About Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state, opened its doors in 1876 as a small rural college with a student enrollment of six. Today, it houses more than 46,000 students, one of the largest enrollments in the nation. Every state and about 130 foreign countries are represented in its coeducational student body.

A world leader in teaching and research, Texas A&M is one of a select few universities in the nation to hold land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant designations. Its continued commitment to excellence also is clearly reflected in the education of its students. In addition to offering more than 150 courses of study, Texas A&M continues to maintain the best six-year graduation rates among the state's public institutions of higher learning, both overall and for African- and Hispanic-American students. To learn more, go to www.tamu.edu.

What's in a Name?

Texas A&M opened its doors on Oct. 4, 1876, as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. In 1963, the name of the institution was changed to Texas A&M University to more accurately reflect its expanding role as a leader in teaching, research, and public service for the state, nation, and world. The initials "A" and "M" are a link to the University's past; they no longer represent any specific words as the school's curriculum has grown to include not only agriculture and engineering, but architecture, business, education, geosciences, liberal arts, medicine, science, and veterinary medicine.

Rankings and Recognitions

One of 62 invited members of American Association of Universities, which recognizes the nation's best research institutions
Holds federal land-, sea-, and space-grant designations
Endowment totals more than $5 billion (includes Texas A&M's portion of Permanent University Fund); 10th nationwide and fourth among public universities
Largest NSF-reported research expenditure of any university in Texas (record $582 million, FY 2008)
5,200-acre College Station campus among nation's largest
About 200 faculty hold endowed chairs or professorships
Nearly 500 hold titles of fellow or equal significance in professional and academic societies
More than 1,100 serve as principal investigators on nearly 4,000 sponsored research projects annually

Revolutionary Research

Research at Texas A&M is about more than beakers and test tubes. It's about faculty and students driven by the spirit of discovery and committed to pushing back the boundaries of knowledge.

Each year, Texas A&M's 2,600 faculty conduct nearly $582 million worth of sponsored research projects, assisted by more than 5,000 paid graduate students. Additionally, approximately 3,000 undergraduates each year also conduct independent research with faculty supervision.

Texas A&M's rare triple designation as a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution reflects the broad scope of its research, which includes ongoing projects funded by such prominent and diverse agencies as NASA, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research.

Dedicated to Diversity

Diversity is an indispensable component of Texas A&M's academic excellence. Our commitment to diversity means a commitment to the inclusion, welcome, and support of individuals from all groups, encompassing the various characteristics of persons in our community. As we harness its power, we provide our students, faculty, and staff a University experience rich in perspectives and opportunities to learn from each other.

Graduate Studies

First-rate faculty, a reputation for excellence, and premier research facilities combine for an outstanding graduate studies program that offers 240 masters and doctoral degrees and one professional degree, the DVM.

Texas A&M has awarded more than 330,000 academic degrees, including more than 70,000 graduate and professional degrees. It consistently ranks among the national top 10 in number of science and engineering doctoral degrees conferred each year and among the nation's leaders in number of overall doctoral degrees awarded to minorities.

Rich Tradition

Tradition and history are important parts of life on any college campus, but especially at Texas A&M, where trademark Aggie values, including character, leadership, unity, and public service are a big part of the educational experience.

All Things Undergrad

Nearly half of entering freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class (2009)
Average freshman SAT score: 1,210 (U.S. Avg. 1,017)
Average freshman ACT score: 27 (U.S. Avg. 21)
Average incoming graduate GRE score: 1,143 (Avg. 1,068)
Over 600 National Merit Scholars (among top 10 nationwide)
25% of the entering freshman class is a first-generation college student
Nearly 80 percent receive scholarships or other type of financial aid
800 clubs and organizations offered through the University's Memorial Student Center, the largest student-run program of its kind nationwide

Worldwide Impact

Has formal agreements for collaborative research and faculty/student exchanges with more than 130 institutions in 52 countries
Ongoing research projects on all seven continents
One of only two U.S. university partnerships with CONACYT, Mexico's equivalent of the National Science Foundation
Ranks among the top U.S. universities in attracting international students, with more than 3,500 from 130 countries currently enrolled
Texas A&M centers in Mexico City and Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
More than 1,200 students participate in study abroad or exchange programs each year
National leader in number of outgoing Fulbright Scholars

About Bryan-College Station

Texas A&M is located in Bryan-College Station, rated as one of the most livable metropolitan areas in the nation. Centrally located among three of the country's 10 largest cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio), B-CS boasts a combined population of 155,000, including the Texas A&M student body. The community, highlighted by the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, has excellent school systems, shopping centers, hospitals, and restaurants. The twin cities are home to a high proportion of professional people and feature many of the advantages of a cosmopolitan center without the disadvantages of a congested urban environment.