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!
Texas State - Lamar State College Orange Gateway Program
Your Gateway to Texas State
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.
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
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.
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 need 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.
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.
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 classes?
You will be withdrawn from TXST for the semester and lose access to TXST student privileges
for that term.
Are Gateway students required to attend orientation?
Yes, sign-up and completion of New Student Orientation (NSO) is required. Find more
information about NSO.
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.
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.
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.