Universities & Education

The Texas Innovation Corridor didn't just happen on its own, or by coincidence. The region's connections to education are the driver that keeps things moving and growing. Texas State University, Austin Community College, and a host of incredibly committed local ISDs are graduating students that are ready for the fast-paced, technology centered world we live in.

Higher Education

Texas State University and Austin Community College are two of multiple higher education schools that are growing the workforce in the region. With Texas State University being the most popular, it brings students all over the country to experience the quality education opportunities with the benefit of being the fifth largest university in the state of Texas.

Other College & Universities in the Region

In addition, the region boasts another 23 colleges and universities located within a 50-mile radius of the city of San Marcos, providing a steady workforce pipeline possessing a broad base of knowledge and experience.

Texas State University at night with lights on
Tier 1 University
Texas State University

The pulse of the region centers on the state’s fifth largest university, Texas State University, which is an Emerging Research University, located in San Marcos. With a steadily growing enrollment, at over 38,000 students, the University provides a steady pipeline of talent to employers in the region.

Students come from around the world. In fact, 56 percent of Texas State students are ethnic minorities; the University ranks 14th in the nation for total bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students.

Among its 98 bachelor’s, 90 master’s, and 12 doctoral degree programs, Texas State offers a PhD in Material Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.

Texas State University arrow-right
Austin Community College
Community College
Austin Community College

Austin Community College (ACC) is a nationally recognized two-year college serving Central Texas with a campus in the City of Kyle, just north of San Marcos. ACC is focused on student success by providing affordable, flexible pathways to help students reach their education goals, learn new job skills, or advance their career.

The college currently enrolls more than 43,000 credit students and serves an additional 15,000 students each year through noncredit programs. 

In 2016, ACC received a $1.7 million Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund Grant to create custom curriculum for specialized pipe manufacturer, EPIC Piping, in San Marcos.

Austin Community College arrow-right

Preparing Tomorrow's Innovators: K-12 Education

The mission of the Texas Public Education System is to ensure that all Texas children have access to a quality education that enables them to achieve their potential and fully participate now and in the future in the social, economic and educational opportunities of our state and nation.

Many schools in the Texas Innovation Corridor participate in the "Academy System" preparing students for careers through elective and curriculum focus on areas of students' interest.

Teacher showing students how to do an experiement in a classroom
Graduates taking pictures with young students
Students in Class taking notes

SAN MARCOS CISD - SAN MARCOS, TX 

  • Students: 7,461

  • Schools: 10

  • Graduates: 511

  • Graduation Rate: 88.8%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 14:1

HAYS CISD - KYLE & BUDA, TX 

  • Students: 19,862

  • Schools: 25

  • Graduates: 1,371

  • Graduation Rate: 90.3%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 16:1

LOCKHART ISD - LOCKHART, TX

  • Students: 4,767

  • Schools: 9

  • Graduates: 331

  • Graduation Rate: 90.3%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 14.7:1

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD - DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX

  • Students: 4,571

  • Schools: 5

  • Graduates: 276

  • Graduation Rate: 99.3%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 16.4:1

WIMBERLEY ISD - WIMBERLEY, TX

  • Students: 2,533

  • Schools: 4

  • Graduation Rate: 97.6%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 15:1

LULING ISD - LULING, TX

  • Students: 1,432

  • Schools: 4

  • Graduation Rate: 90.3%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 15:1

PRAIRIE LEA ISD - PRAIRIE LEA & CALDWELL COUNTY, TX

  • Students: 199

  • Schools: 1

  • Graduation Rate: 71.4%

  • Teacher/Student Ratio: 11:1