Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
San Marcos, Texas
89.5% Acceptance Rate
Texas State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
89.5%Acceptance Rate
3.38Avg GPA
1093Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$26,348Annual Cost
$56,906Grad Salary
36.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
89.5%
Avg GPA
3.38
Avg SAT
1093
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
980–1190
ACT Middle 50%
19–26
Avg Net Price
$16,438
Need-Based Aid
36.2% receive Pell
Texas State University is a large, public research institution known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant student life. Admissions are selective, focusing on class rank, GPA, and the rigor of the high school course load. The university seeks well-rounded students who are prepared to handle the challenges of a large campus while also engaging in leadership, research, or service-learning opportunities.
A successful application should showcase consistency in academic performance and a history of involvement in school or community organizations. Because Texas State encourages innovation and community engagement, applicants who can demonstrate how they will contribute to the university's active campus culture, such as through student leadership or club participation, will stand out during the review process.
Texas State University Acceptance Rate
Texas State University (SWTSU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 89.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 89.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.38 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.18 – 3.37
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.93
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Texas State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Texas State University is November 15 for Priority applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 121 days left — Priority
Priority
November 15
Regular
March 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
SWTSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at SWTSU is 3.38. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.58-3.78 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.08 and 3.38, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
SWTSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at SWTSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.38, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.38 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.18 – 3.37
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.98 – 3.17
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.97
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate: 89.32% per IPEDS 2024-25 (30,498 of 34,146 applicants admitted); application fee $75; accepts both UA Undergraduate App and Common App; test-optional (SAT/ACT considered if submitted, median ACT 22, median SAT 1,100); personal essay required for holistic-review applicants; priority deadline June 1 for fall. Texas top-10% rule (HB 588) guarantees admission without holistic review for students in top decile of their Texas high school graduating class.
- Students ranked 11th-75th percentile of their high school class go through holistic review including admission essay(s), extracurriculars, leadership, community service, work experience, and course rigor. Students outside the top 75% are not offered freshman admission and are directed to complete 15+ transferable credits at 2.50+ GPA before applying as transfers.
- Three campuses: main San Marcos (44,596 students fall 2025, record enrollment), Round Rock (St. David's School of Nursing, junior/senior clinical years), and ALERRT campus in Maxwell TX (nation's premier active shooter response research organization). Fourth campus in Quer?taro, Mexico. ACC (Austin Community College) guaranteed transfer program also available.
- Texas State transitions to Pac-12 Conference July 1, 2026; football won third consecutive bowl championship in 2025; LBJ (Class of 1930) is the only sitting US president to have graduated from a Texas university; George Strait (BS Agriculture, 1979) and Taylor Sheridan (honorary doctorate 2025) are among notable alumni; R2 Carnegie research designation since 2016; Hispanic-Serving Institution (36% Pell Grant recipients); Princeton Review Green College for outdoor life/sustainability.
- The Rigor Metric: At SWTSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at SWTSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Texas State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Texas State University (SWTSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into SWTSU Without SAT or ACT?
Texas State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Texas State University Average SAT Score: 1093
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Texas State University is 1093 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1093 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1093 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1190 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Texas State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 980, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SWTSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 530 | 480 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Composite | 1093 | 980 | 1190 |
It means that if you have scored less than 980 then you are below most of the admitted students at SWTSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1190 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Texas State University (SWTSU) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Texas State University (SWTSU) are good but the admission staff at SWTSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Texas State University (SWTSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SWTSU is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Texas State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 26 |
Can I get into Texas State University with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Texas State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Texas State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Texas State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Texas State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SWTSU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
SWTSU is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Your Class Rank Determines Whether You Get In Automatically or Go Through Holistic Review - Know Which Path You Are On
Texas State uses a two-track admission system structured by Texas House Bill 588. Students who graduate in the top 10% of their Texas high school class are automatically assured admission and do not require holistic review - submit your transcript and you are in. Students ranked in the 11th through 75th percentile of their class are considered through holistic review, in which Texas State evaluates high school curriculum, admission essay(s), extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service, work experience, course quality and rigor, and grades earned - not just GPA. A personal statement or essay is required as part of this holistic process and is a genuinely evaluated component, not a checkbox. Students in the bottom 25% of their class are not offered freshman admission directly and are instead encouraged to complete 15 transferable credit hours with a minimum 2.50 GPA at another institution before applying for transfer. Your class rank - not your GPA alone - determines which of these three paths applies to you. Confirm your rank with your counselor before writing your application strategy.
St. David's Nursing Is at a Separate Campus - Plan for That from Day One
Texas State's nursing program, the St. David's School of Nursing, operates specifically at the Round Rock Campus approximately 65 miles north of the main San Marcos campus, near Austin. Freshman nursing students do not begin their clinical nursing coursework in San Marcos - they complete lower-division prerequisites and general education on the main campus and then move to Round Rock for junior and senior level classes. The Round Rock Campus opened its nursing building in 2010 and has since expanded with Willow Hall (health professions, 2018) and Esperanza Hall (groundbreaking December 2024). Students who apply to Texas State with a nursing intent should research the geographic commitment of spending their upper-division years in Round Rock, not San Marcos. Housing, transportation, and community are meaningfully different between the two locations. Students whose families or support networks are Austin-area rather than San Marcos-area may find Round Rock's proximity an advantage worth explicitly planning around.
Know That TXST Holds a Dual Identity - Its Most Famous Alumnus Is a US President and It Is Moving to the Pac-12
Texas State is the only university from which a sitting US president graduated - Lyndon B. Johnson, Class of 1930, and the campus maintains a prominent LBJ statue near the iconic Quad. George Strait graduated from Texas State in 1979 with a BS in Agriculture and performed his first show with the Ace in the Hole Band at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos before becoming the King of Country Music. These are not incidental fun facts - they reflect a campus community with roots in Texas public life and culture that is distinct from the tech-focused or research-intensive identity of UT Austin. On the sports side, Texas State football won its third consecutive bowl game championship in 2025, and the university is transitioning to the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026 - a major upgrade from the Sun Belt Conference that will change recruiting dynamics, national visibility, and campus spirit significantly in the years ahead. If Pac-12 athletics and campus culture matter to you, applying now means you'll arrive as the transition takes effect.
The ALERRT Center and R2 Research Designation Signal a Campus Growing in Ways Most Students Don't Know
Texas State reached record enrollment of 44,596 students in fall 2025 and has held an R2 Carnegie research designation (high research activity) since 2016 - a category that places it alongside universities with active doctoral programs and externally funded research operations. A particularly unusual feature is the ALERRT Center (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training), housed at Texas State's ALERRT campus in Maxwell, Texas. ALERRT is the nation's premier active shooter and threat response research organization, training law enforcement agencies nationwide. This is an unusual institutional asset for a public regional university and reflects a campus culture of applied research with real public safety impact. Beyond ALERRT, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment engaged 26,000+ children and university students in outdoor learning in 2025, reflecting the San Marcos Springs and the Texas Hill Country ecosystem as genuine academic resources. If you're applying to TXST, understanding its research trajectory - and the fact that it is the seventh-largest university in Texas despite its public-access reputation - helps you frame your own ambitions within the right institutional context.
Expert Insight:
Texas State University (UNITID 228459) was known as Southwest Texas State University until 2013, and before that as Southwest Texas State Normal School (founded 1899). Some alumni records, scholarship databases, and employer records from before 2013 reference "Southwest Texas State University" or "SWT" rather than "Texas State." The institution is also frequently confused with Texas State Technical College (TSTC), which is a separate system of workforce-focused technical colleges operating in Texas under a different governing board and SACSCOC accreditor. TXST (Texas State University, San Marcos) is the flagship of the Texas State University System, distinct from the University of Texas system. Acceptance rate figures range from 81% (some aggregators using older IPEDS) to 89% (IPEDS 2024-25 per CollegeTuitionCompare: 30,498 of 34,146 applicants admitted). Use the IPEDS 2024-25 figure of 89.32% for current planning. Confirm UNITID 228459 and txst.edu before referencing any admissions or scholarship data.
SWTSU Profile
Full Name
Texas State University (SWTSU)
City
San Marcos
State
Texas
ZIP Code
78666
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a SWTSU Degree Worth It?
Getting into SWTSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. SWTSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at SWTSU is $66,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.26%.
How much does a degree from SWTSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Texas State University is $26,348. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Texas State University is $16,438.
36.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SWTSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Texas State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SWTSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a SWTSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $56,906. An average SWTSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Texas State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Texas State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Texas State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
Degree Programs at SWTSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About SWTSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $56,906 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $26,348 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
36.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Texas State University is 89.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.38. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.08, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.08, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.98 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.38, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Texas State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1093 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 980–1190.
The application deadline for Texas State University is November 15 for Priority applicants.
The application fee for Texas State University is 75. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.