Texas State and Lamar State College Orange Gateway Program

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Your Gateway to Texas State

The TXST-LSCO Gateway Program offers an affordable, seamless path to Texas State University. Co-enroll at Lamar State College Orange and Texas State’s San Marcos campus, enjoy full student privileges at both schools, save around $6,600 your first year, and secure guaranteed admission to TXST — no reapplication needed!

About LSCO

Dedicated to empowering students and strengthening Southeast Texas, Lamar State College Orange serves thousands each year through affordable, career-focused programs and academic pathways.

About Lamar State College Orange

exterior photo of a building and signage on Lamar State College Orange's campus

Program Completion Requirements

Complete two long semesters (fall and spring) in the program.
Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 in all coursework taken at Texas State University and a GPA of 2.25 in all coursework taken at Lamar State College Orange.
GPA calculation will be calculated based on the courses taken by the student at TXST and LSCO during the program.
Students will enter TXST as an exploratory major and may meet with an academic advisor to change their major in the second semester of their enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

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 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, 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 Texas State campus.
- 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.
  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 to Texas State (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 for the first year of the program. Students can apply for continuing student scholarships for the 2nd and subsequent years at Texas State.
- 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
- Can gateway students live in on-campus housing at TXST?
  
  No. Gateway students are not eligible for on-campus housing but can seek off-campus housing options.
- How do I find 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.