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Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX | Public | University

Texas A&M University-College Station is a public university in College Station, TX ranked #138 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 59,099 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 63.2%. Students most often pursue Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 94.2% first-year retention, and 83.8% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

Families typically invest $20,924, about $3,926 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -29.0%, roughly 114.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $59,386. That's about $15,698 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

A-
Ranking
#138 of 1,973
How We Rank Schools Public school optionLarge campus life
At a Glance
Ranking
#138 of 1,973 (Top 7%)
Tuition
$13,099
Net Price
$20,924
4-Year Tuition
$52,396
Acceptance Rate
63.2%
Transfer Rate
9.8%
Student Population
59,099
Student-Faculty
19:1
Graduation Rate
83.8%
Retention Rate
94.2%
6-Yr Earnings
$59,386
ROI
-29.0%

Who is Texas A&M University-College Station Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Momentum seekers needing high retention
Explorers drawn to vibrant campus scale
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#138 of 1,973
Top 7% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
93.1 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
4.65 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
A
#110 of 1,973
Affordability
C+
#1,438 of 1,973
Support
B
#764 of 1,973
Career Outcomes
A-
#181 of 1,973

Texas A&M University-College Station graduates 83.8% of students within six years and keeps 94.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$12,273-$29,548 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Highly likely
83.8% finish within six years. 60.8% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Highly likely
92.2% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $59,386. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Texas A&M University-College Station's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$128,340
$32,085 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$94,158
$20,924 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 60.8% | 6-Year Rate: 83.8%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 60.8% and six-year completion is 83.8%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$32,085
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$20,924
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

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 $13,099
Books and Supplies $900
On-Campus Room and Board $13,154
On-Campus Other Expenses $6,354
Total On-Campus Cost $32,085

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

Pell Grant
19.2%
Federal Loan
0.0%

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 19.2% of Texas A&M University-College Station students receive Pell Grants — below 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.

$0 - $30,000
$12,273
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$12,597
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$18,685
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$26,336
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$29,548
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,273 to $29,548 depending on family income. Use Texas A&M University-College Station's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$55,228
$30K-$48K families
~$56,686
$48K-$75K families
~$84,082
$75K-$110K families
~$118,512
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,336/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $29,548/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-29.0%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $59,386
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $59,386
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $15,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 81.7%
  • Employment Rate 92.2%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Texas A&M University-College Station 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.

Graduates earn a median of $59,386 six years after enrollment — roughly 36% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.59 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Texas A&M University-College Station vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Texas A&M University-College Station's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Texas A&M University-College Station's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn $59,386 median, the -29.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
63.2%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-680
  • SAT Math 570-700
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 25-31
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 59,099
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 94.2%
  • Graduation Rate 83.8%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1

How to Get Into Texas A&M University-College Station

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Texas A&M University-College Station 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 63.2%, Texas A&M University-College Station 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 63.2% acceptance rate, Texas A&M University-College Station 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 1140 and 1380 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Texas A&M University-College Station undergraduates. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Biology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.

  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 8.8%
  • Biology, General 5.5%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.2%
  • Psychology, General 3.8%
  • Agricultural Business and Management 3.5%
  • Mechanical Engineering 3.4%
See more majors
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness 3.4%
  • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing 2.8%

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. Petroleum Engineering $125,028
  • 2. Chemical Engineering $123,773
  • 3. Business/Commerce, General $121,421
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Computer Engineering $119,310
  • 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $114,065
  • 6. Marine Transportation $109,470
  • 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $107,294
  • 8. Information Science/Studies $103,984
  • 9. Industrial Engineering $103,679
  • 10. Construction Engineering Technologies $101,224

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $288,921
  • 2. Petroleum Engineering (Master's Degree) $171,571
  • 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $171,500
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $155,720
  • 5. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $150,286
  • 6. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $148,869
  • 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $148,001
  • 8. Real Estate (Master's Degree) $139,758
  • 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $130,532
  • 10. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $130,128

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Petroleum Engineering grads earn $125,028—24% more than Construction Engineering Technologies ($101,224). Graduate: Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs lead with $288,921 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Texas A&M University-College Station. 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

  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 1,153 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 718 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 550 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 502 graduates)
  • Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree, 455 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 (95 programs)â–¼
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Biology, General
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Psychology, General
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Construction Engineering Technologies
  • Political Science and Government
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Economics
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Marketing
  • Animal Sciences
  • Sociology
  • International/Global Studies
  • Agricultural Production Operations
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • History
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Computer Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
  • Architecture
  • Management Information Systems and Services
  • Agricultural Public Services
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Marine Transportation
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Chemistry
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
  • Anthropology
  • Plant Sciences
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Agriculture, General
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Statistics
  • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
  • Maritime Studies
  • Forestry
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Marine Sciences
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Engineering, General
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
  • Music
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Materials Engineering
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Education, General
Online Master's Degrees (72 programs)â–¼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Economics
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Public Health
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Real Estate
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Biology, General
  • Architecture
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Marketing
  • Animal Sciences
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Plant Sciences
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Psychology, General
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Physics
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Archeology
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Soil Sciences
  • Political Science and Government
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Botany/Plant Biology
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Systems Engineering
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Anthropology
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Engineering Technology, General
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Agricultural Production Operations
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
  • Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Forestry
  • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
  • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (68 programs)â–¼
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Biology, General
  • Chemistry
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Animal Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Plant Sciences
  • Computer Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Physics
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Economics
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Public Health
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Botany/Plant Biology
  • Anthropology
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Sociology
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Statistics
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • History
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Geography and Cartography
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Political Science and Government
  • Philosophy
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Soil Sciences
  • Psychology, General
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
  • Marketing
  • Forestry
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
  • Accounting and Related Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (34 programs)â–¼
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Homeland Security
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Public Health
  • Marketing
  • Environmental Design
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Statistics
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Area Studies
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Materials Sciences
  • Archeology
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Materials Engineering
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • International Business
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Architecture
  • Housing and Human Environments
  • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Computational Science
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (30 programs)â–¼
  • Biology, General
  • Engineering, General
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Agricultural Production Operations
  • International Business
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Psychology, General
  • Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Operations Research
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Materials Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Materials Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Law
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Dentistry

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 59,099
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 52.9%
  • Female Students 47.1%
  • Caucasian 54.1%
  • Asian 12.6%
  • Hispanic 25.4%
  • Black 2.3%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 19.2%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Texas A&M University-College Station's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Texas A&M University-College Station's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Texas A&M University-College Station support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
75.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
87.2%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
12.0 pts
equity gap to monitor

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 Texas A&M University-College Station, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: About 19.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Texas A&M University-College Station support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
75.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
87.2%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
12.0 pts
equity gap to monitor

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 Texas A&M University-College Station, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Texas A&M University-College Station serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #138 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $20,924 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $59,386 median earnings. The 83.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 94.2% retention suggests adequate student support.

University Value: Texas A&M University-College Station's Strengths

Ranked #138 with a A- grade, Texas A&M University-College Station prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Universitys like Texas A&M University-College Station excel at providing affordable education ($20,924 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: Texas A&M University-College Station's 94.2% retention and 83.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($59,386 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Texas A&M University-College Station and $20,924 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • 83.8% six-year graduation rate sits 21.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 94.2% first-year retention is 17.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -29.0% return on investment is 114.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $59,386 run about 36% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $20,924 is roughly $1,014 higher than the national median of $19,910.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 94.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 92.2% employment rate within three years sits 24.0 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $20,924 is about $1,014 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Pell participation at 19.2% trails the national share by 14.3 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Texas A&M University-College Station—a public university in College Station, TX—at A- overall. It stands at #138 among 1973 schools Completion earns A, Support B, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C+.

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.

94.2% of learners come back after year one while 83.8% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -29.0% for this program.

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 $20,924 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,085.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,161 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 19.2% 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 $59,386 at the median. This is roughly 36% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

Roughly 92.2% of graduates are employed three years out.

EDsmart lists the ROI at -29.0%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

63.2% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station 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.

EDsmart Verdict
4.65 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
  • Endowment$17.22B
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate9.8%

Data Source & Methodology â–¼