U.S University reputations

[airbolt]

I'm doing a short story which involves a character who attended Texas A&M University ( the parameters weren't set by me! ). Obviously i've researched the facts about the place but i wondered what sort of reputation the place had in the States.

I'm really trying to establish if it is liberal or conservative, academic or sports - that sort of thing.

Anything would be appreciated!

[Clanad]

Politically and socially, A&M at College Station, Texas, is a notably conservative school. It's students are predominantly Texas natives since the State charges about only about 1/3 of the cost of tuition as charged to non-resident students. The school, which is predominantly an engineering school, is consistently one of the top rated schools in the U.S., especially in post graduate degrees. American style football is king, though and the Aggies are always a post season bowl contender. School motto is "Hook 'em Horns" (including a unique hand gesture), since the mascot is a Texas Longhorn steer.

The school is a U.S. Land Grant school, which further defines classes and tuitions...