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88.0%Acceptance
$9,748Tuition
7,804Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$51,865Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi sits on Ward Island just minutes from downtown, serving 7,804 students who come primarily for its marine science programs and coastal research opportunities. The campus literally floats on the Gulf of Mexico, making it a natural laboratory for studying ocean ecosystems and coastal engineering. Nearly 96% of students are Texas residents, and the university accepts about 88% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1091. The Island University, as it's known locally, has built its reputation around programs that take advantage of its unique waterfront location.

Students pay an average net price of $15,137 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,936. Graduates earn a median of $51,865 ten years after leaving school, which helps explain why typical monthly loan payments are a manageable $244. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt load is $23,000. The numbers suggest students get solid value for their investment, especially considering the specialized marine science training that's hard to find elsewhere.

The student body is 53% Hispanic and 60% female, reflecting the demographics of South Texas. Only about 34% graduate in four years, partly because many students work while attending this commuter-friendly campus.

Academics & Faculty

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi operates as a public research university with a strong focus on marine and coastal sciences. The school sits on Ward Island, giving students direct access to Gulf Coast research opportunities in oceanography and marine biology. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, classes tend to be manageable but not intimate. The university's 34% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees on time. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a significant population of first-generation college students. The island setting creates a unique academic environment where fieldwork and laboratory research blend naturally with classroom learning.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
73.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
34.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.7%
Retention Rate
58.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,865
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $104,454
Bioethics/Medical Ethics. Master $78,971
Accounting and Related Services. Master $64,493
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $62,422
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $57,318
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $54,748
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $52,107
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $50,439
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $49,269
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $47,729

View all 104 programs →

Campus Life

Campus sits on a 240-acre island connected to Corpus Christi by causeway, putting students just minutes from downtown and Gulf Coast beaches. Nearly 36% of the 7,804 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit island community where you'll recognize faces across the quad. The subtropical climate means flip-flops year-round and sunscreen as essential as textbooks, winter rarely dips below 50 degrees.

Weekends revolve around the water, whether it's researching in the marine labs that make this school famous or heading to nearby Padre Island for beach volleyball and fishing. The Islander spirit runs deep at athletic events, especially when the 226 Division I athletes compete in the Southland Conference. With 95% of students coming from in-state and 53% identifying as Hispanic, the campus reflects South Texas culture through food trucks serving breakfast tacos and festivals celebrating local heritage. Students often study outdoors thanks to consistent sunshine, and the small-town feel means professors know your name despite the 18:1 student-faculty ratio.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
2,833 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 9 8 0 0
Stalking 14 0 0 0
Rape 8 4 0 0
Dating Violence 6 3 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
51°–67°F
July Avg
80°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
35.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.3"

Student Demographics

Students from across Texas flock to this coastal campus, with nearly 96% coming from in-state. The student body is majority Hispanic at 53%, reflecting the diverse demographics of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Women make up 60% of enrollment, drawn to strong programs in marine science, nursing, and education. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation college students from working families along the Gulf Coast. The Islanders attract students seeking affordable education with direct access to marine research opportunities.
Men
40.2%
Women
59.8%
White
33.4%
Black
4.0%
Hispanic
53.5%
Asian
2.8%
In-State Students
96.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
39.7%

Location

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi sits on Ward Island in Corpus Christi, a Gulf Coast city of 320,000 residents. The campus lies about 200 miles southeast of San Antonio and 350 miles from Houston. Corpus Christi serves as the gateway to the Texas Coastal Bend, where barrier islands and wetlands create ideal conditions for marine research. The university's island location provides direct access to beaches and saltwater environments that fuel its well-known marine science programs. Nearly 96% of students come from Texas, drawn to the coastal setting and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with similar schools in the region.
Address
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5503
TAMUCC UAV home
TAMUCC UAV home
TAMUCC Autonomy Research Institute
TAMUCC Autonomy Research Institute

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,865
Median Earnings (5 years)
$55,785
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,100
Loan Repayment Rate
51.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$244/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The acceptance rate is 87.97%, making this one of the more accessible universities in the Texas A&M system. Students typically need an SAT score around 1091 to be competitive for admission. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a regional institution serving South Texas.

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

Students pay an average net price of $15,137 after financial aid, lower than the sticker price. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families. The university keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $9,748.

What is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi known for academically?

The university is well-known for its marine science programs and coastal research, taking advantage of its unique island location near the Gulf of Mexico. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students get reasonable access to professors. The school serves a diverse population that is 53% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of South Texas.

What are the graduation outcomes at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi?

The six-year graduation rate is 33.70%, which is below national averages and reflects challenges many students face. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,865 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95%, showing strong job placement despite longer completion times.

Where do students live at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi?

The campus has housing capacity for 2,833 students out of a total enrollment of 7,804. Room and board costs $12,869 per year on the island campus. The unique coastal setting provides students with beach access and marine research opportunities right outside their dorms.

Does Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi compete in Division I athletics?

Yes, the Islanders compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Southland Conference with 12 varsity sports. The athletic program supports 226 student-athletes with $3.1 million in scholarships. The island location makes for one of the most scenic athletic venues in college sports.