It’s the start of a brand-new era for Texas State Round Rock Campus this fall, with the arrival of the first ever cohort of first-year students pursuing 4-year degrees, fully based in Round Rock.

“It’s very special. I feel very privileged to be able to say that I’m part of the first freshman class (at Texas State Round Rock),” said Natalie Orantes Cordero, a nursing major from Pflugerville. 

Since opening in 1996, the Round Rock Campus only offered upper-level and graduate courses. Most undergraduates in Round Rock either spent their first two years studying in San Marcos or at another university.

The addition of 10 new academic programs and first-year level classes helped drive a 24% jump in enrollment over fall 2023.

Cordero said she believes the smaller size of Round Rock Campus (compared to San Marcos) made it an ideal environment to begin her college career.  

“I knew the teacher-to-student ratio was going be a lot smaller and I like an intimate class setting, where my teacher knows who I am,” she said. “I'm able to have people who know me and know my character and know my work ethic for sure and are able to give that recommendation later.” 

Ana Ramirez, a dance major/business administration minor from Austin agreed, saying she felt encouraged by the strong student support network she’s found on campus.

“Honestly, I know that I already have a lot of resources to help me,” Ramirez said.  “And I know that after graduation with my degree, I'll be able to land the job that I really want and be able to become a businessperson as well and have my own business in the future.”