Freeman Ranch has been a part of Southwest Texas State University since 1985. Mr. Harry Freeman of San Antonio named SWT active co-trustee and Frost Bank of San Antonio inactive co-trustee of the ranch, approximately 3,500 acres of land west of San Marcos. In accordance with Mr. Freeman's will, responsibility for operation of the ranch passed to the university.

The ranch serves as an educational laboratory where classes are taught and research is conducted by SWT faculty and students. In addition the ranch is used to demonstrate the concept of a working Hill Country ranch.

The Ranch House is also a part of the Freeman Ranch complex, where some 100 different programs involving more than
3,500 people visit on an annual basis.