UTEP reports record number of incoming students

EL PASO, TX – The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) reported enrollment of 3,600 freshmen for the school year that just began Aug. 22, which represented a 22 percent increase compared to fall 2021.

“As the pandemic has subsided, students have embraced what UTEP has to offer: academic excellence, exceptional value and our caring culture,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson.

The previous record for first-time students enrolled at the university was set in fall 2019, when 3,400 first-time freshmen enrolled.

“We saw across-the-board increases in all demographic groups. More El Paso students are starting their college careers at UTEP. We have also seen increased interest from across Texas and out of state,” said Dr. Amanda Vasquez, assistant vice president for enrollment management.

The new generation of students is the first to benefit from the Paydirt Promise Plus program announced this year. Thanks in part to support from the University of Texas System, in-state students with family incomes of less than $75,000 can attend UTEP without having to pay out-of-pocket for tuition and fees.

“One of the best feelings in the world is when you can tell a student who didn’t think they could afford college that yes, they can come to UTEP and their tuition is paid for,” said Gary Edens, vice president for student affairs.

The educational institution indicated that philanthropic scholarship support has also helped students afford college. Among the many scholarship opportunities available are those offered by the Lopez Foundation. This year, more than a dozen students will receive this comprehensive benefit, which includes funds for housing and study abroad.

The five most popular programs chosen by new UTEP students this fall were nursing, business, biological sciences, psychology and computer science.