Texas A&M University (College Station)
College Station, Texas · Updated 31 August 2026
| Location | College Station, Texas |
| Tuition per year | $24,500 |
| Living costs per year | $9,000 |
| GRE | Required |
| STEM OPT (3-year work permit) | Eligible |
| Ranking | Top 15 Public Research |
| Campus Location | College Station, Texas |
| University Type | Public R1 Research Flagship |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,500 USD / year (~₹20.3 Lakhs) |
| In-State Rate (With TA/RA) | $10,200 USD / year (With TA/RA Waiver) |
| Monthly Living Expenses | $650 - $850 / month |
| Off-Campus Housing Difficulty | 5.0 / 10 (Affordable Off-Campus Housing) |
| Target Admission Cutoff | 8.0+ Indian CGPA (3.4+ US WES GPA) |
Executive Summary: Why Indian Families Choose Texas A&M University (College Station)
Texas A&M University (College Station) located in College Station, Texas is a premier choice for Indian international students seeking STEM Master's degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering.
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is one of the largest public research universities in the United States, boasting a massive $18 Billion endowment. Known for elite engineering departments and a fiercely loyal alumni network ('The Aggie Network'), TAMU delivers world-class ROI.
Key Pillars for Parents and Students:
- Tech Hub & Recruiter Access: Located near Texas Research Corridor (Austin, Houston Energy Hub, Dallas-Fort Worth Tech), offering direct career fair access to top US corporate recruiters.
- Graduate Assistantship (TA/RA) Savings: Holding a 20 hr/wk Graduate Assistantship (TA/RA/GA) at TAMU qualifies international students for In-State Tuition rates by Texas state law, cutting annual tuition outlays by over 55% while providing a ~$1,800/month stipend.
- Off-Campus Student Housing: College Station offers abundant, low-cost student housing serviced by free university bus lines. Average rent per student in shared off-campus apartments is $450 to $600/month.
2-Year Financial Outlay Breakdown:
| Expense Category | Annual Amount (USD) | When Do You Pay This? | Deep-Dive Playbook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,500 USD / year | Semester-wise (Aug & Jan) | Total Cost Breakdown |
| In-State Tuition (With TA/RA) | $10,200 USD / year (With TA/RA Waiver) | Semester-wise (Aug & Jan) | Assistantships Ta Ra Ga |
| Off-Campus Housing Rent | $650 - $850 / month | Monthly to Landlord | Off Campus Housing Lease |
| Health Insurance (ISO Waiver) | ~$800 / year | Annual (Waiver Approved) | Health Insurance Waiver Guide |
Admission Requirements & Application Checklist
To apply for graduate programs at Texas A&M University (College Station), Indian applicants must submit:
- WES Credential Evaluation: Course-by-course transcript conversion to 4.0 US scale (WES Credential Evaluation Manual).
- GRE / GMAT Test Requirement: GRE Quant 164+ Recommended for Computer Science & Engineering (GRE GMAT Waiver Directory).
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.0 Band (TOEFL 100+ / Speaking 26 for TA) (TOEFL IELTS Duolingo Cutoffs).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Academic SOP referencing faculty research labs (Sop Lor Resume US Standards).
- Priority Application Deadline: January 1 (Fall Intake) (Priority vs Rolling Deadlines).
Top STEM Master's Programs for International Students
- MS in Computer Science (MS CS) — STEM Designated (
11.0701); 36-Month STEM OPT - MS in Management Information Systems (MIS) — Mays Business School; High Placement
- MS in Industrial Engineering — Supply Chain & Data Analytics Focus
- MS in Petroleum & Energy Engineering — #1 Ranked in USA
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the Aggie Network advantage?
TAMU has one of the largest alumni networks in the US, providing Indian graduates with direct referral leads for jobs across Texas and the US.
What is the speaking score requirement for TAs at TAMU?
Texas law requires a TOEFL Speaking score of 26+ or IELTS Speaking 8.0+ for international Teaching Assistants.
How does TAMU In-State tuition waiver work?
Securing a 20 hr/week TA/RA appointment or a competitive $1,000 scholarship legally qualifies students for In-State tuition rates.
Is College Station an affordable town?
Yes, College Station is one of the most budget-friendly university towns in Texas, with shared student rent averaging $450 to $600/month.