Texas A&M University College Station is the state's largest university and one of the five largest colleges in the country. Though some call it A&M or TAMU, most refer to the campus as Texas A&M because it is the flagship campus in that school system. Founded in 1871 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, its population grew from just six students in its first year to more than 64,000 students today. The success of its rapid growth may relate to its distance education program. Though the university initially let students take classes by mail, it now offers online degree programs at the top three levels.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance named Texas A&M one of the more affordable colleges in the country, The Wall Street Journal ranked it among the best schools that help students land jobs. The four organizations that ranked the school on a global scale include ARWU, QS, Times and U.S. News & World Report, which ranked the university 68th in the nation too. Washington Monthly and ARWU ranked Texas A&M among the country's top 100 colleges, and Forbes ranked it at number 142. Washington Monthly specifically highlighted the university for its research programs and the community service its students do every year.
Texas A&M University College Station Accreditation Details
In addition to its regional accreditation, which comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Texas A&M also has program accreditation from 17 organizations and agencies. SACS accreditation is one of the first things you should look for because it shows you that you can transfer credits and that the university has the type of accreditation that will help you get into grad school. Program accreditation is important for those studying a topic like engineering or nursing. The Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology, Inc. (ABET) accredited the Texas A&M programs in aerospace engineering, biomedical, mechanical, electrical, computer and other types of engineering as well as its computer science program. Other program accreditation that Texas A&M has comes from:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Council for Construction Education
- American Veterinary Medicine Association
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
- Society of American Foresters
Texas A&M University College Station Application Requirements
The steps you must take to apply to Texas A&M depend on whether you apply as an an undergrad or graduate student. Undergrads can use the ApplyTexas website, which lets them apply to other colleges in Texas, or the Coalition. You will need to respond to the two given essay topics, and the university offers a third optional essay that you can also complete. Prior to submitting the application, you must also pay the $75 by check or credit card. Texas A&M also allows prospective students to apply for a fee waiver. Other requirements include an ACT or SAT score and a high school transcript. If you did not attend high school in Texas, you may also need to show proof that you completed a curriculum similar to the college prep curriculum used in state schools.
To apply for admission to a Texas A&M graduate program, you must complete the application available on the ApplyTexas website and pay the associated $50 fee. This application asks general questions about your educational background and professional experiences. The university also asks for an official undergrad transcript and GRE or GMAT test score. Accepted students over the age of 22 must also submit their immunization records. Select departments may ask for a resume, a typed response to an essay question and/or letters of recommendation.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Texas A&M created a locked tuition plan that locks in your tuition rate when you first enroll and helps you avoid tuition increases in the future. Texas residents enrolling in undergrad programs pay just over $10,000 a year for both tuition and all associated fees. Non-resident undergrads face fees and tuition costs of more than $30,000 a year. Textbooks and miscellaneous supplies can add more than $1,000 to your annual costs. The cost for graduate students is around $3,500 a semester as a resident or around $7,500 a semester as a non-resident. Grad programs in veterinary medicine and other subjects may cost more.
No matter what you want to study, make sure that you file the FAFSA as soon as possible. Depending on your age, this form will either ask for your own tax information or your parents' details. This form determines the amount of aid you need and allows the university to create your financial aid package. Loans, grants and scholarships are available for undergrads, while graduate students may receive a combination of grants and loans. Fellowships are also available for graduate students that provide them with $1,000 to $30,000 a year.
Online Degrees Available
Texas A&M University offers online programs for students with an interest in education, engineering, medicine and a range of other subjects. One of its best programs for undergrads is its online RN to BSN program, which is open to those who have an RN license and those who completed an RN program. You can begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester, but you must show proof you have an associate's degree before classes start. You can finish the program in three, four or five semesters, though those who take longer may not receive financial aid each semester. You'll earn your BSN after taking 30 credit hours of courses like community health for the RN, health assessment for the RN, nursing dimensions and informatics and health promotions.
The university also offers a number of online education programs for teachers like its Online Masters in Educational Technology. You'll take 36 credits, which are all available online, and the university does not require that you complete any residency component. The five required ed tech courses cover subjects like learning theories, measurement and evaluation, psychology, curriculum design and the ed tech profession. Texas A&M University College Station lets you complete your necessary credits with electives like online course design, designing for mobile learning, creative thinking, research in educational technology and educational game design.
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