The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved the construction of a new student housing complex at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), allocating $108 million for the project. This decision follows sustained high demand for on-campus housing, with UTEP’s current facilities operating at full capacity for four consecutive years.
According to UTEP President Heather Wilson, “More and more students and families are putting their trust in a UTEP education, and we’re bursting at the seams, as reflected in our recent record enrollment.”
The planned four-story dormitory will accommodate 456 freshmen in both single and double occupancy rooms. It will feature amenities such as a fitness center, lounges, a study room, and a large dining hall with an integrated dining plan.
Brendan Gallagher, Ph.D., vice president of business affairs at UTEP, stated, “We intend for this housing complex to be cost-effective and as affordable as possible for future students. It will have competitive pricing for our region.”
Recent trends show that applications for campus housing have risen by over 15% in the past two years. Retention rates among returning student residents have also grown; in fall 2024, half of campus residents were returning students—a figure projected to reach nearly 60% in fall 2025.
The new facility is set to be built on the north side of Kidd Field. When it opens in 2028, UTEP’s total on-campus bed count will increase to 1,500.
Funding for the project comes from the UT System’s Revenue Financing System and will be repaid through revenue generated by UTEP’s housing operations.
