About The University of Texas Permian Basin
UT Permian Basin serves the heart of West Texas oil country with practical programs designed for regional industry needs. The university enrolls 4,122 students in Odessa, where engineering and business programs directly feed the Permian Basin's energy sector workforce. With a 95% acceptance rate, the school opens doors for students across academic backgrounds. Hispanic students make up 54% of the campus, reflecting the region's demographics.
Students pay an average net price of $9,144 after aid, making this one of Texas's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $56,073 ten years after starting college, while typical debt loads reach just $17,750. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging only $188. Federal financial aid reaches 30% of students, keeping costs manageable for working families.
The Falcons compete in 14 varsity sports within the Lone Star Conference, with 347 student athletes receiving over $2.4 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 1,100 students, though 92% come from in-state. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the 92% employment rate shows employers value the practical skills graduates develop here.
Students pay an average net price of $9,144 after aid, making this one of Texas's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $56,073 ten years after starting college, while typical debt loads reach just $17,750. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging only $188. Federal financial aid reaches 30% of students, keeping costs manageable for working families.
The Falcons compete in 14 varsity sports within the Lone Star Conference, with 347 student athletes receiving over $2.4 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 1,100 students, though 92% come from in-state. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the 92% employment rate shows employers value the practical skills graduates develop here.
Academics & Faculty
UT Permian Basin serves as a regional full university with strong ties to the oil and gas industry that defines West Texas. The school's engineering programs prepare students for careers in energy, with many graduates joining major petroleum companies in the Permian Basin. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors, though the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests many face challenges completing their degrees. The university offers practical, career-focused programs that align with regional industry needs. Business and education programs also draw students seeking professional training. The school functions as an accessible pathway to four-year degrees in an underserved region of Texas.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.0%
- Retention Rate
- 61.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,073
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $87,532 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,732 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $56,931 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $55,512 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,252 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,894 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,823 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
Campus Life
UT Permian Basin sits in the heart of Texas oil country, where 53.78% of students are Hispanic and the campus serves a largely regional population with 91.77% coming from in-state. Only about 27% of the 4,122 students can live in the residence halls that house 1,100 people, so most commute from around Odessa and nearby towns. The campus has a practical, no-frills atmosphere that reflects its mission of training engineers and business professionals for the energy industry.
Expect blazing summers and mild winters in this desert climate, you'll need sunscreen more than a heavy coat. Students often work part-time jobs in the oil fields or local businesses, contributing to the 92.3% employment rate after graduation. With Midland just 20 minutes away, many students head there for entertainment and dining on weekends. The Falcons compete in 14 varsity sports, and the 347 student-athletes help anchor campus spirit. Social life tends to center around study groups, intramural sports, and the occasional campus event rather than a traditional party scene.
Expect blazing summers and mild winters in this desert climate, you'll need sunscreen more than a heavy coat. Students often work part-time jobs in the oil fields or local businesses, contributing to the 92.3% employment rate after graduation. With Midland just 20 minutes away, many students head there for entertainment and dining on weekends. The Falcons compete in 14 varsity sports, and the 347 student-athletes help anchor campus spirit. Social life tends to center around study groups, intramural sports, and the occasional campus event rather than a traditional party scene.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,100 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–58°F
- July Avg
- 71°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 13.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.0"
Student Demographics
Students come from across Texas, with over nine in ten staying close to home for college. The campus draws heavily from Hispanic communities, reflecting the demographics of West Texas and the school's commitment to serving local families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, unusual for a university known for engineering programs tied to the oil industry. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing UTPB serves working-class families in the Permian Basin region. The student body mirrors the area's growing diversity while maintaining strong ties to the local energy economy.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 25.8%
- Black
- 7.7%
- Hispanic
- 53.8%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 91.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.6%
Location
The University of Texas Permian Basin sits in Odessa, Texas, roughly 300 miles west of Dallas and 20 miles southwest of Midland. The campus serves the heart of the Permian Basin, America's most productive oil region. This is classic West Texas terrain with wide-open spaces, oil derricks dotting the horizon, and a landscape shaped by the energy industry. With 91.77% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from local communities built around petroleum production. The setting reflects the school's mission to educate the regional workforce, particularly in engineering and business programs that support oil and gas operations. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare The University of Texas Permian Basin with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Odessa, Texas 79762-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,073
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,411
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $188/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Texas Permian Basin?
The University of Texas Permian Basin accepts 94.71% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The average SAT score is 1000, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class students in the oil-rich Permian Basin region.
How much does The University of Texas Permian Basin cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,144 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,684. The median debt upon graduation is $17,750, which is relatively manageable given the school's focus on practical career preparation.
What academic programs is The University of Texas Permian Basin known for?
The university is recognized for its engineering programs that directly serve the Permian Basin oil industry workforce. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, the school emphasizes hands-on learning that prepares graduates for the region's dominant energy sector.
How much do graduates of The University of Texas Permian Basin typically earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $56,073 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong job prospects in the energy industry. The employment rate reaches 92.3%, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in preparing students for regional workforce needs.
What is campus life like at The University of Texas Permian Basin?
The campus houses 1,100 students out of 4,122 total enrollment, creating a commuter-friendly environment. The Falcons compete in 14 varsity sports in the Lone Star Conference, with 347 student-athletes receiving $2,495,612 in athletic scholarships.
Does The University of Texas Permian Basin serve a diverse student population?
Hispanic students make up 53.78% of enrollment while women comprise 61.43% of the student body. With 91.77% of students coming from Texas, the university primarily serves as an educational anchor for the oil-producing Permian Basin region.
