A&M International Gets High Ranking for Student Retention

Eighty-five percent of Texas A&M International University students who began an undergraduate program as full-time freshmen in 1998-99 were still enrolled and in progress for their degree one year later.

That's the findings of a new report prepared by the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs for The Texas A&M University System based on information supplied by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The ranking is significant as student retention translates to a higher likelihood of degree program completion and graduation.

Among universities statewide, A&M International was ranked ninth, reporting a higher retention rate than 20 other state universities including West Texas A&M University, UT-San Antonio, UT-Pan American and the University of Houston-Downtown.

Among similar campuses of less than 10,000 students, A&M International was ranked fourth. Among Texas A&M University System campuses, A&M International has the third highest rate of student retention among nine campuses. Texas A&M University (College Station) was ranked first at 96% while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was ranked second at 89%.

University president Dr. Charles Jennett said the high ranking is indicative of students succeeding in higher education through the caring and dedicated efforts of University faculty and staff.

"We all work diligently to create a dynamic learning environment with the most gifted faculty and most technologically advanced campus possible. All of our efforts are directed to helping a student to complete their degree program and move on to their chosen career, graduate school or professional school," Dr. Jennett explained.

Jennett said that while the ranking is high, the University is committed to boosting student retention even higher.

"We're looking at a number of aggressive initiatives that are dedicated to increasing retention. Students who complete their degree program become the new human capital that is capable of driving the continued economic success of both Laredo, the State of Texas, and beyond," he added.

The University was also recently ranked among the Top 100 Universities that graduate the largest numbers of Hispanics by Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine.

A&M International ranked ninth in Texas in its graduation of Hispanics earning baccalaureate degrees and seventh in the state in its graduation of Hispanics receiving masters degrees.

Nationally, the University ranked 46th in the nation in its number of Hispanics earning baccalaureate students and 35th in the nation in its awarding of masters degrees to Hispanics.

For additional information, contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180, visit offices in Killam Library 268, or email to pais@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu