The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a prominent public research university located in the vibrant Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Established in 2013, UTRGV combines the strengths of the former University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas-Pan American, creating a diverse and dynamic academic community. The university is known for its strong commitment to accessibility and excellence in education, serving a predominantly Hispanic student population. UTRGV is dedicated to fostering a culture of research and innovation, with a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various fields, including health sciences, engineering, business, and the arts.

The campus environment at UTRGV is enriched by a strong sense of community and cultural diversity. The university promotes a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs. UTRGV is home to the Vaqueros, who compete in NCAA Division I sports, fostering school spirit and student engagement. The university's mission emphasizes inclusivity and social responsibility, encouraging students to become active contributors to their communities. With cutting-edge facilities, such as the UTRGV School of Medicine and state-of-the-art research centers, UTRGV is making significant strides in preparing its students for successful careers and making meaningful impacts in their fields. Through its dedication to higher education and community development, UTRGV continues to enhance the educational landscape in South Texas.

Tuition Trends and Student Outcomes at UTRGV

The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley has experienced significant changes in tuition rates over the years, which have considerable implications for student enrollment and graduation rates. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $5,173 to $9,467, marking an increase of approximately 83%. For out-of-state undergraduate students, tuition surged from $13,669 to $19,542, an increase of about 43%. This trend reflects a broader national pattern of rising tuition costs, which can deter potential students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Despite the increasing costs, the number of undergraduate students climbed from 17,230 in 2014 to 26,434 in 2023, indicating a resilient demand for education at UTRGV. However, the retention rate saw fluctuations; while it peaked at 80.7% in 2021, it dropped to 71.7% in 2022, highlighting a potential concern regarding student satisfaction and support systems.

Graduation rates also exhibited a positive trend, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increasing from 13.3% in 2013 to 24.3% in 2023. This suggests improvements in academic support and student services, making it more feasible for students to complete their degrees on time despite rising tuition costs.

Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted slightly, with male students decreasing from 44.8% in 2013 to 40.7% in 2023, indicating an increasing female representation in the student body. This trend is crucial as it reflects broader societal changes and potential shifts in academic interests and career aspirations among young women.

In summary, while UTRGV has faced challenges with rising tuition and fluctuating retention rates, the overall growth in student enrollment and improvements in graduation rates indicate a commitment to providing quality education and support for its diverse student population. The university's ability to maintain enrollment amidst rising costs will be critical for its future success.

Analysis of Graduate Trends at University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

The data from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley reveals noteworthy trends in the graduation rates across various disciplines for 2023. Notably, the psychology program leads with 452 graduates at the bachelor's level, indicating a strong interest in mental health careers, which is particularly relevant in today's context of increasing awareness around mental health issues.

In the field of health sciences, registered nursing also shows significant numbers, with 195 bachelor's graduates. This aligns with the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of recent global health crises that have emphasized the importance of a robust healthcare workforce. The absence of international students in these programs may suggest barriers to entry, such as visa restrictions or limited outreach to non-domestic students.

Interestingly, the data shows a substantial number of master's graduates in public administration and health services, with 153 and 138 graduates respectively. This trend indicates a growing recognition of the importance of leadership roles in public sectors and health management, which are critical for community development and response to health emergencies.

Furthermore, the lack of doctoral graduates across all listed programs may reflect either the nature of these fields at the institution or a potential gap in advanced academic pathways available for students. As higher education institutions increasingly focus on graduate-level education, this could be an area for future development.

Overall, the data highlights the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley's strong emphasis on undergraduate education, particularly in psychology and nursing, while also pointing to important areas for expansion in graduate programs, especially for international students.

Analysis of Admission Trends at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

The admission data for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley reveals significant trends over the years. Notably, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have shown fluctuations, with a remarkable peak in the female acceptance rate reaching approximately 94% in 2022. This suggests a concerted effort by the university to foster inclusivity and attract more female students, which aligns with broader educational objectives to promote gender equity in higher education. The enrollment numbers have generally increased, reaching a high of 5,770 in 2023. This growth reflects the university's expanding appeal and possibly its commitment to providing accessible education to a diverse student population. However, the number of denied applications also remains significant, with over 5,000 denials reported in 2021, indicating that while the university is growing, it is also maintaining selective admissions criteria. Interestingly, the university's ranking trajectory has fluctuated, with a notable improvement observed in the recent years, climbing from a low of 299 in 2022 and 2023 to 227 in 2024 and 220 in 2025. This upward trend may be indicative of improvements in academic quality, student services, or reputation, responding to the competitive landscape of higher education. In conclusion, while the increases in enrollment and improvements in rankings are promising, the university faces challenges in managing its acceptance rates and ensuring a balanced approach to admissions that considers both inclusivity and academic standards. The ongoing changes will be crucial as the institution navigates the evolving dynamics of higher education in Texas and beyond.

Analysis of Admission Data at University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

The admission data from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley over the years reflects notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. The percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with a peak of 52% in 2016 and 2020, indicating a growing reliance on this metric for admission decisions. However, the years 2021 and 2022 saw a dramatic drop, with only 1% of applicants submitting SAT scores, likely influenced by the increasing trend of colleges adopting test-optional policies.

Regarding actual SAT scores, the range for the middle 50% of admitted students has shown a gradual increase over the years. For instance, the lower 25% SAT reading score began at 400 in 2007 and improved to 470 by 2023. This upward trend suggests a potential enhancement in the overall academic quality of applicants.

The ACT scores also demonstrate a similar pattern of improvement. The scores indicate a competitive landscape for prospective students, particularly in recent years. The consistent increase in both SAT and ACT score ranges points to the university's efforts to attract higher-achieving students.

Additionally, the admission data highlights the impact of external factors on college applications. The pandemic led many institutions to reconsider their testing policies, which may have contributed to the significant drop in submission rates observed in 2021 and 2022. As universities navigate the evolving landscape of admissions, the data from UT-RGV serves as a valuable reference for understanding these shifts. Overall, the trends indicate a dynamic environment where testing policies and applicant profiles are continually changing.

Demographic Overview of University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Students in 2023

The student demographic data from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is significantly high at 5,770, with a notable female representation of 58.5%, indicating a growing trend of female enrollment in higher education. Similarly, among undergraduate seniors, the female ratio also stands at 59.5%, suggesting a consistent pattern.

The graduate student population, totaling 5,125, shows an even greater female dominance at 65.5%, which may reflect broader national trends where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. Interestingly, the data for transfer students indicates a balanced gender ratio closer to parity, with males at 41.6% and females at 58.4%, highlighting the diverse pathways that students are taking in their educational journeys.

While the data provides a snapshot of gender distribution, it also points to the necessity for a deeper investigation into the racial and ethnic backgrounds of students. The representation of various racial groups, such as White, Asian, Latina, Pacific Islanders, and African Americans, is crucial for understanding the inclusivity and diversity of the institution.

Overall, these statistics underscore the importance of supporting female students while also addressing the need for equitable representation across different racial and ethnic groups in higher education, a topic that continues to resonate in societal discussions today. As universities strive for diversity, the data from UT-Rio Grande Valley serves as a valuable reference point for future initiatives and policies.

Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at UTRGV 2023

The age composition of students at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2023 reveals significant trends in the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. A striking observation is the predominance of younger students, particularly those under 25 years old, reflecting a traditional college demographic. For instance, the largest group comprises undergraduate males aged 20-21, totaling 2,939, while undergraduate females in the same age range number 4,735. This indicates a growing interest in higher education among younger individuals, likely influenced by various factors such as economic conditions and educational outreach programs.

Interestingly, the data shows a decline in student numbers as age increases, with those aged 30-34 comprising only 600 students combined. This trend may suggest that older individuals are either less likely to pursue higher education or are opting for non-traditional pathways such as online learning or part-time studies. Furthermore, the 35-39 age group shows a noticeable drop in enrollment, which may also reflect life circumstances, such as family commitments or career obligations, that inhibit further education.

The gender distribution is particularly noteworthy, with a higher number of undergraduate females compared to males across most age categories. This may point to changing societal norms where more women are pursuing higher education, highlighting a shift towards gender parity in academia. Overall, the age and gender demographics at UTRGV paint a picture of a youthful, diverse student body, which may influence the university's policies and programs aimed at fostering an inclusive educational environment.

International Student Trends at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

The data on international students at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley highlights significant trends over nearly two decades. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate international students has fluctuated, peaking at 808 in 2008, but has overall shown a gradual increase in the total student population. However, the percentage of international undergraduates has remained relatively low, hovering around 1.5% to 5% throughout these years, indicating that while the absolute number may rise, international students still represent a small fraction of the total undergraduate community.

In contrast, the graduate student segment has demonstrated a more pronounced presence of international students. Starting from 5.57% in 2004, the percentage of international graduate students has shown a steady increase, reaching 7.38% by 2023. This trend aligns with the overall rise in graduate enrollments, suggesting that UTRGV has become a more attractive destination for international graduate students, likely due to its growing reputation and the diverse programs offered.

These trends may reflect broader national patterns regarding international student enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions, influenced by factors such as visa policies, global events, and economic conditions. The recent COVID-19 pandemic had profound impacts on international student mobility, but the gradual recovery seen in the latest data indicates a resurgence of interest in U.S. education among international students. Overall, UTRGV's international student demographic showcases the university's evolving landscape and its role in fostering global academic exchange.

Here are some notable universities surrounding the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley:

1. Rice University - Ranked 18th in the 2025 US News rankings, Rice University is a prestigious research university located in Houston, Texas. It is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and the humanities.

2. The University of Texas at Austin - This major public research university is ranked 30th in the nation. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its contributions to research and innovation.

3. Texas A & M University-College Station - Ranked 51st, Texas A&M is known for its distinguished engineering programs and its vibrant campus life, as well as its strong traditions and military history.

4. Southern Methodist University - With a rank of 91, SMU is a private research university located in Dallas, Texas. It is recognized for its strong business and law programs.

5. Baylor University - This university is ranked 91st and is known for its Christian values, academic rigor, and programs in health sciences, law, and business.

6. The University of Texas at San Antonio - Ranked 231st, UTSA is recognized for its commitment to research and community engagement and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the region, contributing to a rich educational landscape in Texas.

Trends in Campus Crime Rates at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

The crime data from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley reveals significant fluctuations in crime rates over the years, particularly when examining arrests related to firearms, drugs, and alcohol, as well as incidents of violence. The period from 2013 to 2015 shows a concerning upward trend in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students, peaking at 3.12 in 2015. However, there was a notable decline in subsequent years, reaching a low of 0.33 in 2021, which indicates a substantial improvement in campus safety.

The data indicates that the most significant types of crime reported are related to firearm arrests, which highlight ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in educational settings. The drop in crime rates during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 could be attributed to reduced campus activity and enrollment, as many students opted for remote learning.

The increase in crime rates in 2014 and 2015 may reflect broader societal issues related to drug abuse and violence, which have been prevalent across the United States. The University’s initiatives to improve campus safety and promote a culture of accountability and responsibility among students may have contributed to the decline observed in the following years.

Overall, while the data shows a positive trend towards reduced crime rates, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to maintain a safe learning environment for all students. For more detailed insights into crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link.