Why international students choose Texas State University: the complete guide

Texas State University is a large public university in San Marcos, Texas — 30 minutes from Austin, 45 from San Antonio. Around 45,000 students from more than 90 countries study here across 200+ degree programs. This guide covers what matters to an international applicant: cost, programs, support, and how to apply.

Location: a college town between two major cities

San Marcos is a university town on the San Marcos River, in the Texas Hill Country. Living costs are lower than in Austin, but Austin’s technology employers and San Antonio’s healthcare and military sectors are within commuting distance. For internships and post-graduation jobs, that combination matters more than it first appears: you live on a student budget and interview in two large job markets.

Programs: broad enough to change your mind

Business (McCoy College), science and engineering, health professions, education, fine arts and communication, liberal arts and applied arts — 96 bachelor’s, 75 master’s and 21 doctoral programs at the last count. Every engineering and computing degree is STEM-designated, which extends post-study work authorization (OPT) from 12 to 36 months.

What it costs

Texas State publishes a full cost of attendance rather than tuition alone. For an international undergraduate living on campus for the 9-month academic year, the 2026–27 estimate is $43,720, covering tuition and fees, housing and food, books, personal expenses and travel. The graduate figure is about $35,360. Scholarships can reduce this substantially — see international scholarships, where Assured awards for first-year students run from $20,000 to $48,000 over four years, and a competitive award of $1,000 or more can unlock a nonresident tuition waiver.

Support for international students

International Student and Scholar Services handles I-20s, SEVIS, status questions and orientation, and runs community events through the year. Academic advising, a career center, health services and a large residence-hall system are shared with all students. Most international undergraduates live on campus in their first year, which is the simplest way to settle in.

How to apply

1. Choose the level and program. Undergraduate, graduate or English pathway — each has its own requirements and deadlines.
2. Prepare transcripts and an English score. Official secondary or university transcripts, plus IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE at the program’s threshold (or plan on TSIE).
3. Apply online and pay the $90 fee. Documents are processed only after payment; there are no fee waivers for international applicants.
4. After admission: I-20, then visa. Submit a passport copy and financial documents for the I-20, then schedule the F-1 interview. Start early — this stage takes longer than the application itself.

Figures from Texas State University’s published cost of attendance, scholarship and admissions pages for 2026–27, and from the program catalog as indexed on this site. The International Office does not add estimates of its own.