The University of Texas at El Paso was named the second most affordable college in Texas, according to new 2026 rankings released by Research.com on March 12. The university was also ranked fifth in the state for overall quality of education.
These rankings are significant for students and families considering higher education options, as they highlight both affordability and educational excellence. The recognition comes from an analysis that included data from sources such as Peterson’s Data, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, and the U.S. Department of Education’s College ScoreCard.
“UTEP continues to be recognized for its great value,” said President Heather Wilson. “Increasingly, we are also being recognized for the excellence of the education we provide. UTEP is one of the best investments students and their families can make.”
Research.com evaluated colleges based on several factors including overall quality, affordability, popularity, and time required to earn a degree. UTEP surpassed institutions like Rice University, Texas Tech University, and Texas Christian University in these measures.
Amanda Vasquez, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management at UTEP, said: “UTEP is committed to creating opportunities for all students. We recognize that the costs of college can create barriers for families, so UTEP offers robust financial aid programs designed to address our students’ financial needs.”
Recent figures show that 72% of undergraduate students received grants or scholarships—not loans—over the past five years. For the 2025-26 school year, first-year students who qualified for aid received an average of $10,317 in grants and scholarships; their average out-of-pocket cost for tuition and fees was about $735 per year. In total, approximately $162 million in grants and scholarships have been distributed to undergraduates during this period.
Other indicators of success include a six-year graduation rate now matching the Texas average after a 24% increase over two decades. UTEP is tied for fourth place statewide in Fulbright Scholarship recipients and has been listed among Forbes’ top 15 colleges nationally for launching careers.
The Research.com rankings aim to help prospective students assess academic rigor alongside affordability when choosing a college.
