Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View A & M University has an acceptance rate of 79.3%, annual tuition of $11,299, average net price of $13,570, and a national rank of #514 (Grade B+), with a 43.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 8,877 undergraduates, and median earnings of $60,602 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Prairie View A & M University is a public university in Prairie View, TX. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 75.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 88.3%, roughly 38.4 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Prairie View A & M University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Prairie View A & M University graduates 43.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 47.4% and keeps 75.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Prairie View A & M University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,299 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,571 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,317 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,611 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $26,362 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 65.6% of Prairie View A & M University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,120 to $16,376 depending on family income. Use Prairie View A & M University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,753/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,376/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $60,602
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,411
- Average Years to Graduate 5.1 years
- Average Student Debt $27,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 28.8%
- Employment Rate 89.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Prairie View A & M University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Prairie View A & M University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Prairie View A & M University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Prairie View A & M University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Prairie View A & M University graduates earn $60,602 median four years after graduation, +0% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 450-550
- SAT Math 410-530
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-21
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 8,877
- Full-Time Students 91.9%
- Part-Time Students 8.1%
- Retention Rate 75.6%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 43.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 47.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Prairie View A & M University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Prairie View A & M University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 79.3%, Prairie View A & M University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 79.3% acceptance rate, Prairie View A & M University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 860 and 1080 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Prairie View A & M University undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 10.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 7.3%
- Psychology, General 6.0%
- Mechanical Engineering 5.7%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 5.7%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 5.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $106,989
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $97,495
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $96,773
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $92,981
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $83,934
- 6. Construction Engineering Technologies $82,312
- 7. Civil Engineering $81,913
- 8. Architecture $63,882
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $61,625
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $56,791
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $110,970
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $80,276
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $76,695
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Engineering, General (Master's Degree) $63,525
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $63,263
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $60,163
- 7. Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $59,427
- 8. Architecture (Master's Degree) $53,504
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $106,989—88% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($56,791). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $110,970 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Prairie View A & M University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 126 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 94 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 74 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (35 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Social Work
- Agriculture, General
- Architecture
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Management Information Systems and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Music
- History
- Computer Engineering
- Physics
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Engineering, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Architecture
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education and Teaching
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Online Doctoral Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,877
- Full-Time Students 91.9%
- Part-Time Students 8.1%
- Male Students 33.8%
- Female Students 66.2%
- Caucasian 1.1%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 7.3%
- Black 84.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 65.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Prairie View A & M University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Prairie View A & M University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Prairie View A & M University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Prairie View A & M University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Prairie View A & M University has a diverse student body, with 1.1% identifying as White. Women make up 66.2% of undergraduates. 65.6% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Prairie View A & M University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Prairie View A & M University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Prairie View A & M University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #514 nationally with a 88.3% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,570 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $60,602 median earnings. The 43.2% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 75.6% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Prairie View A & M University's Strengths
Ranked #514 with a B+ grade, Prairie View A & M University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Prairie View A & M University excel at providing affordable education ($13,570 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Prairie View A & M University's 75.6% retention and 43.2% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($60,602 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Prairie View A & M University's 88.3% ROI and $13,570 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 43.2% graduation rate sits 19.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.6% first-year retention is 1.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 88.3% return on investment is 38.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,602 run about 0% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $13,570 is roughly $6,509 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.8% employment rate within three years sits 21.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Prairie View A & M University is a public university based in Prairie View, TX and earns a B+ overall grade. It stands at #514 among 1962 schools Completion earns B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
75.6% of learners come back after year one while 43.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (47.4% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 88.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,570 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $26,362.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,792 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 65.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $60,602 at the median. That sits about 0% above the national median.
Roughly 89.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 88.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
79.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Prairie View A & M University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prairie View A & M University's acceptance rate?
Prairie View A & M University's acceptance rate is 79.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Prairie View A & M University cost?
At Prairie View A & M University, listed tuition and fees are $11,299 per year, and the average net price after aid is $13,570. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Prairie View A & M University's ranking?
Prairie View A & M University ranks #514 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Prairie View A & M University's graduation rate?
At Prairie View A & M University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 43.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 47.4%, and first-year retention is 75.6%.
What are Prairie View A & M University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Prairie View A & M University report median earnings of $60,602 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Prairie View A & M University's student population?
Prairie View A & M University enrolls about 8,877 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Prairie View, TX 77446
- Website www.pvamu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$139.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.9%