16 Consecutive Years

For the 16^th consecutive year, Texas State University has had an increase of student enrollment.

As of the fall 2013 semester the total enrollment was 35,568, an increase of 1,343, compared to the 2012 fall semester of 34,225.

Texas State President Denise Trauth said it’s gratifying that students are choosing to attend Texas State.

Freshman Ashley Jefferies

“This new high in student enrollment demonstrates that Texas State continues to be a leading university in the state,” she said in a statement.

With the increasing enrollment however, comes congestion throughout San Marcos. A big complaint amongst students seems to be traffic and parking. Freshman Ashley Jefferies said it’s very crowded and difficult to get around since this is the biggest freshman class.

“It becomes more difficult to find parking,” she said.

Sydney Afflitto

While some may be affected by the growth, others focused more on the positives about it. Sydney Afflitto, an early education major, said the growth means Texas State is becoming more popular.

“It definitely played in one of the reasons why I choose it over the other universities that I was looking into,” she said.

Beyond expanding enrollment, an expansion of diversity has also occurred at the university with minorities making up 42 percent of the student body. Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois said that this reflects the growing diversity of the state.

“We are most pleased that our effort to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State,” he said.

Transfer Student
Shanna Bradford

Some students also enjoy the diversity growth at Texas State. Transfer student Shanna Bradford said she thinks it’s pretty awesome how diverse the university is becoming.

“I think it’s really cool,” she said. “People should be getting to know everyone else.”

Senior Frankie DiMento

Students are showing mixed feelings about the university's growth. Senior double major Frankie DiMento said it’s great that the enrollment keeps increasing.

“It just means that more people are getting a good education,” he said.

While some students think the growing is good, others think it will only cause more problems.

Freshman Victoria Herrera said the downside of it is making the classes larger than before with more students.

“It gives students less of a chance for a one-on-one with their professor,” she said.

Senior Kelsey Kotzur

As Texas State continues to grow, some students feel the university could become an elite university like the University of Texas or Texas A&M. Senior Kelsey Kotzur said with the way enrollment is increasing there is no reason why it shouldn't.

“They do need to make admission to Texas State harder though,” she said. 

Trauth said the increased enrollment demonstrates that students and their families recognize that Texas State offers an outstanding educational experience at an exceptional value.

“We take our role in preparing the next generation work force in Texas very seriously,” she said in a statement.