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Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX·Public·8,527 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. 62% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

75%
Accept
8,527
Students
$14,041
Net Price
43%
Grad Rate
$40,700
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

Prairie View A & M University is a public institution located in Prairie View, Texas with approximately 8,527 undergraduate students enrolled. Prairie View A & M University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,041 per year. The graduation rate is 43%, and the typical graduate earns $40,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Prairie View A&M University is a public historically black (HBCU) land-grant university in Prairie View, Texas, United States. Founded in 1876, it is the oldest public HBCU in Texas and the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. It offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 master's degrees and four doctoral degree programs through eight colleges and the School of Architecture. PVAMU is the largest HBCU in the state of Texas and the third largest HBCU in the United States. PVAMU is a member of the Texas A&M University System and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $14,041/year average net price, this HBCU is genuinely affordable, and its history as Texas's oldest public HBCU gives it a distinct identity and community that many students find invaluable. However, the 43% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish — and median earnings of $40,700 a decade out are modest, so you'll want to think carefully about your major and career plan before enrolling. Worth considering if the HBCU experience, cost, or specific programs align with your goals, but go in with a clear plan and use every support resource available.

Founded
1876
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Health Professions16%
Business & Marketing15%
Engineering9%
Psychology7%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications4%
Education3%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Megan Thee StallionMr. TDJ PremierEmanuel CleaverCharles BrownDewey RedmanTerry Ellis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite949
Reading 75th %ile520
Math 75th %ile510

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,299
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,874
Avg Net Price
$14,041
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants62%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
43%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black85%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,527 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Prairie View A & M University

FM 1098 Road & University Drive

Prairie View, TX 77446

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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