Texas A&M University‑San Antonio is widening its academic portfolio to meet the fast‑growing job market in South Texas. Fall 2026 enrollment hit a record 7,697 students, including the largest first‑time‑in‑college cohort ever at 1,322. The university says the growth reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.
New degree pathways for a changing workforce
With 39 undergraduate and 24 graduate degree programs, A&M‑San Antonio is adding several high‑demand fields. The school launched its first doctoral program, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, designed for working teachers who aim to become principals, superintendents or curriculum directors. Future specialized tracks will cover bilingual, special and early‑childhood education.
Graduate offerings now include degrees in cybersecurity, psychology, instructional leadership, applied behavior analysis, criminology and criminal justice, plus an accelerated 11‑month Master of Business Administration. At the bachelor level, new majors in chemistry, applied behavior analysis and human services have been introduced.
Looking ahead, the university will debut a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences in Fall 2027, followed by plans for electrical engineering, healthcare administration and management, computer engineering and construction engineering technology.
Infrastructure and research investment
The campus recently opened a $55 million Public Health and Education Building, featuring labs and learning spaces that support health, science and education programs. Research funding more than doubled, rising from $3.6 million in FY 2025 to roughly $8 million in FY 2026 as the university works toward R2 research status.
Keeping college affordable for local families
Affordability remains a core mission. Sixty percent of students qualify for Pell Grants, and the Jaguar Promise scholarship—available to Texas residents, transfer students and adult learners—covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other aid is applied, plus a $300‑per‑semester book stipend.
Participation in Jaguar Promise grew 21 % among first‑year students compared with the prior year. Use of the scholarship rose 48 % among Early College High School graduates and 9 % among students who ranked in the top 10 %‑35 % of their high‑school class.
“Affordability is fundamental to our mission because the cost of college can shape whether a student is able to enroll and graduate,” said Brandy McLelland, vice president for enrollment management. She added that the increase in scholarship participation shows families recognizing the opportunity to pursue a degree without excessive financial burden.
Reflecting the community
In Fall 2026, 65 % of undergraduates and 66 % of graduate students identified as Hispanic. About three‑quarters of all students came from Bexar County, and 98.6 % were Texas residents. Student credit hours rose to 86,118 from 84,568 the previous fall, indicating both higher enrollment and expanded course offerings.
Founded only 17 years ago, A&M‑San Antonio has evolved from a primarily undergraduate institution into a comprehensive university adding graduate and doctoral programs, expanding research, and aligning academic pathways with the region’s future workforce needs.
Looking forward
The university’s leadership says the continued expansion of programs, research facilities and scholarship support will help San Antonio residents earn well‑paying jobs without leaving the region. By keeping tuition and fees manageable, A&M‑San Antonio aims to ensure that more families can achieve the American Dream of higher education and economic stability.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
