Texas A&M University (Corps of Cadets)
College Station, TX
"Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, Selfless Service"
The Verdict
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets stands as the largest uniformed student body outside the federal service academies, with over 2,300 cadets carrying forward a tradition of honor and discipline that dates to 1876. Known as the "Keepers of the Spirit and Guardians of Tradition," the Corps embodies the Fighting Texas Aggie spirit through cherished traditions like Muster, Silver Taps, and Midnight Yell.
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, the largest military marching band in the nation with over 300 members, exemplifies the precision and pride that define Aggie military heritage. Special units including the Ross Volunteers (official Honor Guard of the Governor of Texas) have produced over 43,000 commissioned officers and more than 225 general and flag officers since the university's founding.
About
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is a student military organization with a mission to develop well-educated leaders of character. The experience is rooted in the values of honor, integrity, discipline, and selfless service, preparing cadets for future global leadership challenges. Notably, Corps membership carries no military obligation—cadets may pursue commissioning or graduate with leadership credentials for civilian careers.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesIn-State
$30,608
Out-of-State
$58,976
Endowment
$19.2 billion
*The estimated cost to attend Texas A&M is approximately $30,608 for in-state residents which includes tuition and fees, housing and food, books, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. The estimated cost to attend for non-resident or international students is about $58,976.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Admission to Texas A&M University (no separate Corps admission required)
- Strong academic record with rigorous course load
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement
- Physical fitness and commitment to military training
- All ROTC requirements for first two years regardless of commissioning intent
Admitted Student Profile
57%
Acceptance Rate
3.68
Avg GPA
1275
Avg SAT
28
Avg ACT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
5,200 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
2,300
Student:Teacher
21:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets follow a structured military schedule beginning with physical training at 0600-0650 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, with Tuesday or Thursday reserved for military instruction. Morning Formation runs 0655-0730. The Academic Day spans 0730-1630 on Monday and Friday, and 0730-1800 on Tuesday through Thursday. Evening Formation/Meal occurs 1815-1900, with Outfit Activities authorized Monday and Friday afternoons (1630-1800). Marathon EST (Evening Study Time) is conducted on Wednesdays beginning at 1800. Room inspections are authorized daily from 0830 to 1800.
Discipline Model
The Fish Year represents an intense period of adjustment, discipline, and immersion in Aggie history and tradition. Freshmen are called "Fish" (e.g., "Fish Smith") and must follow lawful orders from upperclassmen. Male Fish must maintain the traditional "fish cut" hairstyle, and both freshmen and sophomores wear metal taps on their shoes. The Aggie Honor Code governs all conduct, with cadets expected to uphold standards of honor, integrity, discipline, respect, courage, and selfless service. The Corps operates under The Standard, which outlines regulations for cadet life and conduct.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A - degree granting institution
Where Graduates Go
As a Senior Military College, Texas A&M consistently commissions more ROTC officers than any institution except the federal service academies. Approximately 45% of Corps members contract with the military and receive commissions upon graduation. The Air Force ROTC detachment is the largest in the nation with over 600 cadets, commissioning more officers than any of the other 144 AFROTC detachments. Texas A&M AFROTC cadets are selected for commissioning at a rate 8-10% above the national average. The Naval ROTC program is also the largest in the country.
Hall of Fame
Rick Perry
47th Governor of Texas (2000-2015), U.S. Secretary of Energy (2017-2019), Class of 1972
General Hal M. Hornburg
Four-star general, U.S. Air Force, Class of 1968
General Joe Ashy
Commander in Chief of NORAD and U.S. Space Command, Class of 1962
General Patrick K. Gamble
Four-star general, U.S. Air Force, Class of 1967
John Aaron
NASA engineer who devised the plan that saved Apollo 13 astronauts
Eight Medal of Honor Recipients
Including Horace S. Carswell Jr., Thomas W. Fowler, William G. Harrell, Lloyd H. Hughes, George D. Keathley, Turney W. Leonard, Eli L. Whiteley, and Clarence E. Sasser
World War II Officers
14,123 commissioned officers during WWII - more than West Point and Annapolis combined
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training is conducted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 0600-0650. All cadets participate in structured PT sessions as part of their military training requirements. The Corps Athletic Training Room provides support for cadet wellness and fitness.
Facilities
Texas A&M boasts world-class athletic facilities including Kyle Field (102,733 capacity), the Student Rec Center (500,000 square feet with 44-foot climbing wall, indoor track, pools, 10 multi-purpose courts, 14 racquetball/handball/squash courts), Southside Rec Center (63,000 square feet, opened 2022), PEAP Building (95,146 square feet for fitness classes), Omar Smith Tennis Center (15 tennis courts, 10 pickleball courts), and the Penberthy Rec Sports Complex (50 acres of outdoor fields).
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
84%
Graduation Rate
$72,097
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$20,924
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
NCES consumer portal with costs, programs, and retention data
Comprehensive institutional data from the IPEDS survey
Department of Education outcomes and cost data
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Photo Gallery
Related Schools
Marine Military Academy
Harlingen, TX
Marine Military Academy is a college-preparatory boarding school for young men in grades 7-12 with an optional post-graduate year. It is the only private school in the world based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps.
San Marcos Academy
San Marcos, TX
San Marcos Academy is a private, coeducational, college preparatory Christian school affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Its mission is to educate young men and women within a nurturing community based upon Christian values.
Tarleton State University (Corps of Cadets)
Stephenville, TX
The Texan Corps of Cadets develops leaders of character for the state and nation.
Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Galveston, TX
One of the six state maritime academies, training officers for the Merchant Marine.
TMI Episcopal
San Antonio, TX
TMI Episcopal is a coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades 6-12 with a military tradition. As the flagship private school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, it challenges motivated students to develop their full potential in service and leadership.
New Mexico Military Institute
Roswell, NM
To educate, train, and prepare young men and women to be leaders capable of critical thinking and sound analysis, leaders who possess uncompromising character, and leaders able to meet challenging physical demands.
Guides & Resources
The Hazlewood Act: Texas Veterans' Path to Military College
How Texas veterans and their children can use the Hazlewood Act's 150 hours of free tuition at public Texas institutions—including military programs like Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.
America's Oldest Military Schools
A look at the most historic military academies in the United States, from Norwich University (1819) to the legendary institutions that shaped American military education.
The PG Year Secret: The Post-Graduate Advantage
Many 'seniors' at top military schools are actually 19-year-old graduates doing a 13th year. Learn why a post-graduate year might be the smartest investment for your student.
Military School Costs & Financial Aid
A comprehensive guide to understanding military school tuition, scholarships, 529 plans, and state voucher programs for families.
The Digital Detox: Parenting a Child Without a Smartphone
Screen addiction drives many families to military school. What happens when your teen loses their phone for months? The personality changes parents report—and the brain science behind it.
Enrollment Logistics: From Interview to Move-In Day
The complete practical guide to military school enrollment. From acing the admissions interview to packing the right items to navigating mid-year starts—every logistical detail covered.