TXST and Lamar State College Orange Gateway Program

Program Completion Requirements

• How does the program work?

  Gateway students take a mix of Texas State and LSCO courses right here on the San Marcos campus over two semesters, fall and spring. After completing the program, students transition directly into full Texas State enrollment the following year. No reapplication. No starting over.

• What kind of courses will I take?

  Your coursework covers core curriculum requirements classes like English composition, U.S. History, Government, College Algebra, Psychology, and more. Every LSCO course in the Gateway pathway is selected because it transfers directly toward your Texas State degree.

• What happens when I complete the program?

  Complete your Gateway coursework over two semesters with a 2.25 GPA at both institutions and your admission to Texas State is confirmed.

• How much will I save?

  Gateway students save approximately $6,600 in their first year by taking LSCO courses at community college tuition rates while still experiencing full Bobcat campus life.

• Will I have an advisor?

  Yes, two of them! A dedicated LSCO Gateway Academic Advisor builds your course schedule based on your TSI scores and degree plan. Your TXST advisor coordinates alongside to make sure every credit transfers cleanly and your path to graduation stays on track.

• How do I get started?

  Apply to Texas State and accept your Gateway offer through your Future Bobcat Portal. From there, your advisors support you in building a schedule, getting you registered at both institutions, and setting you up for New Student Orientation.

Access all the portals, services, and tools designed to keep your transition smooth and supported:

• About the program

  • What is the gateway program?

    The Gateway Program is a co-enrollment opportunity between Texas State University (TXST) and Lamar State College Orange (LSCO). It allows students to begin their college journey on the Texas State University San Marcos campus while completing coursework at both institutions.

  • What are the benefits of the TXST-LSCO Gateway Program?

    • Guaranteed admission to Texas State University upon successful completion (no reapplication required)
    • Estimated tuition savings of approximately $6,600 in the first year
    • Access to TXST and LSCO student services, including IDs, libraries, and campus events

• Admissions

  • What documents or steps do I need to complete?

    After you sign and submit the offer form by the deadline, you will receive a next steps email that outlines your steps. Some of those steps include signing up for NSO, satisfying your Bacterial Meningitis requirement, taking care of your housing, and submitting your official final high school transcript. 

  • What are the academic requirements for program completion?

    To successfully complete the program, a student must: 

    • Complete two long semester (Fall and Spring);
    • Maintain a minimum 2.25 GPA at TXST and LSCO;
    • Compete at least 28 total credit hours including
      • 4-5 credit hours from TXST 
      • 24 transferable credit hours from LSCO

  • After completing Gateway, do I have to reapply for admission?

    No, you do not have to reapply for admission once you have successfully completed the program.

  • Does Gateway guarantee admission into any college or major at TXST?

    No. Completion guarantees admission to Texas State University, but not to a specific major or college. 

  • What happens if I don’t complete the Gateway Program?

    Students would not be able to continue at TXST. Students would have to reapply as a transfer student for a future semester. Students may continue at LSCO based on their discretion. 

• Classes/Registration

  • Where will classes be held?

    All classes, including those from LSCO, will be held on the San Marcos campus of Texas State University after 5 p.m. in Jowers Center.

  • What are the course expectations each semester?

    Fall semester: University Seminar (US1100) at TXST plus 12 LSCO transferable courses.

    Spring semester: 3-4 TXST hours plus 12 LSCO transferable courses.

    To ensure students have the opportunity to also earn their associate degree from LSCO, it is recommended that students complete two courses (six total credit hours), online or face-to-face in San Marcos, with LSCO over the summer (after completing their fall/spring semesters in the program).

    Students not TSI-satisfied may be required to take development coursework.

  • What happens if I drop all TXST courses?

    You will be withdrawn from TXST for the semester and lose access to TXST student privileges for that term. 

• New Student Orientation

  • Are Gateway students required to attend orientation?

    Yes, sign-up and completion of New Student Orientation (NSO) is required. Find more information about NSO.

• Paying for Classes/Financial Aid/Scholarships

  • Where do I send my FAFSA? Do I send it to TXST or LSCO?

    Students will complete their FAFSA and send it to Texas State University (Title IV School Code: 003615)

  • Is financial aid split between the two colleges?

    No, TXST will process your FAFSA and offer you financial aid. Your aid will be based on the combined enrollment from TXST and LSCO.

  • Am I eligible for any financial aid assistance?

    Yes, financial aid may be available, however, Gateway students are not eligible for TXST scholarships or the Bobcat Promise at Texas State University for the first year of the program. Students can apply for continuing student scholarships for the 2nd and subsequent years at TXST. 

  • How do I pay tuition?

    Students are responsible for paying separate tuition and fees to both TXST and LSCO and must meet each school’s payment deadline. Failure to do so results in removal from the program. 

  • Where do I find the payment deadlines?

    Payment deadlines and other important dates can be found here for TXST. For LSCO, deadline and important dates can be found here. 

• Housing

  • Where can Gateway students live?

    Gateway students choose where they live. If you start in spring 2027, you can live in Copper Beech or off campus. Starting in fall 2027, you can live on campus, off campus, or commute. Living on campus is optional. Find housing steps on the Admitted Gateway Student page.

    Spring 2027 students will submit a housing contract to live at Copper Beech, and their entire rent, utilities, and internet for the whole semester will be added to their TXST student bill.

  • How do I find off-campus housing?

    You can get assistance in finding off-campus at the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace.

• Other

  • How long is the program?

    The Gateway Program lasts one academic year (fall to spring).

  • When is the deadline to accept or decline the Gateway offer?

    Please refer to the date on your Gateway offer. Spaces for this program are limited and are expected to be filled by July 15.  

  • Are Gateway program students eligible to participate in NCAA athletics?

    Gateway program students are not eligible to participate in NCAA athletic competition.