The University of Texas at El Paso SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
UTEP’s admit rate means your main strategy should be preparing to start strong, not treating admission as the finish line. Since UTEP requires scores and far more applicants submit the SAT, aim for a 1080+ SAT to be above the middle range, or about a 22+ ACT if that is your test.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The University of Texas at El Paso facts and stats
The University of Texas at El Paso is an urban public university with 21,118 undergraduate students. UTEP has a 79% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 50%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19.5:1. UTEP is test-required for admissions.
El Paso, TX
How do your scores compare at UTEP?

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Key The University of Texas at El Paso application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
May 1
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because UTEP is test-required, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes; with the January 15 financial aid priority deadline, a December retake is likely the last sitting whose scores can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
UTEP is a public Conference USA university with in-state tuition of $7,107 and out-of-state tuition of $22,575. About 78% of students receive financial aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 15.

At UTEP, out-of-state tuition is $22,575, while in-state tuition is $7,107. Room and board adds about $10,864, so housing costs are an important part of the budget. About 78% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,121, and merit awards average $3,242. Graduates leave with an average debt of $19,167.
Student life at The University of Texas at El Paso
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TXAcceptance rate: 66%
SAT: 1000–1230
ACT: 19–27
Amberton University
Garland, TXAcceptance rate: 63.9%
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
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