The South Africa native won the Nobel prize for literature in 2003. He is considered a master storyteller of the South African experience and the private consequences of public injustice.
He has published 13 books, including Life & Times of Michael K and Disgrace.
The Ransom Centre bought the archive for $1.5m using private grants and university funds. The collection includes manuscripts, notebooks, essays, speeches and letters dating back to 1956.
The Ransom Centre is expected to formally announce the acquisition Monday.
The 71-year-old Coetzee earned his doctorate from Texas in 1965. He lives in Australia.