and though it’s a big school, “it’s easy to make friends within your classes.” One student brags, “There’s a sense of community among the students and it’s really heartwarming.”
Campus Life
With great natural features at the “big-but-not-too big” school, including the San Marcos River running right through the main campus, activities like “floating the river, swimming, hiking, [and] biking” are popular pastimes, so people “spend the majority of time outside or doing something active.” One student says, “Nature brings everyone together. The river is a symbol of our school.” At Texas State, “there is an organization for everyone in one way or another,” and “many people go out during the week, whether it’s to go drink at bars, … go bowling, [or] watch a movie.” Nearby San Marcos also holds plenty of opportunities for fun because it features “great food and recreational places in the city,” and during downtime, people will “go to the town square [which] is lined with bars and restaurants,” and where “coffee shops and study spots are abundant.
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