Students at The University of Texas at El Paso benefit from exceptional affordability and access, with net prices well below national averages and strong support for first-generation students.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," UTEP combines broad access with meaningful economic outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks The University of Texas at El Paso among public four-year institutions nationwide for its exceptional combination of access and affordability, though earnings outcomes are more moderate. What makes UTEP distinctive is its role as a true "Mobility Engine" — it opens its doors widely to students from all backgrounds and provides them with affordable pathways to stable, middle-class careers. With over 60% of students receiving Pell Grants and more than 40% being first-generation college students, UTEP serves one of the most economically diverse student bodies in Texas.
The university's strength lies in its commitment to accessibility without compromising on program quality. Net prices for low-income students average just $9,413 annually, placing UTEP among the most affordable options for families who need it most. While median earnings of $50,923 ten years after enrollment are modest compared to flagship universities, they represent meaningful economic mobility for the students UTEP serves.
As a large public research university in El Paso, UTEP combines the resources of a major institution with a genuine commitment to serving working-class families and first-generation students. The university's location on the U.S.-Mexico border creates unique opportunities for students interested in international business, healthcare, and engineering careers that serve diverse communities.
The University of Texas at El Paso's program portfolio reflects its commitment to preparing students for stable, in-demand careers that serve regional workforce needs. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the university's flagship program, combining high enrollment with strong earnings outcomes — 347 graduates annually earn a median of $62,710, making it both the most popular and highest-return program at UTEP. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the El Paso region and throughout Texas.
Engineering programs provide the highest individual earnings potential, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $66,821 early in their careers. While engineering enrollment is more modest at 105 graduates, these programs create clear pathways into well-paying technical careers in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. The university's location near the Mexican border and its proximity to major manufacturing centers provides engineering graduates with unique opportunities in international business and cross-border trade.
UTEP's largest programs tend to focus on public service and practical career preparation. Corrections Administration enrolls 283 students annually, leading to stable careers in criminal justice and public safety with earnings around $28,073. While these earnings are more modest, they represent solid middle-class opportunities for students interested in serving their communities. The university's program mix emphasizes accessibility and practical career preparation over high-earning but selective fields, aligning with its mission as a mobility engine for first-generation and working-class students.
Graduates of The University of Texas at El Paso achieve solid, middle-class earnings that represent meaningful upward mobility for the students the university serves. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $50,923, which provides a stable foundation for building long-term financial security. While these earnings are modest compared to more selective institutions, they reflect UTEP's mission of serving students from working-class backgrounds and preparing them for stable, professional careers.
The strongest financial outcomes come from UTEP's health sciences and engineering programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-earning and most popular program, graduating 347 students annually with median earnings of $62,710 — well above the university average and reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $66,821, while graduating 105 students into well-paying technical careers. Even programs like Corrections Administration, which enrolls 283 students as one of UTEP's largest majors, leads to stable public service careers with earnings around $28,073.
UTEP's program mix reflects its commitment to practical, career-focused education that serves regional workforce needs. The university's strength in nursing, engineering, and criminal justice creates clear pathways into stable employment, while its location in El Paso provides access to healthcare systems, manufacturing, and government agencies that actively recruit UTEP graduates.
The University of Texas at El Paso stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in Texas, particularly for students who need financial assistance most. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $9,413 per year, well below the national average and making college accessible to families with limited resources. Middle-income families see annual costs around $11,289, while even higher-income students pay a reasonable $18,978 — all figures that keep higher education within reach for working families throughout the region.
Debt levels at UTEP remain manageable relative to the earnings graduates achieve. Typical students leave with about $18,000 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's focus on affordability. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,857, reflecting the fact that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and savings rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university's strong financial aid programs help ensure that students can focus on their studies rather than worrying about overwhelming debt burdens.
What makes UTEP particularly sustainable for families is the combination of low upfront costs and predictable debt levels. With median earnings around $50,923 ten years after graduation, most borrowers can handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain, creating a clear path from college access to long-term financial stability.
The University Of Texas At El Paso Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
