It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

A&M–Kingsville's bilingual education program, offering degrees at the master's and doctoral levels, was the first of its kind in the country and continues to be one of the strongest.

In 2006, Texas A&M Health Science Center Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy opened as the first professional school of any kind at any university south of San Antonio.

The Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California recently identified Texas A&M University–Kingsville as one of the top 25 Hispanic-serving institutions in America.

The school is recognized as being "potential exemplary, or model, of effective practices for increasing the number of Latina and Latino bachelor’s degree holders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – known by the acronym STEM.

For almost four decades, its mission has been to provide global research, training, and resources that will lead to the discovery of medically important toxins found in snake venoms.

As one of the largest libraries in Texas,[citation needed] the collection boasts more than a half million volumes and over 700,000 microfiche documents.

The library hosts a rare book room that includes precious and uncommon materials from throughout Texas, the Southwest, and the United States.

The South Texas Archives are a state depository that contains the official records from many local towns, cities, special districts, courts, and other regional agencies.

[37] This plan calls for a multimillion-dollar improvement of the current campus infrastructure along with the development of several new buildings, walkways, green spaces, and parking additions.

[40] In addition to traditional male and female dorms, Texas A&M University–Kingsville provides many apartment style residence halls and suites that house approximately 1,200 students.

This optional housing arrangement helps provide a fraternal residential atmosphere for students from diverse backgrounds, academic fields and interests.

[42] These communities currently include Fitness and Wellness, Music, Engineering, Agriculture and Wildlife, Fashionista, Leadership, Technology and Honors.

[38] During the fall of 2010, the university received state authorization to begin planning and construction for a third new residence hall, to be completed in 2012.

[48] At a cost of more than $18 Million, this 98,000 square foot building provides suite-style two and four bedroom apartments with a kitchenette, living room and one or two bathrooms per unit.

In addition to the restaurants located on campus, the university operates several large dining halls in the dormitories and Student Union Building.

[51] The Memorial Student Union Building (commonly called the MSUB or SUB) is often referred to as the "living room of campus.

The Memorial Student Union Building also accommodates a large game room with a dozen pool tables, ping pong tables, a computer and study hall section, several large flat screen televisions, and a video arcade room.

The multistory complex also houses various recreational concourses that provide many activities for students, faculty, and staff throughout the semester.

Among these are a bowling alley, racquetball courts, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a fitness center, and large locker rooms.

Like KTAI, TAMUK TV-2 offers students the opportunity to work in various aspects and roles of broadcast media while earning college credit.

Both KTAI and TAMUK TV-2 are operated under the auspices of the Radio and Television division of the Communications and Theater Arts Department.

They are divided into categories: academic, community service, honor societies, faith-based, spirit & tradition, cultural/international, military, sports, Greek, performing & visual arts, social & political issues, student government, student media, health & recreation, programming, and special interest.

The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) since the 1954–55 academic year.

The university holds the record as the Division II school with the most professional athletes signed by teams in the NFL, including Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Gene Upshaw, Darrell Green, and John Randle.

[60] Because of its great success, attendance at football games in Javelina Stadium ranks amongst the highest in NCAA Division II.

In addition, the campus maintains facilities for tennis, soccer, racketball, swimming, platform diving and other various indoor sports.

Students can compete in basketball, flag football, bowling, softball, soccer and other intramural sports hosted at the school.