Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX, USA

Reviews

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Mike from TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being a commuter school, I figured the classes would be very boring and simple. It turns out that for the most part, they were anything from that. Almost every teacher I have had has no problem slowing down during a class and making sure everyone understands the information being taught, and every teacher has designated office or tutoring hours to make sure that each student has the opportunity to learn a lot. I am a Math Major, so I am learning a lot each day in upper level classes, however even in basic core classes that every student has to take I found myself learning plenty of new information. Classes at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi are generally smaller then a lot of universities. In my major specific classes there are anywhere from ten to thirty students. My core classes have anywhere from 100-250 students, however each professor has many teacher assistants and graders, so there is always someone to contact in order to help learn material incase you are struggling.
Am enjoying being here
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi is a smaller community then many other universities, which can be good or bad depending on the type of person you are. I personally enjoy the larger crowds and communities and meeting as many people as possible, which you can certainly do here, just not to the extent that you would at a larger college. There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, and chances to meet them such as luncheons and gatherings, but they always to seem to be at inconvenient times. I personally have developed a smaller group of friends, all of whom are in the same major and have the same general class schedule and curriculum as I do. As far as the school itself, the campus is one of the most beautiful in the countries hands down. There are colorful tropical flowers all over the campus, it is sunny just about every day, and from just about any class room you can look out and see water on all sides (because the school is on an island). The city itself is nice, but other then the beach, a few clubs, and Corpus Christi Hooks baseball games, there aren't many typical college restaurants or entertainment.
Bang for the buck
When measuring the price of the school versus the quality of the education, this school in my opinion is one of the bargains out of any public four year colleges in Texas. To take 15 hours, which is generally what the average student takes, is about $3,000-$3,300 per semester including the price of books. The quality of education is a lot stronger then people anticipate going to a smaller commuter or feeder school, and it is definitely a bargain. The only semi-complaint would be the price of housing on campus, which is inflated about $75-$100 higher per month then the normal apartment or dorm room. Students should probably live on campus for the first year to network and meet people, and then move to off campus apartments or lease a house in the neighborhood near campus to be more affordable in the future.
Tips for prospective students
Build a good relationship with the guidance counselors there, because they are very helpful. The general student population is very kind and helpful, so don't be intimidated by the fact that they are college students. They were once in your shoes, so most people will always be willing to be helpful. It's probably best to live on campus your first year to make sure you meet more people, and it is also a lot easier to get to class on time when you have a five minute walk compared to a ten minute drive, and the ten minutes extra trying to find a rare parking spot. Try and meet as many new people and groups to find your place, but remember at the same time that while college is an experience, you're there to receive your degree and get the best grades possible.
Great for these types of students
This school is best for students coming from smaller towns with smaller high schools (or anyone who prefers smaller classes) because the classes are larger, but not too overwhelming compared to other schools like Texas A&M - College Station or the University of Texas. The largest class at TAMU-CC is 250 students, whereas at one of those other universities the largest classes are up to 500 or 600 people. The nursing program is very strong, so anyone interested in nursing or medicine should apply, as well as anyone who wants to try and transfer to Texas A&M - College Station.

Kimberly from Friendswood

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at TAMUCC really know what they are talking about. I have just completed my first semester here and the learning opportunities are everywhere. Even in the basic classes, the teachers still work hard to help you with everything you need and there are many tutoring times and places. The professors are always ready to answer questions through emails, phone calls, and office hours. I went to a smaller high school, where the teachers were all about preparing for college and trying to help and I see many similarities from high school into college. The classes can be more challenging at different points and I have had some struggles, but for the most part this college just wants to help you do the best you can and get you where you want to be. TAMUCC has a program called First-Year Learning Communities. They are an excellent place to meet people to study with and learn how to get the most out of your freshman year. I met my best friend in these classes and we have learned so much, studying together and working on projects.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love the campus. Its located on its own little island and even has a very small beach. The real beaches are also a short drive away and the weather, though sometimes random, is usually very nice. I have met so many friends and I am planning on joining a sorority next semester. The sororities and fraternities at TAMUCC are much different than other schools. We don't have special housing, but the greeks are like a family. Also, with a strict no-hazing policy, they are very safe. I have only heard good things about them. I attended the freshman camp called Aloha Days and it was pretty fun. I learned a lot about the school and met some really good friends. The campus is rather small. I can walk form one side to the other in less than 15 minutes for sure. There is also a really nice walking and biking trail around the island and plenty to do.
Bang for the buck
College is expensive, lets face it. But at TAMUCC they help you find the right scholarships and financial aid. There are many people, from the financial aid and scholarship office to the different college's offices, that are more than ready to help you get money for school. TAMUCC is also not as expensive as some colleges. It is just about the same as most other public schools.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus. Learn about the different clubs you can join. Check out the program they offer for your major. I know this is an excellent place to get an Education degree and a Nursing degree. [Our brand new nursing building is opening sometimes in 2010 I think! And we have a college of business building on the way.] But visit once, visit twice. Look around the town and get to know it. Make sure you want to be here and don't settle on just any college.
Great for these types of students
Anyone looking into an Education degree [my major]- At TAMUCC they work to get you into the classrooms and student teaching asap. Most of the Junior and Senior Year are observing and Student teaching at the Early Childhood Development Center on campus. This is basically a lottery school that has Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kinder and 1st through 6th grades. They even offer work-study jobs there [I am doing that as well and it is definitely amazing.]
Nursing students- I hear we have a very good nursing program here, with the new building just about ready to open and everything.
Anyone that loves the beach- the view of the bay is just beautiful. I love studying in the library and being able to look out and see the water.
There is a place for just about anyone here. It is really easy to get involved and the people are really nice. I highly suggest it.

Elizabeth from Ingleside, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a biomedical sciences major, so most of the curriculum I am taking consists of science courses. These classes are challenging and keep you working, but the education you receive is well worth the effort. The professors are kind and are willing to listen to any problems you are having as well as help you through these problems. At bigger universities it is harder to have one on one time with the professors, which could lead to struggling through the class.
Am enjoying being here
I must admit this was not my first choice college, but it was the only college in which I applied that ended up having the major I chose. I do enjoy the classes and the interaction between student and professor, but Corpus does not hold much entertainment for students. There are sports, concerts, clubs, as well as malls, but no other sources that are cheaper for the struggling college students.
Bang for the buck
Compared to other four year universities, this college is inexpensive and easier to prepare for. Bigger universities such as A&M College Station are much more expensive and the teacher to student ratio is much larger which is also a downside. I think A&M Corpus Christi is a great bang for your buck!
Tips for prospective students
It is easy for college students to get caught up in partying which is only natural, but I would have to say to also stay focused on what you want from college and how well you would like to do. If you get to caught up in college life you might find yourself not doing as well as you anticipated.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for dedicated students who want a good education as well as students that want to experience the college life. There is great interaction between students and professors, which is great for those determined students, but there are also many student groups and sports teams for the student looking to have fun.

Sarah from Plano, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are so many different course options here at TAMUCC. The school is incredible and the classes are so absorbing! The teachers here are so helpful. They are very willing to help all the students pass whether it is a class of 20 students or a class of 200. Here, you can tell the teachers love what they do and actually ENJOY teaching! I have learned so much from not only the teachers but the students as well. There are always study sessions going on and everyone is willing to help you.
Am enjoying being here
I did not know what to expect coming down here and now that I am here, I don't want to leave! I absolutely love all the different things they have to offer here. Since August I have become a part of a sorority and other organizations as well and they are all so beneficial to my personal skills. I love being able to study in the library while gazing at the beach simultaneously. It is a very relaxed environment here and the people are amazing. It is not a huge campus like UT or anything, but it is big enough to where I see new faces everyday. It is nice being here on the beach! We have our own little beach for the students which is really nice in the warm weather. As for the colder days however, there is not a whole lot to do.
Bang for the buck
The cost of tuition here is very reasonable. My parents are very glad I chose to come here because it was in state and they are so helpful with helping find loans and other payment options. TAMUCC is affordable for a lot of people and it is totally worth every penny! The major cost for me is living on campus. My friends are paying a lot less to live off campus which is probably the route I should have taken. The university center offers a variety of food for a pretty good price. There is a chick-fil-a and fresh made sushi and other types of food for around 4 to 5 dollars a plate depending on what you get!
Tips for prospective students
If you want to go to college, go here! It is such an amazing place because they are very grade focused and seriously help you in every way possible to get you the grade you need. It's also a really good idea to become involved in different clubs and organizations because it is a great way to make friends and network. Don't be afraid to talk to people in your class, it's good to know everyone in there incase you miss or something comes up. Exercise when you can, it seriously helps your mind stay focused! College is something everyone needs to experience, it's life-changing.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people who are laid back and love the beach! There are not a whole lot of crazy places to walk to like in Austin but there are beautiful sites to see in down town Corpus. The students here are all really nice. The campus puts on a lot of activities and there is always something going on which I absolutely love.

Brandy from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
texas a&m university corpus christi is a great campus. the senery is beautiful, campus life is always busy you will never find yourself bored, and there are so may oppertunities for growth as a student. the profesors are really good at being there for their students and there are plenty of resorces if any help is needed in a corse.
Tips for prospective students
Come to TAMUCC with an open mind and be ready to get involved for the ultimate college experience. dont let the beach distract you, focus on school first then play latter. Dont be afraid to talk to your professor they are more than willing to help you, just take the initiative and go talk to them.
Academic Rigor
Acadimics are very important here at Texas A&M Corpus Christ. Its very competive and gradeas are taken sirioiusly.
Dorm Life
dorm life is a good experience it's very covenant and it is pretty quite. the facilities are really nice and the RA's are very helpful. the only down side is that Camden's prices are a little high and they are sometimes hard to reach.
Food and Dining
they do not have a cafeteria they just have food vendors and the prices are really high, that's one of the only down side to the campus. There are not many food choices and its almost all fast food and pricey.
What to do for fun
there is always the beach, bowling and there are a few dance halls. there are also so historic sites to visit and the aquarium is always fun. We are also getting a Schlitterban.
Bang for the buck
The price of tuition is resonable. There are a lot of experinces you get at TAMUCC that you can not get any where else. The only thing that I do not agree with is th eon campus housing they are way over priced and there arnt very many other options.
Great for these types of students
texas a&m corpus christi is a great place for every type of student. expecialy the fun and out going students. students who are serious about their studies, and students who like a close comunity atmosphere.
Clubs and Activities
there are many clubs and activities to get involved in there is always some type of event going on around campus.
Campus Safety
there are officers on duty 24hrs a day so there is always someone there to help if needed.

Mariana from Corpus Christi, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
TAMUCC is like the dream beach campus, the sunsets, private beach and palm trees every where give you breath taking views everyday. Classes are small enough for professors to pay attention and help you with anything. I just completed my second year here and love it to death.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you get to know your professors and always go to office hours! Your first year you will have a seminar class to help you get through your first year here, DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED! The class is always fun and helps a lot for your next years here.
Academic Rigor
Professors are here for you. They will help you with anything you need just ask. Every class has a syllabus from which class is handled, so make sure you read it and always be prepared for class.
Dorm Life
There are 4 types of campus living: regular dorms, apartments, double suites and individual suites. Most of the buildings are new so you don't really have to worry about anything. RA's are always organizing little events, movie nights, game nights and other stuff to get to know the residents and it's a great way to make friends!!
Food and Dining
Food is fairly good. When you live on campus the dining hall is free and the food is good, always has different menus very day. There is also SubWay, Pizza Hut, Panda Express, Starbucks and Chick-fi-la.
What to do for fun
BEACH! Everyone always goes to the beach. Also, a lot of student organizations are always having fun events on campus with FREE food, shirts, and goodies..
Bang for the buck
Classes are not that expensive compared to other universities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Since the campus is on an island, all around it there is a trail where you can bike around, run or walk. There are also some hidden places along the trail that has gazebos right next to the water and it;s cute. Also, if you are a cat person be prepared for the island because it's full of them!!
Great for these types of students
If you're an outdoor person, this campus is perfect for you. The campus is very small too.

Rebecca from Chireno, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The campus is relatively small. There are only 10,000 students! The student to teacher ratio is very low, so you are able to lots of one-on-one time with the professors. Don't let freshman year discourage you, the classes are just a little larger that year than others due to a high volume of freshman taking basic courses! The professors are highly prestigious, meaning that they know the subjects they are teaching very well, and can basically answer any questions you have.
Am enjoying being here
Texas A&M Corpus Christi is a wonderful college. The campus is beautiful! I absolutely fell in love with the campus when I first visited. The university is full of loads of fun activities. Another wonderful thing is the cultural diversity. There are many different people from different cultures and walks of life. You can learn alot simply by interacting with other students.
Bang for the buck
As previously mentioned, the professors are wonderful, and at the rate you will pay for tuition, you are definitely getting a high quality education at a low cost. If you are unsure about financial aid, have no worries, the Student Services Center/Financial Aid Office will help you in finding the best way for paying for your tuition.
Tips for prospective students
There are several things I would recommend to a new student or someone who is planning on attending TAMUCC.
1. Always accept your awards through your S.A.I.L account. It may appear as though you've been awarded your tuition, but make sure that you hit the accept button or the awards will disappear after two weeks, and it is very hard to get them back. (If you were under the Islander Guarantee, you will probably have to take out loans at this point.) Just make sure you accept your awards!
2. I would recommend buying your textbooks from an online source. Do some research and figure out where you will get them at the cheapest price. The campus book store is wonderful for souveniers/ college gear, but the price of the textbooks will not be very discounted. I would recommend getting USED textbooks because they are always cheaper.
3. Live on campus for your freshman year, or while you are adjusting to the college life or even just the campus. The rent is a little high, but you get free internet, phone, cable TV, and all other bills are paid. Living off campus can become more expensive if you have to pay bills! The Camden Miramar housing is wonderful and a very short distance from your classes.
Great for these types of students
Overall, TAMUCC is great for everyone. If you love interaction with all types of new people, a well trained staff, low tuition rates, and more, then this university is for you.

Francesca from Round Rock, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This campus is beautiful and full of busy student organizations trying to spread news and gain members. Everyone can fit in because there is a social event or greek event that caters to everyones needs. The beach is right across the street!
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to ask fro help or to visit one of the help centers on campus like CASA. It's all rolled into your tuition, so use it lose it!
Choose your friends wisely. There will always be parties, but will there always be time to study for that major test coming up?
Academic Rigor
Most professors will show that they care, but that doesn't mean that they will offer you freehand outs or extra credit. College is tough, but i promise you,it is SO worth it.
Dorm Life
The dorms here are much nicer than most. They are spacious and have been building new dorms and apartment style housing on and off campus. Living on campus is great because you can roll out of bed and go straight to class. Plus the amenities like the meal plan, free laundry, and the closeness to the beach really make it worth while.
The only downside to living on campus, is when the weather gets really windy and rainy the electricity and internet go out because we are right on the shore.
Food and Dining
The school has recently built a new dining hall which is fabulous! Its like having a home-cooked every day. We also have a full sized Starbucks and a mini Starbucks. We also have a Subway and a Mexican food restaurant on campus called Chick'n Grill. All of these places provide meal swipes so you can eat wherever you want through the meal plan.
Construction is currently being done on our University Center (UC) which will have a Pizza Hut and other dining options available.
What to do for fun
There are many university bars (if you are of age) Cool dance clubs like XS, Ropers, and The Bay. Of course what most people do for fun is grab a few friends and head to the beach. There are kite, fishing, and professional sand castle building events, which are pretty cool!
If shopping is more your speed, Corpus has built a new mall and there is a great little shop called Threads that is a local and groovy second hand store.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is about 20,000, but it is much lower than many surrounding schools and it is the only university located on an Island! So you get what you pay for.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During Homecoming week we have the Lighting of the I which is where all the students come out and watch as our head dean torches the giant I that we all take pride in.
We also have a zombie game that goes on for two weeks during October for some Halloween spirit, and some people get really into it tackling their friends from across the lawns.
There is also the tunnel of oppression that the Islander Culture Association plans every year to educate and get people involved with tragic events that happen every day across the globe.
The Garcia Plaza is a place where anyone can take the stage and say what they feel. Its kind of like a free speech zone.There are also people that go up there to sing karaoke or to play an instrument. People also play human chess there because the stage is part human chess board. Its pretty stellar.
Our dining hall also celebrates a different part of the world. We have visited New York, Japan and India through the culture of food.This was the first year the hall was open so there are more countries to come!
Great for these types of students
This University is for students that have a strong willpower. I say this because it is very easy to blow off class and go tan by the tides. You need to be self- motivated and focused in order to succeed.
Clubs and Activities
There are SO MANY CLUBS and organizations here at TAMUCC! There is a club for every interest ranging from fishing to computer science to politics and everything in between. And making your own club is as easy as joining a club, all you need is a sponsor and at least four other people.
Greek Life
Greek life is alive here at campus, but it doesn't rule the school and everyone gets along great.
Campus Safety
Police always patrol the campus grounds on bikes and SUV's. They are only a phone call away. You can call them if you have a late class and you don't want to walk to your car by yourself or if you lost you Sandollar (campus key card) to get into your building. I never feel unsafe in campus- even at night- because we have police towers. If you push the button someone will be at your location quickly.

Miranda from Canyon, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi provides a positive and upbeat learning environment. You are not only living on a beautiful campus, you're earning an amazing education while doing so. Overall, it's a fantastic school to be at.
Tips for prospective students
Attend Island Day! It's the school preview day, where they do fun stuff and give you a campus tour. I'm a tour guide for the school, so I work at every Island Day and help prospective students like you! It's fun, and you get a free t-shirt.
Dorm Life
I lived on campus my first semester, in their residential halls, which are simply dorms. They also have apartments on campus, if that interests yu. They're very nice, because you don't share a community bathroom.. you share it with one other person, at most. I had my own room, and so did my roommate, and our rooms were connected by a bathroom. We just shared a shower and toilet. We had our own personal sinks (which had a TON of counter space). I think its a GREAT thing to live on campus your first year, because you can adjust to college easier by not having to find parking and just walking to class. Also, there's a washer/dryer and kitchen on every floor of your dorm building. Nobody ever really uses the kitchens, and they are cleaned daily (minus weekends) so you can cook meals in there! Camden Miramar, who owns the dorms/apartments on campus, has all sorts of events so they make living on campus fun! I would rate all 5 stars, but my dorm room had a couple of minor problems and it was pretty expensive.
Food and Dining
Let me explain my rating. I have a food allergy, so I can't eat wheat, and there were little to no options for me to eat on campus. When I was there last year, they didn't have a whole lot of options, but they just recently build a new dining hall that seems to have a lot of promise.
What to do for fun
The beach of course?! There are always bonfires going on, as well as campus events. I'm gonna admit, the campus beach is pretty from a distance but its not something you want to swim in. If you take a 15-20 min drive to some of our nice beaches (Mustang, JP Luby, North Padre, ect) you'll have so much fun. Or, take a 30 min drive out to Port Aransas! Art Walks the first Friday of every month, farmers markets, certain clubs (if you're into that, that's more of a sorority/frat scene), all sorts of stuff.
Bang for the buck
I think its definitely worth the money. It's a relatively cheap school (I mean, think how much you save in comparison to going to UT or A&M) and you get a stellar education. We have so much stuff to offer, I mean, we have one of the best nursing programs in the US, if you're in the science field you can get involved in undergraduate research! Something that is so rare/almost unheard of at other universities because they're so much bigger! We keep it very personal here, so you really get to know your professor.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our homecoming is in February, since we don't have football. Theres a statue of Hector P. Garcia in a plaza named after him on campus and for good luck every semester during finals you can touch his foot lol!
Great for these types of students
Outgoing, loves the beach/outdoors, looking to go to a smaller campus and want a more personal approach to their education, ect.
Clubs and Activities
We have everything from the scuba diving club to the sky diving club. So much stuff to get involved in, and over 150+ clubs, more being created every year by students. :)
Greek Life
I'm not involved in the Greek Life, but for a school our size, it's actually really prevalent here. They're all very nice too, and have changed my view on Greek Life.
Campus Safety
Extremely safe. We have actual police officers on campus, not just security guards, and they're on campus 24 hours a day 365 days a year. They're in cars, on bikes, in the library, all for your safety. I've always felt safe walking to my car at night. They have little poles everywhere that you can push a button if you feel unsafe for some reason, after 10:30 nobody can come into the resident halls/apartments without the campus ID card (sanddollar), also nobody can even get in to the dorm buildings without a sanddollar linked to that building. Super super safe. :)

Bethany from Tomball, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have never had so many opportunities to learn so much! The Professors are very open to discussion during office hours, and more than willing to help you if you need it, in almost every class there is also a supplemental instructor that holds smaller discussion classes to help clear up any problems, and there is a whole building dedicated to tutoring (The CASA, Center for Academic Student Achievement). If you don't feel you're learning it quite right, there's always somebody to help you. You don't even have to ask.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is rich with lush tropical foliage imported from all over the world. And being right on the beach is one of the most relaxing things I've ever known with all the stresses of school. The people are nice, the students are diverse, and there's always an opportunity to do something fun!
Bang for the buck
Like I mentioned earlier, TAMU-CC has one of the highest retention rates. They don't want to see you fail, and as such, offer a wide variety of tutoring and counseling services to help you do better. If I was going to a bigger campus or university I'm willing to bet my very little money that it wouldn't be anything like what we have here. Next semester I'm registerred to take 18 credit hours, and all of my tuition and fees only cost about the $3200 range, when on any bigger campus it would be twice that fo sure. Not only is it cheaper, it's also better because each professor really wants to see you succeed and do your best.
Tips for prospective students
Develop good study habits before coming into college will make life a whole lot easier, but if you don't have good study skills, then the people as the CASA will help you learn new skills. Also, don't forget to have fun! there are plenty of things to be involved in around campus!
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students. There's literally something here for everyone! Only on a Smaller Campus.