September 16, 2009

Arleene Barrios

Public Information Officer
UTEP Office of University Communications
Phone: 915-539-4677
E-mail: news@utep.edu


UTEP Sets New Fall Enrollment Record

Enrollment has reached an all-time high of 21,011 at The University of Texas at El Paso, an almost 3 percent increase over the fall 2008 figure.

The record, the greatest year-to-year jump since 2006, reflects awareness on the part of students that they are receiving a quality education at the emerging research university, one of seven in the state striving to attain Tier One status.

The figure also represents the eighth straight year in which enrollment has climbed at the University.

“This is very good news,” UTEP President Diana Natalicio said. “The continuing growth in UTEP’s enrollment means that more residents of this region are pursuing their dreams via the many outstanding academic programs offered on this campus.

“Whether they come to us as freshmen, directly from area high schools, or transfer from EPCC or other colleges and universities in Texas, the U.S. and elsewhere across the globe, students know that UTEP’s bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs will provide them with rich educational experiences and prepare them well for productive and satisfying lives.”

As UTEP moves toward Tier One status, Natalicio has focused on creating a 21st century educational model that balances access, affordability and excellence in an institution that offers almost 80 bachelor’s degrees, 85 master’s degrees and 16 doctorates – with more on the way.

As the number of degrees offered increases, officials strive to maintain reasonable costs for students. UTEP’s annual cost of $6,224 is below the state average of $6,557 and well below the cost of other emerging research universities in the state, such as UT Dallas ($10,340), UT Arlington ($8,378), UT San Antonio ($8,092), the University of Houston ($8,168) and the University of North Texas ($7,660).

The number of semester credit hours students are taking also has increased, jumping 2.7 percent to 218,871 this fall from 213,161 in 2008. That represents the biggest jump since a 3 percent increase in 2006.

“Students are taking more classes, which puts them on track to graduate sooner,” said Craig Westman, Ph.D., associate provost for enrollment services.

“(Overall) the numbers are great,” he said. “They are a result of excellent outreach efforts, and students are recognizing the value of a UTEP degree.”

Fall Semester Enrollment