Texas Tech University is a public research university located in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established in 1923 as Texas Technological College, it underwent a name change to Texas Tech University in 1969 and serves as the flagship institution of the Texas Tech University System, which comprises five institutions. The university is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity, offering over 170 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 13 colleges, including notable strengths in arts, business, engineering, agriculture, law, and the humanities. As of fall 2025, it enrolls approximately 42,455 students, making it the sixth-largest university in Texas by enrollment. The campus spans 1,839 acres and includes research facilities such as the National Wind Institute and the International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness. Texas Tech has a significant impact on higher education and research in the region, with annual research expenditures exceeding $200 million. It is home to the Red Raiders athletic teams, which compete in the Big 12 Conference, and has produced notable alumni including former U.S. President George W. Bush and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy. The university emphasizes community engagement, particularly in West Texas, through initiatives in renewable energy, health sciences, and rural development. While generally regarded as a respected public institution, it has faced occasional controversies, such as a 2011 hazing scandal involving the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity leading to suspensions, and criticisms over administrative decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding campus policies. No major ongoing legal issues are prominently documented in public records.