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Admissions

Why Higher Education Center at McAllen?

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM) is an industry-leading institution committed to supporting the educational needs of Texans with top-tier undergraduate degree programs. Students at the HECM will fulfill individual career goals, enhance continued economic development of the Rio Grande Valley and reinforce one of the hardest working job markets in the country.

Supportive Aggie Community

With a small student-to-faculty ratio, many students report greater comprehension of courses and materials as a result of having more accessible and direct communication with professors. The HECM also offers a wide variety of campus resources designed to help students succeed.

Affordability

A degree from Texas A&M is a great investment – one that continues to appreciate over time. We're consistently recognized as a top value in higher education, based on our combination of academic quality and affordability. 

The HECM offers the added benefit of the low cost of living in the Rio Grande Valley. Furthermore, students who live in the Rio Grande Valley can save the cost of room and board by living at home.

To learn more, visit one of the helpful links below or contact the HECM's Scholarship and Financial Aid Office at hecm-financialaid@tamu.edu.

Texas A&M University Scholarships & Financial Aid  HECM Scholarships   Cost of Attendance 

 

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Undergraduate Admissions

When can I apply?

All students seeking admission to the HECM will need to complete the application for Texas A&M University. Students applying to majors that are offered both in College Station and McAllen may select McAllen as their preferred location on their application.

 

Fall 2026 — Higher Education Center at McAllen
August 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026

If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Texas A&M Application will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

Apply as a Freshman

A freshman applicant is a current high school student (with or without college credit) or a high school graduate with no college credit earned after high school graduation.

Apply as a Transfer Applicant

A transfer applicant is a student who has graduated high school and has enrolled in a post-secondary institution (with or without credit earned) during a fall or spring semester.

Apply as a Readmit

Students who were previously enrolled in a degree-granting program at Texas A&M University and did not complete their program of study can apply for readmission to the university.

A look at the exterior of the McAllen campus

Schedule a Visit Schedule a Visit by Phone: 956-271-1307

We welcome visitors all throughout the year. Whether you're a family, a high school, or any group that is interested in learning more about the Higher Education Center at McAllen, we welcome you. Please note that all groups are required to schedule a campus visit in advance. Once a request has been submitted, a Program Coordinator will contact you with additional information. Self-guided tours are not currently available for group visits.

Orientation

New Student Conferences

Once students are accepted to the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, students will receive communication about the next step in the enrollment process - New Student Conference (NSC). This mandatory full-day event includes a series of presentations about services and resources available at the Higher Education Center at McAllen as well as information specific to your major.

Howdy Week

After the New Student Conference, incoming students experience Howdy Week, a full week dedicated to presenting a wide array of activities, organizations, and important information for a successful first year in Aggieland. Passionate Aggies Leading McAllen (PALM) Camp is the first event of Howdy Week. It is a special event that strives to welcome incoming students into the Aggie family by sharing the traditions and values of Texas A&M University and building long-term relationships that embody the Aggie spirit. After PALM Camp, the week continues with students experiencing a series of informational sessions at the Higher Education Center at McAllen.

Howdy Week 2025 Schedule