Texas A&M-San Antonio to accept Freshmen beginning October 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 1, 2015

Texas A&M-San Antonio to accept Freshmen beginning October 1 

At a Glance:

• Texas A&M University-San Antonio announces its approval to accept freshmen and sophomores as of October 1, a significant milestone for the University
• The University is one of the fastest growing universities in the State of Texas with approximately 4,600 students enrolled in fall 2015; expansion estimated to add 600 new students
• Texas A&M-San Antonio will provide affordable education to first generation college students

San Antonio, Texas – Texas A&M University-San Antonio marks a significant milestone on October 1, 2015 as the University begins accepting freshman and sophomore applications for the first time in its history.   The University will welcome the inaugural freshman class in fall of 2016.* The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents established the San Antonio campus to provide an affordable, quality education for a largely underserved, first-generation region. Texas A&M-San Antonio became a stand-alone university in 2009 and has operated as an upper division university for juniors, seniors and graduate students, witnessing over 200% growth in its first six years. 

 “This significant expansion focuses on an affordable option for a 4-year degree, targeted at largely underserved and first generation students in the region,” stated Dr. Teniente-Matson.  “Prospective students now have a direct path to A&M-San Antonio and for those earning college credit or advanced placement in high school, we aim to create an application ‘express lane’ that will propel them effortlessly through the traditional admissions and financial hurdles to obtain their degree at a University in the esteemed A&M System.  I am excited to welcome a new class of lower division students as we continue to evolve into a comprehensive four-year university,” said Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Texas A&M University-San Antonio President.   “At Texas A&M-San Antonio, we embrace our diverse student body, including many first generation college students. Our outstanding faculty takes the ordinary student and transforms them into extraordinary citizens. As we expand, all of our programs will embed comprehensive learning communities, experiential learning a.k.a. applying classroom theory to practical work experience and a focus on civic engagement.”  

 “Texas A&M-San Antonio has built up a lot of momentum in a very short amount of time, and it’s only going to pick up from here,” John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, said. “I am grateful to President Teniente-Matson for staying focused on the future and helping us create the comprehensive university our Board of Regents envisioned when they set out to expand educational opportunities in San Antonio, and I extend a hearty welcome to the students who will join our A&M family in San Antonio next year."

“Harlandale ISD has enjoyed an outstanding partnership with Texas A&M University -San Antonio,” said Rey Madrigal, Superintendent of Harlandale Independent School District.  “With news that the University will soon be accepting freshmen, we anticipate that many of our current high school students will be eager to enroll and pursue a degree while continuing to live at home. This will be a wonderful advantage to our students and their families. President Matson and the University staff are always looking for innovative ways to make higher education a reality for everyone.”

“I would like to extend gratitude to the Board of Regents, Chancellor Sharp and all the partners who shared the vision to expand the educational opportunities at Texas A&M-San Antonio, including State Senator Carlos Uresti and members of the Bexar County Delegation and our community partners,”  Dr. Matson stated.

 *Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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