About West Texas A & M University
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students typically pay around $20,841 annually after aid, well below the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $50,741 ten years after leaving school, making the average debt load of $19,500 reasonable. Monthly loan payments average just $207. The employment rate hits 96%, suggesting strong job placement for graduates.
The student body reflects Texas diversity, with 34% Hispanic students and 51% white students. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%. As a Division II athletic program, the Buffaloes compete in 12 sports with 449 total athletes. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for decent individual attention. However, the 47% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their degrees on time.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.3%
- Retention Rate
- 67.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,741
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,706 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,089 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $44,542 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $44,384 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
Campus Life
The Buffaloes compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 449 total athletes receiving $3 million in athletic scholarships. Students gather for football games and the annual "Wonderful West Texas" homecoming celebration. The agricultural heritage runs deep here, with many students participating in rodeo competitions and FFA activities. Weekend trips often involve exploring the canyon's trails or heading to Amarillo for shopping and dining. The town-fringe setting creates a tight-knit community where the 18:1 student-faculty ratio feels even smaller. Greek life and campus organizations provide social outlets in this college town where everyone knows each other.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 2,154 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
61 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 10 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–52°F
- July Avg
- 66°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 18.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 7.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.5%
- Women
- 58.5%
- White
- 51.3%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 34.4%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 86.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.3%
Location
- Address
- Canyon, Texas 79016-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,741
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,816
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at West Texas A & M University?
West Texas A & M accepts 91.63% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The average SAT score is 1050, reflecting the university's commitment to providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does West Texas A & M University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,841 annually, with in-state tuition at just $9,101. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $17,085 after aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Texas higher education.
What is West Texas A & M University known for academically?
The university maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly well-known for its agricultural programs. With 6,771 students, WTAMU offers a mid-sized environment where students can access hands-on learning in agriculture while exploring the natural laboratory of nearby Palo Duro Canyon.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at West Texas A & M University?
The four-year graduation rate is 46.13%, with graduates earning a median salary of $50,741 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.9%, demonstrating strong job placement despite the university's rural location in the Texas Panhandle.
Where is West Texas A & M University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Canyon, Texas, a town-fringe setting that houses 2,154 students in on-campus housing. With 58.54% women and a diverse student body that's 34.38% Hispanic, the Buffaloes compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with $3 million in athletic scholarships available.
Does West Texas A & M University have notable alumni connections?
The university has produced distinguished graduates including western swing legend Bob Wills and professional wrestler Tully Blanchard. With 86.76% of students coming from Texas, WTAMU maintains strong regional ties while serving as a gateway to opportunities across the Southwest.
