University Co-op

The only not-for-profit Longhorn store bringing down the cost of course materials for Longhorn students since 1896! The University Co-op was founded in 1896 by Dr. William J. Battle, a professor of the Greek language who later served as president of The University of Texas at Austin from 1914 to 1916. The original store opened on campus it was located in the Universitys Main Building--with books, stationery and athletic goods, and the intent was to sell its products to students at the lowest possible prices. Twenty-two years later the Co-op moved off campus to a one-story building on Guadalupe across from the Student Union Center and started selling merchandise to local citizens as well. The Co-op remained a co-operative until 1977, when it became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational corporation owned by the students, faculty and staff of The University of Texas at Austin. Through different locations and meeting the ever-changing needs of students and faculty, the Co-op has sta...