Starting in the 2026-27 school year, Prairie View A&M University will raise the bar for incoming students, following a vote by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
The decision comes as Prairie View experiences unprecedented growth. Located just 40 miles northwest of Houston in Waller County, the Historically Black University welcomed its largest-ever freshman class last fall, enrolling about 2,300 first-year students.
According to PVAMU President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande, 600 students who met admissions criteria were turned away due to space limitations.
With enrollment nearing 10,000 students—hitting 9,893 in fall 2024—university officials are actively exploring ways to accommodate demand, including expanding student housing. As a result of continued interest, waitlists have already formed for the upcoming 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.
These changes will help ensure that students are better positioned for success once they get here.”
Dr. Tomeika LeGrande
“We’ve been in really high demand for the last couple of years,” said LeGrande. “These changes will help ensure that students are better positioned for success once they get here.”
Tougher—but still inclusive—standards
The most significant shift involves the university’s automatic admissions policy. Currently, students qualify for automatic acceptance if they meet any one of the following: rank in the top 50% of their high school class, earn a GPA of at least 2.8, or score 1060 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT.
Beginning in fall 2026, those standards will tighten. To be automatically admitted, students must now rank in the top 35% of their class or have a GPA of at least 3.2, though SAT and ACT score thresholds will remain unchanged.
Still, LeGrande emphasized that the university remains committed to access. Students who do not meet the new automatic criteria will undergo a holistic admissions review, considering factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.
Expanded Support for Underprepared Students
In addition to adjusting standards, Prairie View is revamping its support for students who may need extra help transitioning to college life. Students granted “conditional” admission may be required to complete a five-week summer bridge program. Earning a GPA of 2.0 or higher during the program could lead to full admission, with ongoing academic requirements to remain enrolled.
LeGrande said these changes align with her broader vision of transforming Prairie View into a national leader in student achievement.
“These aren’t about exclusivity—they’re about readiness,” she said. “We’re building a campus where students can thrive, graduate, and go on to lead.”
