Texas A&M University is a public institution that was founded in 1876, with a total undergraduate enrollment of roughly 55,000. As a public, nonprofit institution that was founded as a land-grant research university, the school was initially created to educate students in the fields of agriculture and mechanical arts but has since expanded to provide a range of science and fine arts programs. Texas A&M University's tuition and fees for in-state students are about half the cost as those for out-of-state students, and the school ranks among the best-valued colleges in the nation for veterans. With extensive funding from former President George H.W. Bush, Texas A&M created the Bush School of Government and Public Service to educate those interested in pursuing a career at the federal level. 

The university is in a suburban setting with a sprawling campus that covers over 8 square miles, and classes follow a semester-based academic calendar. The current student-faculty ratio at Texas A&M is 19:1, which is typical for a large, flagship state institution.

Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M University is made up of 10 schools and 18 research institutes, including competitive Engineering, Business Management, Biomedical Science programs. Texas A&M is one of the few universities that has a presidential library, which was built in collaboration with former President George Bush on the west campus. Beyond academics, Texas A&M’s Aggie athletic teams compete in the SEC, with an annual football rivalry with LSU. On-campus residential housing is an integral part of student life, where undergraduates enjoy a diverse student population and a large Greek system. Notable alumni include business magnate T. Boone Pickens, and former NFL Quarterback Ryan Tannehill.