Points of Pride : College of Fine Arts and Communication : Texas State University

1st and ONLY

University with top 20 national rankings in Art, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Mass Communication.

These points of pride highlight the college's rise in prestige and academic excellence.

3 National Championships in American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition (2025, 2005, 1990)
19 Individual National Champions (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (3 in 2025)
11 First Place Team Awards in Mariachi Extravaganza Competition (2025, 2024, 2017, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 1999)
4 First Place Individual Awards in Mariachi Extravaganza Vocal Competition (2022, 2012, 2011, 2009)
2 First Place finishes in National Forensics and Debate Tournaments (2018, 2011)
15 Individual/Duo First Place Finishes in National Forensics and Debate Tournaments
1 Public Relations National Championship in the PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition (2026, with a 2nd TXST team placing 3rd that year)
#1 Most Recognized Communication Design Program (Graphis New Talent 2022, 2021)
2nd Place in National Online Forensic Championship (2025, 2023, 2022) and International Forensic Association (2022)
#7 Best Bachelor's Degree in Digital Communication (Bachelorsdegreecenter.org 2025, 2023)

(Hollywood Reporter 2026, 2025; #25 in 2024)

#15 Best Bachelors's Degree in Media and Communication (Bachelor's Degree Center 2025)
#8 College Radio Station (Value Colleges 2025, 2017)
2nd Place American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition (2023, 2020; plus 3rd place in 2026)
Top 4 Most Recognized Communication Design Program (Graphis New Talent 2025, 2024, 2023, 2020)
#1 Best Value Dance Program (College Factual 2021)
#2 Best Quality Dance Program (College Factual 2021, 2020)
#10 Advertising Program (Study.com 2021)
#10 Public Relations Program (Study.com 2021)
#18 Digital Media Program (Study.com 2021)
#4 Best Value Public Relations Program (BestValueSchools.org 2021)
#11 Best Value Bachelor's in Graphic Design Program (Value Colleges 2019)
Best Opera production (National Opera Association 2025, with 3rd place finishes in 2019, 2015)

3rd Best Opera Production (National Opera Association 2019, 2015)
4th in Visual and Performing Arts Degrees earned by Hispanics (Diverse Issues in Higher Education 2018)
8th in Communication, Journalism, and related degrees earned by Hispanics (Diverse Issues in Higher Education 2018)
#9 in Total Minority Communication, Journalism, and related degrees (Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 2018)
Top Master's Program in Communication Studies (National Communication Association 2018)
4th in Public Relations, Advertising, and Communication Degrees earned by Hispanics (Hispanic Outlook, 2017)
#6 in Visual and Performing Arts Degrees earned by Hispanics (Hispanic Outlook, 2017)
#10 Undergraduate Dance Program (DanceColleges.com, 2016, 2015)
#7 Dance Program (Performing-Art-Schools.com 2015)
#9 Theatre Program (Performing-Art-Schools.com 2015)