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86.5%Acceptance
$10,026Tuition
8,249Students
46%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$50,296Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Texas A & M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce has built its reputation as the go-to destination for future teachers across East Texas. The university enrolls 8,249 students in the small town of Commerce, where teacher education programs have produced generations of educators who staff classrooms throughout the region. With an 86% acceptance rate, the school opens its doors wide to students seeking practical, career-focused education.

The financial picture tells a promising story for working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $8,709 after aid, while even middle-income families see net prices around $11,000-$17,000. Graduates earn a median of $50,296 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,500 quite manageable with monthly payments of $217. The employment rate hits 95.5%, reflecting strong job placement in education and other fields.

Women make up 60% of the student body, which is 40% white, 26% Hispanic, and 19% Black. Nearly all students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Lions compete in NCAA Division I with 10 varsity sports and 324 total athletes. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay reasonably sized despite being a regional university serving multiple counties across East Texas.

Academics & Faculty

Texas A&M University-Commerce built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, training educators for East Texas schools for over a century. The university maintains strong programs in education, business, and agriculture that serve the region's workforce needs. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide more individual attention than at larger research universities. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The school's regional focus means practical, career-oriented programs take priority over theoretical research. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and faculty who prioritize teaching, but academic support systems need strengthening to help more students reach graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
45.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
44.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
45.9%
Retention Rate
63.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,296
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $71,015
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $70,456
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Master $69,732
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $68,688
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $64,196
Accounting and Related Services. Master $59,801
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $57,318
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $53,726
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Bachelor $52,107
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $52,107

View all 106 programs →

Campus Life

Commerce sits about 65 miles northeast of Dallas, giving students access to big-city internships while maintaining small-town charm. With 2,300 housing spots for 8,249 students, roughly 28% live on campus in a community where most faces become familiar. East Texas heat means you'll need sunscreen from March through October, but winters rarely require heavy coats.

The 97% in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit Texas atmosphere where many students know each other from high school or have mutual friends. Football Saturdays draw crowds to Memorial Stadium, though the Lions compete in Division I with just 324 total athletes across 10 sports. Students often head to nearby Lake Tawakoni for weekend activities or make the hour drive to Dallas for concerts and nightlife. The education program's strong reputation means future teachers form study groups in residence halls and coffee shops around the historic town square. Campus traditions center around homecoming and Greek life, while the 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name by midterm.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
2,300 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

84 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 13 12 1 0
Burglary 10 7 0 0
Rape 8 7 0 1
Fondling 6 4 0 0
Stalking 8 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 4 2 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
33°–57°F
July Avg
74°–97°F
Annual Precipitation
47.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"

Student Demographics

A&M-Commerce draws overwhelmingly from Texas, with 97% of students staying close to home for their education. The student body reflects the changing demographics of East Texas, with significant Hispanic and Black representation alongside white students. Women make up 60% of enrollment, largely driven by the university's strong reputation in teacher preparation programs. Nearly 41% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving working-class families across the region. This diverse, locally-rooted community creates a campus where first-generation college students find support and opportunity.
Men
39.8%
Women
60.2%
White
39.5%
Black
19.3%
Hispanic
26.1%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
40.5%

Location

Commerce sits in East Texas, about 65 miles northeast of Dallas. The town has around 9,000 residents and serves as the county seat of Hunt County. This rural setting offers a classic small college town atmosphere where the university dominates the local landscape. With 8,249 students and only 2,300 housing spots on campus, many live off-campus in the surrounding community. The area features rolling hills, farmland, and lakes typical of Northeast Texas. Commerce provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while remaining accessible to Dallas-Fort Worth job markets. The region's agricultural heritage influences both the town's character and some university programs. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Texas A&M University-Commerce with similar schools in the region.
Address
Commerce, Texas 75428
Original Cooper Campus
Original Cooper Campus
Texas A&M University–Commerce March 2016 003
Texas A&M University–Commerce March 2016 003
Art Building Dusk
Art Building Dusk

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,296
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,998
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,000
Loan Repayment Rate
46.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Texas A & M University-Commerce?

Texas A & M University-Commerce accepts 86.45% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 913-1150 on the SAT. This regional university focuses on serving East Texas students rather than competing for highly selective admissions.

How much does Texas A & M University-Commerce cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,268 annually after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,709 per year on average. With 40.5% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university works to keep education affordable for working-class Texas families.

What academic programs is Texas A & M University-Commerce known for?

The university built its reputation on teacher education programs that prepare educators for East Texas schools. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across 8,249 students, classes remain reasonably sized for a regional public university. The school focuses on practical career preparation rather than research.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Texas A & M University-Commerce?

The university graduates 45.90% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $50,296 ten years after enrollment. The 95.5% employment rate shows strong job placement success. However, the 63.06% retention rate indicates some students struggle to persist through their first year.

Where is Texas A & M University-Commerce located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Commerce, Texas, a small town about 65 miles northeast of Dallas. With housing for 2,300 students out of 8,249 total enrollment, most students commute from the surrounding region. The university fields 10 NCAA Division I sports with 324 total athletes competing.

Does Texas A & M University-Commerce serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 60.24% women and reflects East Texas demographics with 39.5% White, 26.11% Hispanic, and 19.3% Black students. An overwhelming 97.18% of students come from Texas, making this truly a regional institution. This diversity mirrors the changing demographics of rural and small-town Texas communities the university serves.