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Student sway to the Aggie War Hymn.
Students at the Higher Education Center at McAllen swaying to the Aggie War Hymn.


Students at the Higher Education Center at McAllen have a unique opportunity to earn an engineering degree from Texas A&M University while living in a thriving, close-knit community in the Rio Grande Valley. This remote learning center was established to prepare students to work in local industries and beyond. Students who begin their studies in McAllen have the option to stay and earn their four-year Texas A&M engineering degree in McAllen for a certain number of B.S. degree programs, or they can transition to our College Station or Galveston campuses through the Entry to a Major process.

Visit us in McAllen

Are you interested in visiting and learning about the McAllen campus? Sign up for a tour and an info session, and you can learn all about the many perks of studying engineering at our McAllen campus.

Schedule a Visit

Now that you have been accepted into the Engineering at McAllen program, here's what you need to do next: 

1. Accept your offer of admission. 

You can do that by registering for a New Student Conference (NSC) – the sooner, the better. The pre-enrollment checklist available in the Applicant Information System takes you through the step-by-step process. For more information, visit the Office of Admissions’ Admitted Student website.

2. Prepare for your New Student Conference.

Your NSC is a mandatory introduction to Texas A&M University and the College of Engineering. During your NSC, you will meet our General Engineering academic advisors and register for your first semester of classes. Learn more at Texas A&M's NSC page.

3. Apply for financial aid.

Don't forget to apply for financial aid and explore all scholarship opportunities on Texas A&M’s Scholarships and Financial Aid website.

4. Practice, practice, practice for your Math Placement Exam.

Prior to attending your NSC, you’ll take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) that will determine which math course you are placed in for your first semester. We can't stress enough how important this is. The MPE will test your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, exponentials, etc. While the MPE does not test your calculus knowledge, you should take it seriously and prepare for the MPE well ahead of your scheduled test date (i.e., review material, self-study and take practice exams). Scoring 22 or higher on the MPE and demonstrating readiness to enroll in Calculus I (MATH 151) during your first semester in the College of Engineering is the first step toward earning your engineering degree within a four-year period. Visit our MPE page for more information about what to expect on the test, how to register for a test date and a link to the practice test.

5. Explore off-campus housing options.

Check out off-campus resources under frequently asked questions to learn more about housing options, roommates and off-campus life.

6. Bring your own device.

Just like approved textbooks are required for learning, it's important that you purchase a computer that is optimized for the software you'll use as an engineering student. Not sure which device you want to use yet? Check out a list of recommended devices on our Bring Your Own Device page.

7. Upload a photo for your student ID.

All engineering students are required to upload a photo via the online photo submission to have their Aggie Card (the official Texas A&M ID card) produced on the Student Business Services website. Once you upload your photo, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how pick up your Aggie Card. You will need to provide photo identification to pick up your Aggie Card.

8. Take a selfie. You got in!

Tag us @TAMUEngineering on Instagram so we can celebrate with you.

9. Still have questions about your offer of admission for engineering?

Register to attend one of our Admitted Student Virtual Sessions or email us at engineering-recruiters@tamu.edu.