Isn’t that the kind of program you want to grab though? Buy low? Florida State was a joke of a program at one point. I’m sure there’s others who had a similar rise. Who’s to Say Texas State isn’t a sleeping giant?
They will remain constrained by Texas legislative support.
FYI:
### Approximate Ranking of Public Universities by State Funding
Below is an estimated ranking of Texas public universities based on state appropriations, with larger systems and flagship institutions generally receiving more due to higher enrollment and PUF/TUF eligibility. Note that exact amounts fluctuate, and some figures are biennial (covering two years).
1. The University of Texas at Austin
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $858 million biennially ($429 million/year) + $450 million from PUF via the Available University Fund (AUF).
- Reason: UT Austin is the flagship of the UT System, with high enrollment (~52,000 students) and significant PUF distributions. State general revenue (~10% of its $3.97 billion budget) and AUF make it the top-funded institution.
2. Texas A&M University (College Station)
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $800–900 million biennially ($400–450 million/year) + ~$225 million from PUF/AUF.
- Reason: As the flagship of the Texas A&M System, it has large enrollment (~74,000 students) and receives one-third of PUF distributions. Formula funding and research allocations are substantial.
3. University of Houston
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $300–400 million biennially ($150–200 million/year) + ~$22 million from TUF.
- Reason: A major research university (~46,000 students) and TUF beneficiary, it receives significant formula funding and non-formula items for research.
4. Texas Tech University
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $300–350 million biennially ($150–175 million/year) + ~$22 million from TUF.
- Reason: Large enrollment (~40,000 students) and TUF eligibility drive funding, with additional allocations for research and health-related programs.
5. University of North Texas
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $250–300 million biennially ($125–150 million/year) + ~$22 million from TUF.
- Reason: Growing enrollment (~44,000 students) and TUF support bolster its funding, though it’s slightly less than UH or Texas Tech due to fewer specialized programs.
6. Texas State University
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $250–300 million biennially ($125–150 million/year) + $22.3 million from TUF.
- Reason: Enrollment of ~38,000 students and TUF eligibility ensure steady funding, with investments aimed at achieving R1 research status.
7. The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $200–250 million biennially ($100–125 million/year).
- Reason: Growing enrollment (~34,000 students) and urban location drive formula funding, with potential future TUF eligibility.
8. The University of Texas at Arlington
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $200–250 million biennially ($100–125 million/year).
- Reason: Large enrollment (~43,000 students) supports formula funding, though it lacks PUF or TUF benefits.
9. The University of Texas at Dallas
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $150–200 million biennially ($75–100 million/year).
- Reason: Enrollment of ~31,000 students and research focus contribute, with UT System support but no direct PUF access.
10. Texas Woman’s University
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $100–150 million biennially ($50–75 million/year).
- Reason: Smaller enrollment (~15,000 students) and specialized focus (health, education) result in moderate formula funding.
11. Sam Houston State University
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $100–150 million biennially ($50–75 million/year).
- Reason: Enrollment of ~21,000 students supports funding, with emphasis on teacher education and criminal justice.
12. Stephen F. Austin State University
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $80–120 million biennially ($40–60 million/year).
- Reason: Smaller enrollment (~11,000 students) and recent integration into the UT System limit funding.
13. Lamar University
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $80–120 million biennially ($40–60 million/year).
- Reason: Enrollment of ~17,000 students and regional focus yield modest formula funding.
14. Other Public Universities (e.g., Angelo State, Midwestern State, Texas A&M University-Commerce, etc.)
- Estimated Annual State Funding: $20–80 million biennially ($10–40 million/year each).
- Reason: Smaller enrollments (5,000–15,000 students) and regional roles result in lower formula-based allocations.
### Notes
- PUF Disparity: UT Austin and Texas A&M benefit significantly from PUF, creating a funding gap with other institutions. TUF aims to address this for UH, Texas Tech, UNT, and Texas State.
- Conditions on Funding: Recent budgets tie funding to compliance with laws like Senate Bill 17 (banning DEI offices) and tuition freezes.
- Data Gaps: Exact per-university allocations require detailed Legislative Budget Board reports, which are not fully public or current. Estimates are based on biennial budgets, enrollment, and endowment distributions.
- Health-Related Institutions: Universities with medical schools (e.g., UT Health Science Centers) receive separate appropriations, not included here.
### Sources
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board ()
- Legislative Budget Board (,)
- State Higher Education Executive Officers Association ()
- UT Austin Budget Office (,)
- Texas University Fund Details (,)
- Permanent University Fund (,)
- X Post on Funding Disparities ()
For precise figures, consult the Texas Legislative Budget Board’s 2024–2025 biennial budget or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s funding reports. If you need a deeper analysis of a specific university, let me know!
