The University of Texas at El Paso

Public · Moderately Selective · TX

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith (Public domain)

School data & stats

TypePublic

LocationTX · South

SettingUrban

Undergrads21,005

Student:faculty21:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate23%

6-yr grad rate50.2%

Drop-out rate21.1%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$10k

Out-of-state tuition$26k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity96%

Gender diversity54.6%

International3.6%

Identity—

Overview

UTEP is a public research university sitting directly on the U.S.-Mexico border across from Ciudad Juárez, serving a student body that is overwhelmingly Hispanic and largely first-generation. It is frequently cited nationally as a model for social mobility, turning research-university resources, including a designation among the nation's top tier of research institutions, toward a population many peer institutions don't reach.

Academics

Engineering is a particular strength, with deep historical roots in mining and metallurgical engineering that have evolved into broader programs in electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, supported by research funding disproportionate to the university's selectivity. Bilingual, border-region expertise runs through programs in business, health sciences, and public policy as well, and cybersecurity and computer science have grown into notable strengths given the region's proximity to defense and border-security employers. Undergraduate research access is notably strong for a school of its accessibility level.

Campus & student life

The campus is known for its distinctive Bhutanese-inspired architecture, a deliberate design choice dating to the early 20th century that sets it apart visually from any other American university, set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert. Student life reflects the binational border community, with deep ties to Ciudad Juárez, a largely commuter, regionally-rooted student population, and Miners athletics playing home football games at the Sun Bowl stadium.

Getting in

Admissions is access-oriented, prioritizing opportunity for regional and first-generation students over competitive selectivity, with a straightforward application process that reflects the university's mission rather than a search for a narrow applicant profile. Many applicants are the first in their family to pursue a four-year degree, and the university has built support structures around that reality.

After graduation

Engineering and computer science graduates often move into defense, semiconductor, and border-industry employers in the El Paso-Juárez region, as well as national aerospace and technology companies, while health-sciences graduates frequently stay in the region's growing medical sector. The university's research-university resources paired with strong regional employer ties give graduates a practical, often locally-rooted career pipeline.

Worth knowing

The border location and distinctive architecture make this one of the most visually and culturally unique campus settings in the country, and the combination of serious research-university resources with an accessible admissions profile is an unusual pairing worth knowing about. Its research designation and status as a Hispanic-serving institution also make it a significant hub for federally-funded research aimed at underserved student populations.

utep.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate99.9%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 860–1080 · ACT 17–22

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying (2026-27 cycle)

Apply through ApplyTexas.

Priority / scholarshipMay 1

There's no binding early decision or early action; applications and supporting documents are due by the priority date shown.

Verified from the school’s admissions pages ↗