UTEP's published cost of attendance is $19,327 per year, including $9,744 in in-state tuition, $10,864 for room and board, and $1,646 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $25,512.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $19,836 |
| Tuition and Fees | $25,502 |
| Room and Board | $10,864 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,646 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,433 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,403 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,863 |
| $30–48k | $8,136 |
| $48–75k | $10,120 |
| $75–110k | $14,093 |
| $110k+ | $18,282 |
UTEP's published cost of attendance is $19,327 per year, including $9,744 in in-state tuition, $10,864 for room and board, and $1,646 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $25,512. However, the average student pays just $10,726 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,601 compared to the sticker price.
This net price falls significantly below the peer median of $15,590, making UTEP $4,864 more affordable than similar public institutions. The substantial gap between published cost and actual net price reflects the institution's commitment to affordability through financial aid targeting. For Texas residents, the in-state tuition advantage makes higher education particularly accessible.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UTEP students graduate with median debt of $18,000, well below the peer median of $20,000 and ranking well above average nationally for debt management. Student debt ranges from $5,000 at the 25th percentile to $23,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is favorable, meaning debt equals approximately 35% of first-year post-graduation income, supporting manageable repayment timelines. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,857 with monthly payments of approximately $143, indicating modest family borrowing beyond student loans.
The $2,000 debt advantage compared to peer institutions reflects both lower net prices and student borrowing discipline, contributing to stronger post-graduation financial stability. Compared to the $60,543 peer median earnings, UTEP students graduate with proportionally less debt despite earning $9,620 less annually, creating a more favorable debt-to-income profile than many peer institutions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UTEP delivers reasonable return on educational investment despite modestly below average earnings performance. Graduates earn $1,422 less than expected relative to similar students, placing the institution around the national average for earnings uplift.
However, the $18,000 median debt compared to $20,000 at peer institutions creates a more favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. The $10,726 net price represents strong value compared to the peer median of $15,590, providing $4,864 in cost savings that helps offset lower earnings outcomes.
Low-income graduates earning $41,600 rank in the top 50% nationally, indicating solid economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and reasonable earnings creates favorable conditions for long-term financial stability, particularly for first-generation and lower-income students who represent the majority of UTEP's enrollment.
UTEP's financial aid system effectively serves its diverse student population, with 60.6% of students receiving Pell grants compared to national averages around 35% at four-year institutions. The average savings of $8,601 per student demonstrates substantial institutional commitment to affordability through federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
Net prices ranging from $9,413 for lowest-income students to $18,978 for highest-income families show progressive aid distribution that prioritizes need-based support. The significant aid targeting toward lower-income students aligns with UTEP's enrollment of 60.6% Pell-eligible students, ensuring that financial barriers are minimized for those who face the greatest economic challenges.
This aid structure enables the institution to serve its mission as an access-oriented university while maintaining financial sustainability. The gap between sticker price and net price indicates that most families pay substantially less than the published cost of attendance, making higher education more accessible than the initial sticker price suggests.
