LSCO-Texas State Gateway Program Sees Surge in Enrollment for Second Year
June 11, 2026
ORANGE, TX - The Lamar State College Orange and Texas State University Gateway Program is entering into its second year with significant growth projected.
After enrolling approximately 60 students during the 2025–2026 academic year, the program has seen applications rise to nearly 600. Early projections estimate enrollment could reach between 300 and 400 students for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Associate Dean of Statewide Partnerships Ashleigh Bordeman said the rapid increase has far exceeded expectations.
“The numbers have grown exponentially,” Bordeman said. “We expected growth but weren’t sure just how much [it would] grow.”
The one-year co-enrollment plan allows students an easier transition into college life and a seamless segue to Texas State University. Students take classes from both institutions simultaneously on the TXST campus and enjoy benefits from both schools. Upon completing the program, Gateway students who meet all requirements secure guaranteed admission into the four-year university with no reapplication needed.
To successfully complete the program, participants must complete two long semesters while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 at both TXST and LSCO. Students must also earn at least 28 total credit hours over the course of the academic year. Of these 28 credit hours, students must complete 4 to 5 credit hours through TXST and at least 24 transferable credit hours through LSCO.
By enrolling in this program, students save around $6,600 on their first year of college.
In addition to these savings, LSCO and TXST are offering a Gateway Ambassador Scholarship
to four participants. This scholarship is intended to support two first-year and two
second-year students (two sponsored by Texas State and two by LSCO) who will participate
in engagement activities and marketing initiatives. To apply, students must be enrolled
full-time in the program for the academic year.