University of Texas at El Paso Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Figuring out scholarships and tuition at UTEP doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This page walks you through the real numbers for cost of attendance, the scholarships UTEP offers (both automatic and competitive), and how special programs like Paydirt Promise and the New Mexico tuition waiver can make college more affordable. If you’re a Texas family, make sure you also check out our Texas state aid guide alongside this UTEP breakdown.
💰 Cost of Attendance at UTEP
| Expense | Texas Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (full-time, 12–18 credits) | $8,508 | $21,164 |
| Housing & Meals (off campus, not with family) | $12,452 | $12,452 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,646 | $1,646 |
| Transportation | $2,534 | $2,534 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | $1,986 | $1,986 |
| Total (before aid) | $27,126 | $39,782 |
• New Mexico Resident Waiver: Students from eligible New Mexico counties can pay Texas resident tuition — saving about $12,656/year in tuition and fees. Requires application through UTEP’s Residency Office.
• Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Nonresident students who win a competitive scholarship of $1,000+ may also pay the Texas resident rate for the award year.
• Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): UTEP participates in ACM at the graduate level. Students from participating SREB states may pay in-state tuition if their graduate program is ACM-approved and not offered in their home state (state certification required).
FAQs about Waivers
Who qualifies? New Mexico residents or any nonresident who earns a $1,000+ competitive scholarship.
How much can you save? About $12,600 per year compared to the nonresident tuition rate.
Do I need to apply? Yes. Waivers are not automatic—you must submit paperwork to UTEP (Residency or Scholarship office).
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Some colleges publish GPA/test score charts where awards are automatic with admission. UTEP does not have that kind of system for 2025–2026. Instead, all freshman academic scholarships require an application through the UTEP Excellence Scholarship portal. That means there are no “assured” automatic merit scholarships at UTEP this year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | UTEP does not publish automatic freshman merit tiers | — | — | Use the Competitive section below instead |
Note: Some universities offer automatic GPA/test-based scholarships. UTEP uses a competitive application process instead. Families should focus on the Excellence Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship in the next section.
FAQs about Automatic Merit at UTEP
Do I get a scholarship automatically with a certain GPA? No. UTEP requires a separate application for academic scholarships.
Is test-optional accepted? Yes. UTEP does not require SAT/ACT scores for the scholarship application.
Can these stack with waivers? Winning a $1,000+ UTEP scholarship can trigger the Competitive Scholarship Waiver, letting nonresidents pay in-state tuition. However, UTEP typically awards only the single highest-value institutional scholarship per student.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UTEP’s main merit opportunities come through competitive scholarships. These require a separate application and are awarded based on GPA, class rank, essays, leadership, and service. The biggest awards, including the Presidential Scholarship, go to a very limited number of top applicants.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excellence Scholarship | $2,000–$8,000/year (up to 4 years) |
Incoming freshmen; strong GPA/class rank; essays required; full-time enrollment | Yes — UTEP Scholarship Portal (opens Oct 1; deadline Jan 31) |
Yes (3.0 GPA + 30 credits/year + service activities) |
Students with ~3.6+ GPA* and top 25% rank; strong essays and leadership/service record *estimate |
| Presidential Scholarship | Up to full Cost of Attendance (~$20,000/year) Limited (~5 awards) |
Top applicants from the Excellence pool; outstanding GPA, rank, leadership, service | No extra app (considered via Excellence application) |
Yes (follow UTEP renewal rules) |
Exceptional students ~3.9+ GPA*, top 10%, rigorous coursework, major leadership/service *estimate |
*GPA bands are estimates since UTEP does not publish cutoffs. Awards depend on holistic review of academics, essays, and activities. Students may receive only the single highest-value institutional scholarship.
FAQs about Competitive Scholarships
When is the deadline? Jan 31 of senior year (application opens Oct 1).
How many awards are given? UTEP does not publish exact numbers for the Excellence Scholarship, but it is awarded to many incoming freshmen each year. The Presidential Scholarship is extremely limited, with about 5 awards total selected annually from the Excellence applicant pool.
Do I need test scores? No. SAT/ACT scores are not required for consideration.
Can nonresidents benefit? Yes. Winning $1,000+ triggers the Competitive Scholarship Waiver, letting nonresidents pay Texas resident tuition.
Are these worth the effort? Yes. Even the lower-range awards can save thousands per year and open doors to leadership opportunities at UTEP.
⭐ Why UTEP Stands Out
UTEP isn’t your typical public university—it’s an R1 powerhouse deeply rooted in community, innovation, and student success. As one of only 19 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the United States to earn Carnegie’s “Very High Research” (R1) designation, UTEP combines elite research activity with affordable access. The result? A university where cutting-edge facilities meet unparalleled inclusivity and economic impact for students and their families. Whether it’s advancing aerospace innovation, tackling cybersecurity challenges, or pioneering bilingual education, UTEP is setting national standards while serving its borderland community.
Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing (AM): Anchored by the new $80 million Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace Center (AMAC), UTEP leads the nation in translating 3D printing expertise and aerospace research into real-world space robotics, exotic-material manufacturing, and industry-ready innovation.
Note: UTEP is classified as a Research 1 (R1) university—placing it among the top 5% nationally in research activity.
- Cybersecurity & Information Assurance: The CS department is among the highest-rated in Texas, ranked 3rd for best online cybersecurity programs statewide and emerging as a national competitor in cyber tournaments.
- Earth & Resource Sciences (Mining Engineering): UTEP is launching the only Mining Engineering BS program in Texas (Fall 2027), with strong geology and sustainability roots that align with regional industry and environmental needs.
- Real Estate Research: UTEP ranks 6th globally in real estate research leadership (REAL Rankings), a rare global recognition for a university of its size.
- Bilingualism & Border Studies: With programs embedded in its strategic core, UTEP excels in bilingual education and cognition research—a living lab where linguistic scholarship meets real-time, community-wide impact.
🎖 Honors College
UTEP’s University Honors Program (UHP) is designed for students who want to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Admission is selective, but the program emphasizes access for motivated students who show academic promise, leadership, and a commitment to service. It’s a path for students who want to stand out when applying to graduate schools, professional programs, or competitive jobs.
• High school GPA around 3.5+ (college GPA for continuing students)
• Strong academic rigor in high school or college coursework
• Demonstrated leadership, service, or research interest
• Willingness to engage in small seminars, projects, and mentoring
• Priority course registration
• Dedicated advising and mentorship
• Small, discussion-based classes with faculty
• Eligibility for exclusive Honors scholarships (see table below)
• Honors designation on transcript and diploma
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Health Sciences Honors Scholarship | $1,000/year | Students admitted to the Health Sciences Honors Program | No — automatic with admission | Yes — with good standing | Health Sciences majors who maintain GPA and Honors participation |
| Houston Endowment Honors Program (Scholars) | $2,000/year (renewable up to 4 years) | 10 Honors students selected annually (1 per college, 3 at-large) | Yes — competitive process within UHP | Yes — up to 4 years | High-achieving Honors students with leadership and professional goals |
| Houston Endowment Professional & Leadership Development Fund | Varies (covers Edge Experiences) | Honors students needing support for study abroad, internships, research, certifications | Yes — request through UHP or college Honors office | Case-by-case | Honors students pursuing high-impact opportunities beyond the classroom |
Admission Model: Students are invited to apply after being admitted to UTEP. The UHP application requires transcripts, short essays, and sometimes recommendation letters. Deadlines typically align with the freshman scholarship cycle (fall–spring of senior year).
Renewal: Honors students must maintain strong GPA and active participation to remain in the program. UTEP does not state that Honors adds time to a degree; instead, requirements are designed to integrate with major coursework.
FAQs about Honors at UTEP
Is admission automatic with good grades? No — students must submit a separate Honors application and be selected.
Does joining Honors add extra semesters? No. Honors requirements are meant to be completed within your regular degree timeline.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes. Honors students can access special programs like the College of Health Sciences award, Houston Endowment Scholars, and the Leadership Development Fund.
When should I apply? Students are encouraged to apply soon after receiving an admission offer from UTEP, ideally in the fall or early spring of senior year.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. At UTEP, families can count on a mix of affordability, strong need-based programs like Paydirt Promise, and competitive scholarships that reward leadership and academic effort. Add in special opportunities through Honors, research, and departmental awards, and UTEP gives students multiple ways to cut costs while building a résumé for graduate school or the workforce. For first-gen and working families especially, the message is clear: strong support and real options are within reach.
✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025