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Freshman Research Initiative (FRI)

FRI Replication Sites

FRI-like programs beyond the forty acres.

FRI has introduced first-year college students to real research experiences alongside faculty scientists for over a decade. Since 2005, thousands of freshmen have participated in FRI, experiencing a range of benefits.

FRI students are:

  • 35% more likely to graduate in four years
  • Twice as likely to graduate with a degree in science or math compared to non-participants
  • graduating with higher GPAs
  • Three times more likely to pursue an advanced degrees

FRI's proven positive results have caught the attention of other institutions around Texas and the country, with several universities now replicating the program on their own campuses.