Acceptance Rate
79%
Avg. SAT
1080
75th percentile
“A historic Texas institution where agricultural roots meet modern innovation in a tight-knit community.”
Prairie View, TX
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
Nestled in the small town of Prairie View, Texas, about an hour northwest of Houston, Prairie View A&M University carries a profound legacy as one of the oldest public universities in the state, founded in 1876 as the first state-supported college for African Americans in Texas. Originally established to train teachers and advance agricultural education, it has grown into a comprehensive university while maintaining a deep commitment to access and opportunity. Its history is woven into the fabric of Texas education, reflecting resilience and a mission to empower students from diverse backgrounds.
This school shines for students who value a close-knit, supportive environment where personal connections with peers and faculty come naturally. If you’re someone who thrives on community, enjoys a slower-paced rural setting, and appreciates a campus with a strong sense of heritage, you’ll feel right at home. However, if you’re seeking the fast-paced energy of a big city or a sprawling urban campus, the quieter, more isolated location might feel limiting, especially since public transportation options are sparse and a car can be a necessity for exploring beyond campus.
Prairie View’s personality is grounded in pride and perseverance, with a student body that often describes itself as a family. The surrounding area, while not bustling, offers a peaceful backdrop of rolling hills and open spaces, ideal for focused study but lacking the vibrant nightlife or cultural hubs of nearby Houston. For some, the distance from urban amenities is a tradeoff for the affordability and tight community bonds that define life here.
Photo Gallery
+7
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Prairie View A&M University stands out for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and nursing, reflecting its historical roots and modern ambitions. The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences remains a cornerstone, offering hands-on learning through facilities like the university farm, where students dive into real-world research on sustainable practices. Engineering, particularly in areas like chemical and mechanical fields, draws students eager to tackle technical challenges, while the nursing program is known for preparing graduates to meet critical healthcare needs with a focus on community impact.
In the classroom, you can expect a mix of lecture-based courses and practical experiences, especially in the sciences and applied fields, though some introductory classes may feel crowded due to the university’s size of over 9,000 undergraduates. Faculty are often accessible, fostering mentorship that helps students navigate their academic paths, but popular majors like engineering can be competitive, requiring early planning to secure spots in key courses. If you’re looking for highly specialized or niche academic offerings, you might find the range of programs somewhat limited compared to larger research universities, so it’s a good fit for those focused on the university’s core strengths.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
8,877 undergrad • 1,045 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
1%
Black / African American
84%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
7%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Prairie View, TX
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at Prairie View A&M pulses with a strong sense of tradition and camaraderie, where students rally around events like the annual Homecoming celebration, a massive gathering filled with parades, step shows, and football fervor. You’ll find a vibrant social scene rooted in student organizations, especially those tied to cultural heritage and Greek life, which play a big role in shaping friendships and networks. Most students live on campus, especially in their early years, creating a residential vibe where late-night study sessions and impromptu gatherings in dorms are common.
The rural setting means social life often revolves around campus activities, and while this builds a tight community, it can feel insular if you crave variety or off-campus entertainment. The Texas heat and humidity are also a factor—summers can be intense, and outdoor events require some grit. Cost of living in Prairie View is relatively low compared to urban areas, but limited local options for dining and shopping might push you to budget for trips to Houston for a change of pace.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
29%
6 Years Graduation Rate
51%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$45,411
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Prairie View A & M University and return in the fall. 29% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 51% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
29%
4-5 years
22%
6-8 years
4%
Non-grad
45%
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.
Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$7,387
Acceptance
79%
Undergrads
8,877
4-Year Grad Rate
29%
Endowment
$140M
Prairie View, TX 77446
Explore More