Texas State University (TXST) and Central Texas College (CTC) have announced a joint expansion of the TXST Local co-enrollment program, creating new opportunities for students in Central Texas to earn both associate and bachelor’s degrees through a coordinated, affordable pathway while allowing students to remain closer to home.
TXST Local is Texas State’s co-enrollment program, currently offered in partnership with Collin College, Dallas College, San Jacinto College, and Sul Ross State University. The program allows students to complete more than half of their degree at partner college tuition rates while earning a TXST bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students can access TXST resources including career services, academic support, athletics events, advising, and partner college resources from day one. The addition of Central Texas College marks the program’s continued expansion across the state.
The partnership is designed to leverage the strengths of both institutions. Central Texas College will provide students with accessible, high-quality associate degree programs and flexible course delivery options, while TXST will offer clear co-enrollment pathways and fully online bachelor’s degree completion programs. Together, the institutions aim to expand educational access, provide cost savings, and support workforce readiness across Central Texas.
Through the co-enrollment model, students can begin at CTC, completing more than half of their coursework at CTC tuition rates while building a strong academic foundation. Simultaneously, students are admitted to TXST and can begin taking university coursework online, ensuring steady progress toward their bachelor’s degree without interruption.
“Central Texas College has a long-standing commitment to meeting students where they are and preparing them for meaningful careers,” said Central Texas College Chancellor Michele Carter, Ed.D.
“This partnership with Texas State University strengthens that mission by creating a seamless, accessible pathway for our students to continue their education beyond the associate degree. Together, we are helping Central Texas students stay local, stay supported, and achieve their goals.”
Students enrolled in the program benefit from shared advising, coordinated financial aid, and access to academic support services at both institutions. CTC provides in-person and online learning options for associate-level courses, while TXST delivers its upper-level coursework through TXST Online in an accelerated, flexible format.
By completing a large portion of coursework at CTC tuition rates, students reduce overall costs, and those who reach 60 credit hours are eligible for a dedicated $4,000 TXST Local Award disbursed at $1,000 per semester to support their bachelor’s degree.
“As a first-generation college student who began at a community college, I understand the lifechanging impact of opportunities like this,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D. “We are proud to partner with CTC to provide students with a clear path to continuing their education at Texas State, reflecting our ongoing commitment to help more students earn a quality, workforce-ready education and reach their full potential.”
Initial program offerings include pathways from CTC associate degrees in business administration and information technology into TXST bachelor’s degree programs such as management, marketing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and information technology. The bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management are offered through TXST’s McCoy College of Business, which was recently ranked as the No. 3 among public universities in Texas by Poets & Quants for Undergrads. The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degrees in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and information technology are launching at TXST this fall and allow students to use credits from select workforce associate degrees.
This partnership underscores both institutions’ dedication to expanding higher education access and strengthening the regional workforce through collaborative, student-centered solutions.
Students must apply and be admitted to both institutions, with admissions and advising teams from CTC and TXST working in tandem to guide them through the process.