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Huston–Tillotson University

Discover Huston–Tillotson University, Austin's oldest institution of higher learning. Established in 1875, this historic, faith-based HBCU sits on scenic Bluebonnet Hill, offering a rich legacy of academic excellence and community leadership.

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Huston–Tillotson University
htu.edu, og_image_htu.edu

What is Huston–Tillotson University?

Huston–Tillotson University is a private, faith-based historically Black university (HBCU) located in Austin, Texas. Established in 1875, it was the first institution of higher learning in Austin.

Where is the university located?

The university is located in an urban setting in East Austin at 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702. The 24-acre campus sits on a land feature formerly known as Bluebonnet Hill, situated between 7th and 11th streets near I-35 and downtown Austin.

How did the university get its name?

The institution was formed on September 24, 1952, through the merger of Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College, initially becoming 'Huston–Tillotson College'. It officially transitioned to 'Huston–Tillotson University' on February 28, 2005.

What major historic donation did the university receive?

In September 2025, the university received a transformative $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation. This is the largest single donation in the school's history and one of the largest ever made to an HBCU in the United States.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Huston–Tillotson University is a private, faith-based historically Black university (HBCU) located on a scenic 24-acre campus in East Austin, Texas. Established in 1875, it holds the proud distinction of being the first institution of higher learning in the city of Austin. The university's campus sits atop a land feature historically known to local residents as Bluebonnet Hill, offering a peaceful, elevated setting just east of downtown. The institution's modern identity is the result of a historic merger. On September 24, 1952, Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College joined forces to form Huston–Tillotson College. Decades later, on February 28, 2005, the institution officially transitioned to Huston–Tillotson University. Today, the university educates a diverse, mosaic community of learners, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,024 students, including 802 full-time and 222 part-time students. Academically, the university provides a robust liberal arts and STEM education, offering certifications, associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Popular fields of study among undergraduates include Business, Psychology, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science. The School of Business and Technology is particularly dedicated to preparing diverse leaders for the global marketplace. In September 2025, the university made national headlines by receiving a transformative $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation. This historic contribution from Ross Moody represents the largest single donation ever made to a historically Black college or university in the United States, cementing the institution's financial future and its 150-year legacy of cultivating innovative leaders.

Visitor tips

  • Find the campus located in East Austin at 900 Chicon Street, positioned between 7th and 11th streets near downtown.
  • For admissions inquiries or guided campus information, contact Director of Admission Ms. Shakitha Stinson at 512-505-3029 or slstinson@htu.edu.
  • Take time to walk the perimeter of the 24-acre campus to enjoy the elevated views from what locals call Bluebonnet Hill.

Nearby context

Huston–Tillotson University is nestled in the vibrant heart of East Austin, situated between 7th and 11th streets just east of Interstate 35 and downtown Austin. This historic 24-acre campus on Bluebonnet Hill serves as a central landmark in a neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid modern evolution, bridging Austin's deep educational roots with its bustling urban core.

Sources

Evidence and links