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Texas Southern University

Houston, TX

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Excellence in Achievement

Wikipedia
1927
Founded
Public historically black university
Type
6,619
Total Students
6,844
Undergrad
522
Graduate
$100M
Endowment
(2024)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$22K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
93%
Acceptance Rate
20%
Graduation Rate
6-year
57%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Texas Southern University

TSU: Houston's historic HBCU empowering future leaders and driving research excellence.

Nestled in the heart of Houston's historic Third Ward, Texas Southern University (TSU) stands as a beacon of academic achievement, cultural enrichment, and community leadership. As a public historically black university, TSU is not only a member of the prestigious Thurgood Marshall College Fund but also proudly classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," underscoring its commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

TSU's history is deeply intertwined with the fight for civil rights and educational equity. Established in 1927 as Houston Colored Junior College, its evolution into Texas State University for Negroes in 1947 was a direct response to the landmark *Sweatt v. Painter* case, a pivotal moment in challenging segregation. TSU students continued this legacy, organizing Houston's first sit-in in 1960, which played a crucial role in desegregating public establishments across the city. This rich history instills a profound sense of purpose and resilience in its vibrant student body.

Academically, TSU offers a robust and diverse range of programs, anchored by its distinguished professional schools. The Jesse H. Jones School of Business holds the unique distinction of being the first business school at an HBCU to achieve AACSB accreditation and is consistently recognized among the "Best Business Schools" by the Princeton Review. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law, one of only six public law schools in Texas, is celebrated for its diversity and rigorous legal education. With a student body of 7,366 and an urban campus buzzing with activity, TSU fosters an engaging environment where "Excellence in Achievement" is not just a motto, but a daily pursuit, preparing students to make significant impacts in their communities and beyond. The university's economic contribution to Greater Houston, exceeding $500 million annually and supporting over 3,000 jobs, further highlights its vital role.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.
  • Contributes over $500 million to Greater Houston's gross sales annually and supports over 3,000 jobs.
  • Jesse H. Jones School of Business is the first business school at an HBCU to be AACSB accredited and named a "Best Business School" by Princeton Review.
  • Thurgood Marshall School of Law ranks as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Home to the renowned "Ocean of Soul" marching band and NCAA Division I athletics (Tigers).
  • Played a pivotal role in the *Sweatt v. Painter* case and led Houston's first civil rights sit-in in 1960.
  • Motto: "Excellence in Achievement" guiding a vibrant community of 7,366 students.

Timeline

1927
Established as Houston Colored Junior College by the Houston Independent School District.
1934
Name changed to Houston College for Negroes.
1947
Transformed into Texas State University for Negroes by the Fiftieth Texas Legislature, in response to *Sweatt v. Painter*.
1950
U.S. Supreme Court rules in *Sweatt v. Painter* that separate law facilities are not equal, impacting the context of TSU's law school.
1960
TSU students organized Houston's first sit-in at Weingarten's lunch counter, leading to city-wide desegregation.
1967
Campus incident with police involvement and student arrests occurred.
1976
The Law School was formally named the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
1998
The 76,000-square-foot Jesse H. Jones School of Business building was completed.
2019
Hosted a Democratic presidential debate in its Health and Physical Education Arena.
🏛️
99 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Texas Southern University

💼

Jesse H. Jones School of Business

The first business school at an HBCU to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and consistently recognized by Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report for its excellence in undergraduate and graduate studies.

⚖️

Thurgood Marshall School of Law

One of six public law schools in Texas, accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and a member of The Association of American Law Schools (AALS), ranking as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Lillian B. Poats (interim)
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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