Victoria Gonzalez/Vaquero Radio
Last fall, UTRGV’s enrollment exceeded 32,000. This semester, the university is welcoming more than 34,000 Vaqueros while simultaneously maintaining its status as No. 1 in Texas, university officials say.
The university has documented its first-day record-breaking enrollment numbers for five years straight. Magdalena Hinjosa, UTRGV’s senior vice president for Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs, said there were 34,343 students on the first day of class, Aug. 26.
According to the Washington Monthly, UTRGV has kept its spot as the No. 1 university in Texas. Hinojosa explained this is because of the students and academics.
“Our academics are top-notch and, of course, we have a huge initiative in student life,” she said. “We offer great degrees at value, and so we work really hard to keep our costs low for our students.”
Hinojosa said students enroll at UTRGV because of quality education at an affordable price.
Psychology senior Brandon Vasquez said students are more likely to attend the university because the cost of tuition is low.
“Cause other schools, they could probably charge you more,” Vasquez said. “And here, you probably get the same thing that they would give you over there, but they would just charge you for more, and here it’ll probably be more cheaper.”
While the university is gaining more students, there are also concerns about parking and classroom space.
Hinojosa said that these two issues are always a concern.
“I think once we get past the first week of classes, things tend to die down,” she said. “When it comes to classroom space, that all gets worked out prior to classes starting.”
Biology sophomore Irma Vasquez said enrollment numbers are high because of the opportunities offered and environment.
“I think that UTRGV has offered more opportunities year by year, so it is a very encouraging university,” she said. “It’s a very good environment that helps [make everyone feel] more comfortable and feel more welcome than other colleges.”
Although there are over 34,000 students across the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, Hinojosa said “we’re a family.”
“We don’t just look at the number, right,” she said. “We look at each student as an individual, and if you need help, we’re going to help you. Doesn’t matter how large we get, we’re going to look at you as an individual and not just another number on that page.”
This is Victoria Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
