With about 60,000 undergraduates, Texas A&M is one of the largest schools in the country. It's also just plain big, covering 5,200 acres in College Station. To help students ease into such a large community, first-year students participate in what’s called "Hullabaloo U," a small class that introduces campus resources and gives freshmen access to a peer mentor.
Best known for its business, agriculture and engineering programs, Texas A&M also has one of the country's largest programs in recreation, park and tourism sciences. The school boasts an 84% graduation rate. Aggies tend to thrive financially after leaving school; 10 years after enrollment, the median salary is $72,000.
The school has a rich military tradition; the Corps of Cadets is the oldest student organization on campus (but military service isn't mandatory). Athletics, however, may be the most vibrant element of campus culture.
Another tradition is the presence of Reveille — a collie with the title "First Lady of Aggieland" — on campus. With her Southern charm, she’s definitely the top dog on campus.
