Texas A&M University: A Legacy of Tradition and Research Excellence

Texas A&M University, known affectionately as Aggieland, stands as one of the most prestigious public land-grant research senior military universities in the United States. Established in 1876, the institution has evolved from its early roots as the State Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas into a global powerhouse of education and innovation.

Located primarily in College Station, Texas, the university is characterized by its deep-seated traditions, a rigorous academic environment, and a unique military heritage that continues to shape the student experience today.

a skyline view of the Texas A&M campus. Dozens of buildings are visible including one that is domed — A view of the main campus, looking north from Kyle Field. At the center is the Academic Building with its copper dome.

Key Facts

A large domed building overlooks a full-length statue of balding male with a mustache and long goatee and wearing a knee-length coat. The pedestal is engraved "Lawrence Sullivan Ross". — Statue of Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross located in front of the Academic Building

Established: 1876
Location: College Station, Texas (Main Campus)
Endowment: $19.11 billion (FY 2024, Texas A&M only)
Student Population: Over 78,000 students (Fall 2024), including 61,442 undergraduates
Affiliations: Member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the SEC (athletics)
Mascot: Reveille X

Academic Profile and Global Reach

It shows, left to right, Ross Hall, Old Main, and Foster Hall. — Texas A&M in 1902

Texas A&M is recognized globally for its research capabilities and academic rigor. As a land-grant university—an institution designated by the government to focus on agriculture, science, and engineering—it maintains a strong commitment to practical application and public service.

Rankings and Accreditation

The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and holds impressive rankings. Nationally, it is recognized by Forbes (61) and the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse (33). Globally, it maintains a strong presence in the QS (144) and Times Higher Education (151 tie) rankings.

Campus Infrastructure

The main campus in College Station spans 5,500 acres, featuring iconic structures like the Academic Building with its copper dome and the modern Zachry Engineering Education Complex.

A five-story, tan building behind a street and sidewalk. — Zachry Engineering Education Complex

Beyond College Station, the university operates several branch campuses, including Texas A&M University at Galveston, which specializes in marine research and hosts the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and a presence in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Four people standing behind a flag each holding their thumb in the air — Two professors, a graduate, and an undergraduate student at the TAMUQ branch campus

Student Life and the Aggie Spirit

Black and white photo of two women sitting at desks with a punch machines — Staff at Texas A&M entering data for punch cards for new computers in the 1950s

Life at Texas A&M is defined by a culture of loyalty and tradition. The student body is diverse, with a significant representation of Hispanic (25%) and Asian (13%) students, alongside a strong commitment to economic diversity, with 20% of students coming from low-income backgrounds.

The Corps of Cadets

A cornerstone of the university's identity is the Corps of Cadets, a leadership-focused military organization. The Corps is famous for its disciplined presence and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, whose precision marching is a hallmark of university events.

Row of students in uniform with calf-length boots. Each holds a bugle that dangles a pennant. — The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band's Bugle Rank leads the band at halftime at a football game.

Traditions and Landmarks

Aggies are known for their unique customs, such as the "gig 'em" sign and the celebration of the 12th Man, symbolizing readiness to serve. Landmarks like the Century Tree and the Memorial Student Center serve as focal points for these traditions.

a sprawling oak tree with branches arching all the way to the ground over a sidewalk containing a bench — The Century Tree, a campus landmark and subject to several traditions

The Aggie Ring, awarded to students upon completion of their degree, remains one of the most recognizable symbols of membership in the university's alumni community.

Close-up of gold ring. On the top, the words Texas A&M University 1876 encircle an eagle atop a shield over the numbers 0 and 4. The left side contains a large star and an oak. The right shows a cannon, saber, and rifle with the crossed flags of the United States and Texas. — Aggie ring for the class of 2004

Athletics and Campus Culture

Above the doorway of a large, relatively plain rectangular structure with a short dome are the words "George Bush Library". In front of the building is a circular courtyard with a water fountain; eight American flags are positioned evenly around the circle. — George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Texas A&M is a powerhouse in collegiate sports, competing in the NCAA Division I FBS within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Football is a central part of campus life, with Kyle Field serving as one of the largest and most atmospheric stadiums in the country.

a crowd of people watch a football game at a three-tiered stadium — A view from the student section of Kyle Field during a 2007 football game

Beyond football, the university excels in basketball, soccer, and volleyball, fostering a spirit of competitive excellence and school pride.

University Overview Summary

The head and shoulders of three people – an older man, an older woman, and a middle-aged man – wearing formal robes are shown in front of a large circular seal. On the outer edges of the seal the letters "XAS A...IVERSITY...87..." are visible; an inner band of leaves separates the letters from a block T superimposed with a star. — Then-President George W. Bush with parents, former President George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush at Texas A&M's December 2008 convocation

Category	Detail
President	Susan Ballabina
Total Staff	11,114 (Fall 2024)
Faculty	4,300 (Fall 2024)
Colors	Maroon and White
Newspaper	The Battalion
System Endowment	$20.38 billion (FY 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

Texas A&M University Memorial Student Center — The Memorial Student Center

A neoclassical building with columns in front of a water tower sporting the greeting, "Welcome to Aggieland" — Sbisa Dining Hall and central utility plant water tower sporting the greeting, "Welcome to Aggieland"

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates standing with 5 other people in uniform; all are giving a thumbs up gesture — Robert Gates and senior cadets from the Corps of Cadets give the "gig 'em" sign at the Pentagon.

28 people standing on risers are signing while wearing white military-style uniforms — The Texas A&M University Singing Cadets

21 cadets in white uniforms perform a salute with a rifle — The Ross Volunteers perform a rifleman's salute as candles are lit for the deceased at the 2007 Aggie Muster at Reed Arena.

Large flames engulf the top layer of a circular three-tier structure of logs; the logs are vertical to the ground. — The 2007 Student Bonfire

a crowd of people in mostly white T-shirts watch an indoor basketball game; a T with a start on it is upside down and featured prominently under the players — A men's basketball game at Reed Arena in January 2008

A two-story, white building in the shape of a crescent overlooks flowers and a grassy lawn — The Clayton W. Williams, Jr., Alumni Center is the home of The Association of Former Students.

A plaque in a glass enclosed frame depicts a black and white image of a soldier in WWII regalia, a medal of honor suspended across the middle, and a description of the event for which the individual was awarded the medal — Specimen Medal of Honor displayed at the Memorial Student Center for Horace S. Carswell

What is the significance of the "12th Man"?

The 12th Man is a tradition representing the student body's readiness to support the football team, symbolizing that every student is available to enter the game if needed.

What are the admission trends for Texas A&M?

For the 2024 entering class, the admit rate was 54.2%, with a yield rate of 46.2%. A significant portion of admitted students (66.57%) ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.

Does Texas A&M have campuses outside of College Station?

Yes, the university has several branch campuses, including locations in Galveston, Qatar, and various other Texas cities such as Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

What is the role of the Corps of Cadets?

The Corps of Cadets is a military organization that provides leadership training and maintains the university's military heritage, contributing to the campus's unique discipline and tradition.

How large is the university's endowment?

As of FY 2024, the endowment for Texas A&M specifically is $19.11 billion, while the system-wide endowment totals $20.38 billion.