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Credit: Abbey Toronjo\/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications<\/p>\n
At a time when families across the country are questioning the cost and value of a college degree, demand for a Texas A&M University education remains extraordinarily strong, reflecting the university\u2019s commitment to delivering an education that is accessible, affordable and capable of creating lifelong opportunities.<\/p>\n
Completed applications for incoming freshmen rose 24% over the last two years. Texas A&M received more than 83,000 applications overall, a record high for the university. The incoming class, which numbered 12,645 as of the 20th day of classes, brought total fall semester enrollment to 81,990 students across the university\u2019s locations, an all-time high. Roughly 85% of the university\u2019s students are from Texas, reflecting a commitment to serving the people of the Lone Star State.<\/p>\n
Texas A&M has grown, like the state it serves, while ensuring that its students can afford an education, succeed in their classes, graduate without significant debt, enter their careers positioned to thrive and see a great return on their investment. They receive a well-rounded, second-to-none education. Texas A&M is the No. 1 Texas public university and No. 12 among all American public universities, according to The Wall Street Journal\/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges<\/a> rankings, which place particular emphasis on value by including measures such as student experience, learning environment and return on investment.<\/p>\n \u201cBuilding on a 150-year legacy, Texas A&M University remains committed to providing an exceptional education where we are attentive to the investment current and prospective students make as they seek a degree that prepares them to lead lives of consequence,\u201d Texas A&M President Susan Ballabina said. \u201cThe confidence placed in Texas A&M carries a responsibility. True to our founding mission, we must help students succeed while preparing the talent, ideas and leadership our state and nation need.\u201d<\/p>\n Offering opportunity<\/p>\n As a land-grant institution, Texas A&M is committed to providing the opportunity for higher education to qualified applicants, regardless of their financial circumstances. To that end, the university\u2019s undergraduate tuition and fees remain frozen at 2021 rates. Students and families would be paying approximately $4,225 more over four years in tuition and fees had those costs simply risen with inflation.<\/p>\n For the 2026 fall semester, Texas A&M has expanded the Free Tuition Program<\/a> \u2014 formally known as the Aggie Assurance program. Under it, the university provides aid covering both tuition and required fees. The Free Tuition Program is now available to incoming undergraduate Texans whose annual family income and assets total less than $100,000. The expansion means that 1,062 students now have their tuition and academic fees covered through the program as they pursue a degree at Texas A&M.<\/p>\n Nationally, less than half of college students graduate without student debt. At Texas A&M, 63% of graduates complete their education debt-free.<\/p>\n Supporting students<\/p>\n Roughly 23% of Texas A&M\u2019s freshmen are first-generation college students, an uptick from last year\u2019s class. The university offers a variety of programs<\/a> and services to support its first-generation students<\/a>, guiding them through the challenges of the college experience and welcoming them as members of the Aggie Family.<\/p>\n According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings<\/a>, Texas A&M supports its freshmen better than any other public university in Texas. The university fosters an atmosphere of satisfaction, belonging and success in a variety of ways, such as Fish Camp<\/a>, a three-day orientation program, and Hullabaloo U<\/a>, a first-year seminar specifically designed to help students navigate college life. Nationally, about 75% of freshmen return for their sophomore year. At Texas A&M, 95% of freshmen return the following year, among the best retention rates in the nation.<\/p>\n That retention rate is a strong indicator of overall college success. Nationally, less than half of college students earn their degree within four years<\/a>. At Texas A&M, two out of every three graduate on time.<\/p>\n An education informed by values<\/p>\n Texas A&M\u2019s academics are shaped by its Core Values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect and Selfless Service. These are not just ideals but are woven into the entire student experience, from curricula and academic integrity policies to research, outreach and service initiatives.<\/p>\n One result: Texas A&M ranks among America\u2019s top 25 public universities, according to U.S. News<\/a>. Its students learn from professors who are top professionals in their fields. The university is one of a handful of institutions that can claim both membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities and the triple designation as a land-, sea- and space-grant university.<\/p>\n