Texas State University (TXST) will mark a historic milestone at this week’s spring commencement as the Class of 2026 represents the largest number of degree candidates in university history. More than 5,200 Bobcats are on track to graduate May 14-16, including nearly 1,000 students earning master’s and doctoral degrees.
This record-setting class reflects TXST’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality education, meeting students where they are, and helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
The Class of 2026 also marks the second consecutive graduating class to complete their degrees without experiencing a tuition increase. Building on this momentum, TXST will extend its tuition freeze through 2027, reinforcing its commitment to affordability and opportunity.
“These milestones are a testament to our steadfast commitment to student success and support,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “They also affirm that we are delivering on the mandate given to us by the State of Texas by expanding opportunity and helping more Texans achieve a college degree and a better future."
Over the past three years, TXST has expanded pathways to earning a degree through strategic growth initiatives. These include continued development of the San Marcos Campus, expansion of the Round Rock Campus, the addition of online programs now serving approximately 3,000 students and strengthened partnerships with community colleges across Texas.
These efforts align with the university’s mission to serve qualified Texans seeking higher education and improved career opportunities. TXST’s enrollment has increased 17% since 2021 and demand for a TXST education continues to rise. More than 71,000 undergraduate applications were submitted for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester, 25% ahead of the same time last year. The university is on track to welcome its largest-ever freshman class for the sixth consecutive year.
Beyond graduation, TXST degrees continue to deliver strong economic value. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from the 2023-2024 academic year earn, on average, $36,600 more annually than individuals with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, this translates to approximately $1.6 million in additional earnings per graduate. Collectively, the increased earning potential of TXST students from that cohort is estimated at $3.4 billion.
“As we celebrate this historic graduating class, we also look ahead to a future of continued growth and impact,” Damphousse said. “Students and families recognize the value of a Texas State education as a pathway to meaningful careers and better lives.”