At $10,726/yr net price, The University of Texas at El Paso graduates earn $50,923/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,923/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,726 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,904 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,923/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,923/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,413/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,876/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,289/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,289/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,978/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $126,504 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,522 | $41,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | $26,718 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $76,802 | $44,877 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $76,460 | $38,201 |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $68,219 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 | $17,823 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $65,821 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $65,332 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,710 | $18,700 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at The University of Texas at El Paso graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The University of Texas at El Paso offers solid financial value for students who pick the right major and finish their degree, but your choice of program makes all the difference in your return on investment. With a net price around $10,700 annually and median debt of just $18,000, the school keeps costs manageable compared to national averages.
Nursing programs deliver strong returns at UTEP, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually despite higher debt loads. Computer engineering also pays off well with median earnings above $84,000. However, the 45.9% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree, making completion risk your biggest financial concern at this institution.
The El Paso job market creates both opportunities and limitations for UTEP graduates. Healthcare and engineering roles align well with border economy needs, but other fields may require you to relocate for better salaries. Border proximity offers unique advantages for bilingual graduates in business and healthcare sectors.
UTEP works best financially if you target high-earning programs, have strong academic habits that make graduation likely, and plan to stay in the Southwest region. The school serves first-generation college students well with its low costs and supportive environment. Avoid UTEP if you need a high-prestige degree for your career goals or struggle with academic persistence, given the graduation rate concerns. Students planning graduate school should consider whether UTEP provides adequate preparation for competitive programs in their field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Texas at El Paso worth the cost?
UTEP offers solid value with a low net price of $10,726 annually and manageable debt levels around $18,000. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at The University of Texas at El Paso?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning over $100,000, followed by computer engineering at $84,653. Most other programs produce modest earnings that may not justify the time investment given the low graduation rates.
How much debt do students typically have after The University of Texas at El Paso?
Median debt is $18,000, which is reasonable compared to national averages. The bigger concern is whether students actually graduate to earn the income needed to pay it back.
Why is The University of Texas at El Paso acceptance rate so high?
UTEP accepts 99.92% of applicants with an average SAT of 980, making it essentially open admission. This accessibility is valuable for the region, but students should carefully consider their ability to complete their degree.