Academics at the Head of the Class
Academic achievement is at the heart of the University mission; the University exists to educate students. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has met that challenge head-on through the years by hiring exceptional faculty, admitting the brightest students, being acutely aware of the programs needed to accomplish its mission and diligently bringing those programs to fruition.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 10th in the state in four-year graduation rates, besting other schools of similar size and enrollement.
Historically, A&M-Corpus Christi has garnered accolades that place the University at the forefront of higher education in South Texas. The University’s First Year Learning Communities Program is nationally recognized as a model for first-year success; the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has twice awarded the University the Star Award for exceptional contributions toward the goals of Closing the Gaps by 2015; and A&M-Corpus Christi is consistently named by U.S. News and World Report as a top institution in the Southwest.
The University’s steady growth is supplemented by increased freshman enrollment year after year. The real work begins with freshman year success, and because of the unique programs in place, A&M-Corpus Christi enjoys enviable retention and graduation rates.
The institution became associated with The Texas A&M-University System in 1989. Since then, enrollment has increased from 3,800 students in Fall 1990 to 8,365 in 2005. Along with the enrollment increases, the University has built a stellar track record in graduating students. A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 10th in the state in four-year graduation rates, in the company of major flagship universities. Similarly, the University is ranked 9th in six-year graduation rates, among giants such as the University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech.
Along with pure academic achievement, the University has also proved responsive to the state’s goals for closing the gaps in minority participation. Hispanic enrollment at the University has increased by 62 percent since 1995, Anglo enrollment has grown by 34 percent, and the African-American growth rate is 117 percent.
The University offers 13 of the 25 most in-demand, highest enrollment programs. Favorably reflecting the support received through the South Texas Border Initiative, undergraduate degree programs have increased from 42 to 68, graduate degrees have grown from 28 to 39 and the University boasts four doctoral programs where there were none in 1990.
Yet, with higher excellence come greater challenges. The University is forecast to grow to more than 10,000 students by 2010. The University maximizes opportunities through creative funding partnerships involving private donors and state funds. In order to reach its goals of excellence, engagement and expansion, new avenues of funding must continue to be explored.
President's Report
2006
