Texas A&M University has set a new record for enrollment in the fall 2024 semester, driven by a growing demand for its tradition-rich education, Core Values, and academic excellence. The university saw a 2.1% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year, bringing the total number of students across all campuses to 79,105 as of September 16, 2024. Much of this growth came from graduate programs, particularly in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mays Business School, Texas A&M Law School, and the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Texas A&M University President General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III emphasized that the increasing demand for an Aggie education reflects the institution’s commitment to excellence and leadership. “As we lead the state in educating Texans, we are committed to offering the No. 1 student experience to the next generation of leaders who will put those Core Values into practice to change our state and nation,” said Welsh.
Key Enrollment Figures and Strategic Growth
Of the 72,560 students at the College Station campus, 57,659 are undergraduates, while first-time graduate student enrollment has risen significantly by 9.8%. Meanwhile, the number of new undergraduate students decreased by 9.8%, marking a strategic decision to prioritize certain academic programs while ensuring a quality student experience. Chris Reed, associate vice president for enrollment management, highlighted that this strategy has allowed the university to continue admitting competitive and diverse classes.
Freshman enrollment at Texas A&M’s various campuses saw 47% of students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class, with 50% of the College Station campus’s incoming freshmen achieving this distinction. Texas residents make up 94% of the undergraduate body.
As Texas A&M continues to grow at double the rate of other public universities in the state over the last decade, the university recently conducted a Capacity Study. This study examines the infrastructure, teaching capacities, and future needs of the main College Station campus. A proposed recommendation suggests pausing undergraduate growth for the next five years to focus on enhancing current facilities while continuing to expand online and graduate programs. Should the recommendation be accepted, Texas A&M could still grow through its remote campuses and maintain its position as the largest university in Texas.
Growing National Recognition
Texas A&M’s rising visibility accompanies its record enrollment. The Wall Street Journal recently ranked Texas A&M as the best university in Texas and No. 11 among the nation’s public universities. The ranking considered graduates’ career readiness, earning potential, and character development. Furthermore, American Caldwell’s global visibility rankings placed Texas A&M as the 14th most recognized university in the nation, solidifying its growing presence on both national and international stages.
Texas A&M’s main campus in College Station is supported by additional locations in Fort Worth, Galveston, McAllen, and Doha, Qatar, continuing to serve students both in Texas and globally.
