Texas A&M University has announced a noteworthy rise in enrollment for the fall 2024 semester, featuring a 2.1% increase compared to the previous year, equating to an additional 1,615 students. This boost brings the total enrollment figure to 79,105 across all campuses.
Enrollment Growth in Key Colleges
The most significant enrollment increases were seen in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University Law School, and the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Graduate programs have contributed to more than half of this overall growth. General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, the president of Texas A&M, reinforced the university’s dedication to principles such as excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service, underscoring its focus on delivering a superior academic experience.
Trends in Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment
At the College Station campus, enrollment climbed to 72,560, reflecting a 2% increase. However, there was a notable decrease in first-time undergraduate applications, with the university admitting 12,531 new college students—marking a 9.8% drop from the previous year. In contrast, first-time graduate student enrollment experienced a striking increase of 9.8%, rising from 4,630 to 5,083.
Chris Reed, the associate vice president for enrollment management, attributed this shift to the university’s strategic emphasis on expanding specific programs while maintaining a balanced overall enrollment for an optimal student body experience. Approximately 47% of the freshmen who met the admission criteria came from the top ten percent of their high school graduating classes, a figure that reaches 50% at the College Station campus.
Managing Growth and Future Enrollment Plans
As the largest university in Texas, Texas A&M is proactively addressing the challenges posed by rapid growth through meticulous planning, including a Capacity Study designed to comply with future enrollment constraints. Should the proposal to halt undergraduate enrollment growth receive approval, the university plans to focus on remote locations while increasing online and graduate program offerings.
Rising Reputation and Recognition
In addition to the enrollment increase, Texas A&M’s reputation has significantly improved. The institution has been ranked as the best university in Texas and 11th nationally among public institutions by The Wall Street Journal, based on graduates’ career readiness and learning facilities. Furthermore, recent assessments identified Texas A&M as the 14th-most recognized university globally, indicating a growing visibility and acknowledgment of the institution’s impact.
Additional Enrollment Information
For more detailed insights regarding fall 2024 enrollments and demographics, resources are available from the Office of Academic and Business Performance Analytics. Texas A&M University operates its main campus in College Station, along with various remote locations and international branches.