Frequently Asked Questions
1) How would the money from any increases be used?
Additional money generated by an increase in tuition and fees can only be used to expand course offerings, retain quality faculty, offer additional financial aid resources and further develop UTEP’s educational programs. A particular emphasis would be placed on faculty recruitment and retention. As UTEP's enrollment grows additional courses are needed to meet the demand. Growing faculty ranks is, therefore, critically important.
2) Enrollment is growing each year, so doesn’t UTEP get more state funding as new students enroll?
Unfortunately, investment in higher education at the state level is not keeping pace with enrollment growth. Recent cuts to UTEP’s budget have hit hard. As enrollment grows, UTEP needs additional funds. More faculty members are needed to teach courses, and the demand for student services increases.
3) Why would UTEP even consider an increase?
UTEP currently stands as one of the most affordable of all UT System universities and research institutions in Texas. Any proposal to increase tuition would offset reductions in state appropriations, but also ensure that we are providing high-quality educational programs. UTEP would use the funds to reduce a student's time to degree by expanding course offerings, hiring and retaining high-quality faculty, optimizing facility utilization, providing student incentives and building high-quality, affordable educational programs.
4) What is UTEP doing to keep costs down?
UTEP has taken many steps to reduce costs including reduced staffing, aggressive energy management strategies and following a conservative overall budget management strategy.
5) Why should students need to pay more to attend UTEP?
Any proposed tuition increase would be modest and would allow the University to remain one of the best values in higher education in the state of Texas. The additional money generated by an increase in tuition and fees would be used to expand course offerings, retain quality faculty, offer additional financial aid resources and further develop UTEP’s educational programs.
6) Would any proposed tuition increase be permanent?
The University of Texas System’s tuition and fees process runs on a biennium calendar. Any approved proposed tuition increase would take effect in the fall semester of 2018 and remain in effect through summer of 2020.
7) Will any proposed increase in tuition affect students who are in the middle of a degree program, or just new students?
Beginning in the fall semester of 2018, all students enrolled at that time would be subject to the proposed increased tuition rates, regardless of their classification.
8) Given the economic climate, why consider increasing tuition now, when many students are already struggling?
UTEP is not immune to the economic conditions affecting us all and additional funding is crucial in maintaining high-quality instruction and programming. Please see Question 10 for information on how UTEP’s financial aid office can help students find ways to meet their educational needs.
9) Why does UTEP need to consider raising tuition if the University has enough funding to construct new buildings on campus?
Construction on the UTEP campus is a sign of growth and investment. Funds utilized in the construction of academic buildings come through state issued bonds that are appropriated to institutions of higher education, not through tuition and fees. An increase in tuition and fees would support instructional and institutional operating costs, not go toward the construction of new buildings.
10) What assistance will UTEP provide to help students financially?
UTEP’s Office of Financial Aid provides information on grants, loans and other forms of financial aid available to students. Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships and seek out on-campus student employment.