41 Interesting Facts about Texas Tech University

Dan April 11, 2023

Texas Tech University is a public research university located in Lubbock, Texas. It was founded in 1923 and is currently the flagship institution of the Texas Tech University System. The university offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across 13 colleges and schools, including the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering.

Texas Tech University is known for its strong commitment to research and innovation. It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the National Wind Institute, the Institute of Environmental and Human Health, and the International Center for Arid and Semi-Arid Land Studies. The university also has a number of interdisciplinary research initiatives, such as the Texas Tech Neuroimaging Institute, the Cancer Center, and the Cotton Economics Research Institute.

The university has a diverse student body of over 40,000 students, hailing from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Texas Tech has a vibrant campus life with over 450 student organizations, 30 fraternities and sororities, and a wide range of intramural sports and recreational activities. The university also has a strong athletic tradition, with its football team known as the Red Raiders and its basketball team known as the Lady Raiders.

Texas Tech University has a strong commitment to service and community engagement. The university hosts a number of outreach programs, such as the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research, the National Ranching Heritage Center, and the Vietnam Center and Archive. The university also partners with local organizations to address community needs and support economic development in the Lubbock area.

Here are 41 interesting facts about Texas Tech University to give you more information about this public research university.

1. Texas Tech University was founded in 1923 in Lubbock, Texas.
2. The university’s official colors are scarlet and black.
3. The school’s mascot is the Red Raider.
4. Texas Tech has over 40,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas.
5. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1.
6. Texas Tech has over 450 student organizations, including clubs for hobbies, sports, and academic interests.
7. The university has a large Greek life presence, with over 30 fraternities and sororities.
8. The university’s library system is the largest in the state of Texas.
9. The Texas Tech University System includes four universities and a health sciences center.
10. The university is known for its strong research programs in fields like agriculture, engineering, and business.
11. Texas Tech has a large student population from Texas, but also attracts students from around the United States and over 100 countries.
12. The university has over 1,000 full-time faculty members.
13. Texas Tech has 13 colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering, the College of Education, and the Rawls College of Business.
14. The university has a strong athletic tradition, with 17 varsity sports teams.
15. The Texas Tech Red Raiders football team has won 11 conference titles.
16. The Lady Raiders basketball team has made eight appearances in the NCAA tournament.
17. The university’s marching band is known as the “Goin’ Band from Raiderland.”
18. Texas Tech is home to the National Ranching Heritage Center, which celebrates the history and culture of ranching in the American West.
19. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives to reduce waste and energy consumption.
20. The university’s alumni include politicians, business leaders, and professional athletes.
21. The university’s architecture includes a mix of traditional and modern styles, with buildings like the Spanish Renaissance-style Administration Building and the modern Rawls College of Business building.
22. Texas Tech is home to the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, which studies severe weather and natural disasters.
23. The university has a large ROTC program, with options for Army, Navy, and Air Force.
24. Texas Tech has over 150 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
25. The university’s mascot, the Red Raider, was first introduced in 1936.
26. The university’s sports teams compete in the Big 12 Conference.
27. Texas Tech’s campus covers over 1,800 acres.
28. The university has a large student recreation center, featuring indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
29. Texas Tech is home to the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, which houses over 3 million items related to Texas and the American Southwest.
30. The university’s School of Law is ranked among the top law schools in the country.
31. The university’s Rawls College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, a prestigious business accreditation organization.
32. Texas Tech has a large international student population, with students from over 100 countries.
33. The university has a large distance learning program, offering online courses and degrees.
34. Texas Tech has a strong commitment to community service, with programs like the Student Volunteer Connection and the Center for Community Engagement.
35. The university has a large music program, with options for performance, composition, and music education.
36. Texas Tech is home to the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, which brings together researchers from across the country to study complex problems.
37. The university’s mascot costume was stolen in 2018, leading to a search and recovery effort.
38. Texas Tech University has a strong athletic program, known as the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The university’s football team has won 11 conference titles and made 38 bowl game appearances.
39. The Texas Tech campus is home to several museums and galleries, including the National Ranching Heritage Center, the Museum of Texas Tech University, and the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library.
40. Texas Tech is a research-intensive institution and has been designated as a “Carnegie Tier One” university.
41. Texas Tech is home to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, which includes schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and health professions.

Texas Tech University is a vibrant and dynamic institution of higher learning with a rich history and a strong commitment to education, research, and community service. From its top-ranked academic programs to its innovative research centers, world-class athletics program, and diverse student body, Texas Tech offers a wealth of opportunities for students to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, business, or the arts, or simply want to be part of a dynamic and supportive community, Texas Tech is a great place to be. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Texas Tech University is poised to continue making a positive impact on the world for many years to come.