McMurry University and Abilene ISD are excited to announce a new partnership that offers AISD high school seniors automatic admission and scholarship to McMurry University if they earn a minimum 3.5 GPA or rank in the top 35 percent of their graduating class.
“Our partnership with AISD is an investment in the future of Abilene,” McMurry University President Dr. Lynne Murray said. “We want students to know they have a strong choice close to home, and we’re committed to making the path to McMurry open and accessible.”
The agreement underscores both institutions’ shared commitment to supporting students’ academic success and expanding access to higher education opportunities in Abilene. McMurry developed the Automatic Admission Program to extend beyond its Dual Credit Academy schools and ensure that qualified students have direct access to college admission, without barriers.
"We’re proud to partner with McMurry University to create more pathways for our students to succeed,” Abilene ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Kuhn said. “This agreement sends a clear message that higher education is within reach for every Abilene ISD student who works hard and dreams big.”
Through the partnership, AISD will provide McMurry with official transcripts for eligible students, allowing McMurry’s admissions team to verify qualification and extend admission offers directly. Seniors who meet the criteria can bypass the full undergraduate application and instead complete a short acceptance form that requires no essay or application fee. Once accepted, students will also receive automatic scholarship consideration and an early financial aid award package, helping families plan with confidence.
The collaboration ensures families with students at all grade levels—even middle school—see college as an attainable goal. And for high-achieving seniors in their busy final year, the streamlined admissions process makes taking the next step toward college simple and stress-free.
The partnership between McMurry University and AISD begins with the 2025-2026 academic year and extends through August 2028. More information can be found at https://apply.mcm.edu/portal/autoadmission.