The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Why UTRGV?

I initially chose UTRGV for its practicality, allowing me to pursue higher education while staying close to home. However, as I delved into my studies, I discovered that UTRGV offered much more—diverse perspectives, a strong sense of community, and hands-on learning opportunities. The faculty not only shared their expertise but also took a personal interest in my growth. It became a place where I could challenge myself and explore my passions, especially in areas like business intelligence and data mining.

Read more about Yuliana Sanchez-Trinidad.

Why UTRGV?

In February 2018, while studying in Mexico, I attended a study abroad expo in Guadalajara and discovered UTRGV. Its deep connection to my South Texas roots immediately caught my attention. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic community, I sought a university where I could embrace my culture and be surrounded by peers with similar experiences. UTRGV's large Hispanic population made it feel like home, a place where I could thrive both academically and culturally. As a first-generation student, the financial aid opportunities were crucial in my decision. UTRGV allowed me to stay close to my heritage while pursuing a high-quality education. Years later, as a UTRGV student, I had the chance to study abroad twice—in Peru and South Korea—completing my journey full circle.

Read more about Jose Luis Tabarez Jr.

Why UTRGV?

I initially chose UTRGV for its practicality, allowing me to pursue higher education while staying close to home. However, as I delved into my studies, I discovered that UTRGV offered much more—diverse perspectives, a strong sense of community, and hands-on learning opportunities. The faculty not only shared their expertise but also took a personal interest in my growth. It became a place where I could challenge myself and explore my passions, especially in areas like business intelligence and data mining.

Read more about Eric Arredondo.

Why UTRGV?

I graduated from UTRGV in 2021 with a master’s in mathematics and chose to pursue the MSBA program here because of the university’s growing reputation and strong connection to the Rio Grande Valley. As a single father of two beautiful kids and a full-time employee, I find UTRGV’s affordability and proximity to home make it ideal for balancing work, family, and academic life, allowing me to meet with professors and peers easily. After carefully comparing coursework, degree plans, and costs with other institutions, UTRGV emerged as the clear choice. Its commitment to providing high-quality education at an affordable price aligns perfectly with my goals for personal and professional growth.

Read more about Vidal Hernandez Jr.

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV offers an affordable education and a close-knit community, which is rarely experienced at big universities.

Read more about Edith Lopez.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV to embrace a vibrant new environment, and I'm grateful for the substantial financial aid and scholarships that have made my journey possible. This university is not only affordable and supportive but also fosters a strong sense of community. Graduating debt-free makes me proud to be part of such a welcoming and enriching place.

Read more about Fatima Mancia Mendoza.

Why UTRGV?

I remember being in high school and visiting multiple universities during field trips, but UTRGV stood out to me. The warm welcome we received and the vibrant, joyful atmosphere made me feel like this was a place I could belong. I was amazed by the opportunities UTRGV offered, from academic resources to community involvement, and it was clear that this was a university that truly invests in its students’ futures. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the UTRGV family.

Read more about Loami S. Acosta.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it feels like home. It is close to my hometown, and it provided me with a lot of resources to help me obtain a college degree.

Read more about Ricardo Jimenez Marmolejo.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it has always been my dream to study in the U.S., and UTRGV allowed me to do that while staying close to home. The university offers a strong sense of community and support, with amazing people and a welcoming environment. UTRGV provides a unique combination of excellent education and cultural connections that I might not find elsewhere.

Read more about Norma Siller.

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because it offers high-quality education. The university's commitment to providing top-tier learning opportunities, coupled with a supportive and responsible faculty, made it an easy decision for me.

Read more about Yue Dai.

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV has always been my school of choice. Its proximity to my hometown and the opportunities available to a low-income high school student made it the ideal college for me.

Read more about Octavio Vallejo.

Why UTRGV?

With UTRGV being just down the road from where I live, it seemed like the obvious choice for me. However, there's more to my decision than just proximity. The quality of education offered here rivals that of other top institutions, all while being affordable for everyone. Additionally, the opportunity to go through my college journey with the support of my family solidified my decision to attend UTRGV.

Read more about Ethan Aguirre.

Why UTRGV?

I originally chose to attend UTRGV to be part of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program (BMED) program because it offered me many research opportunities and the chance to be part of a select group of students. As time went on, I realized that the Medical Laboratory Science program was the right fit for me. I enjoy being in the lab, and it has become my passion. I love that UTRGV offers this opportunity compared to other universities.

Read more about Kaitlyn Moya.

Why UTRGV?

I didn’t want to move far from my family and still wanted to see my culture wherever I went. That is what UTRGV offered me—a chance to get a top-notch education while still experiencing my Mexican culture and roots in the place where I’m earning my degree. Some other universities along the U.S. border might offer the same, but nothing compares to the Tex-Mex mix between the Rio Grande Valley in the U.S. Southeast and the Mexican Northeast from Matamoros.

Read more about Kevin Alexander Valverde.

Why UTRGV?

When searching for universities to attend, my locale played a critical role in my decision-making process. Therefore, I prioritized schools with robust online programs that are accredited and well-ranked. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) met all these criteria. Additionally, the costs, program structure (accelerated), and payment by module added significant value to my decision. UTRGV’s affordable tuition, flexible payment options, and the ability to complete programs at an accelerated pace were crucial factors that aligned with my academic and financial goals. Lastly, but by no means least, the UTRGV mission of catering to diversity was a significant influence in my choice. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment resonated deeply with my values and aspirations.

Read more about Safiya Wilkinson.

Why UTRGV?

When I was searching for a university, I wanted to stay close to my family while receiving the best education possible. I knew I could achieve that here at UTRGV.

Read more about Gregorio Jesus Zuniga.

Why UTRGV?

a) Affordability: UTRGV is known for its affordable tuition rates, making higher education accessible to a broader range of students.
b) Online Learning: UTRGV has expanded its online learning options, offering flexibility for me who must balance studies with other commitments.
c) Diversity and Inclusion: UTRGV is recognized for its diverse student body and inclusive atmosphere, providing a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds.

Read more about Decy Pradhanitalea Atyadewi.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it felt like a second home. Being from Brownsville, staying close to my roots was important, and UTRGV offers everything I wanted in a university and more. It's a place where I feel I can grow both academically and personally, not to mention that it’s a beautiful campus.

Read more about Valeria Garza.

Why UTRGV?

I originally attended Texas A&M University but decided to transfer to UTRGV to stay closer to my family. It turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. UTRGV offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a close-knit community atmosphere that I didn’t find at other universities. Being close to my family while still receiving a top-notch education has been invaluable, allowing me to effectively balance my academic and personal life.

Read more about Harris Britton.

Why UTRGV?

Being close to family and having the support system of always having them around. Being able to come to the university with my sibling and allowing me to share these successful experiences with not just her, but my parents too.

Read more about Bertha Salinas.

Why UTRGV?

When I found out that people born outside the U.S. didn't have many opportunities, I thought I was the same and wouldn't get past high school. But then I learned that UTRGV, like many other colleges, accepts people like me (born in Mexico) and treats us just like any other student. This made my dream career possible, no matter where I came from.

Read more about Melissa Monsivais Ayala.

Why UTRGV?

I decided to pursue my criminal justice studies at UTRGV due to its dedication to offering a thorough and socially conscious education. UTRGV prepares students for a variety of careers in law enforcement, legal studies, and public policy by providing a distinctive combination of demanding academic coursework and real-world, hands-on experiences. The university's solid ties to local, state, and federal agencies, along with the faculty's experience, combine to create a stimulating environment for learning and professional development. Furthermore, UTRGV's focus on multicultural awareness and social justice is a wonderful fit with my objective of having a significant influence on the criminal justice system.

Read more about Michael Macias.

Why UTRGV?

I chose to go to UTRGV because of how close it was to home and the fact that I qualified for so many grants and scholarships that I will be graduating debt free.

Read more about Naomi Evans.

Why UTRGV?

As an international student, I sought a place that would welcome me and would also keep me near home. UTRGV was not only distinguished by its quality but also by the opportunities I could access studying here.

Read more about Edna Aylin Desilos Hinojosa.

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV gave me the opportunity to balance my studies flexibly while staying connected to family. Their adaptable curriculum accommodated my diverse academic interests, enabling me to pursue two minors alongside my undergraduate major. Also, the School of Accountancy’s array of comprehensive resources played a pivotal role in preparing me for post-grad success.

Read more about Jinna Yoon.

Why UTRGV?

The proximity to home. Being close to my family and friends from Mexico and the Valley was very important when deciding which university I would attend. In addition, being able to achieve my academic goals affordably made UTRGV my top choice.

Read more about Patricia Alanis Ramirez.

Why UTRGV?

I was drawn to UTRGV’s excellent academic programs. The university provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the real world. Aside from this, UTRGV has a vibrant campus culture and a diverse student body. The university is committed to creating a welcoming environment and is inclusive for all students. This was particularly important to me as I wanted to attend a university where I would feel supported as a first-generation student navigating through college.

Read more about Naideli Ontiveros.

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV feels like home. My mom and two brothers graduated from here, and the university community understands the unique challenges of growing up on the border. It's a place where I feel culturally connected and grateful for a second chance at higher education.

Read more about Kylah S. Cuellar.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV due to the opportunities it offers us as students. Being from Mexico, once I started looking at colleges, UTRGV was the one that piqued my interest. UTRGV is a college that offers high quality education that gives me the opportunity to keep improving as I develop in my career field.

Read more about Leslie D. Nava.

Why UTRGV?

The reason I committed to UTRGV was that it would provide me with a more personable experience closer to home and I truly aligned with UTRGV’s mission, vision, and values, which was extremely important as it would reflect my university experience.

Read more about Odalys Anahi Saenz Perez.

Why UTRGV?

I always wanted to go to a big school to use in building my identity, which led me to apply in hopes of attending UT Austin in the Fall of 2022. I have always made it a priority in my life to be led by God in everything I do so as I got closer to completing my associate degree and was waiting to hear back from UT, I felt God guiding me to move back to the Valley to reconnect with family. Upon taking the leap of faith to move and reject my UT admittance, God began revealing the negative motive in my heart of putting my identity and trust in something other than Him by depending on a prestigious school to give me opportunity and a high standing. By choosing to go to a smaller school, like UTRGV, God has taken me on a journey of teaching me to trust in HIM ALONE rather the name of the college I attend or the degree I attain. So, going to UTRGV has taught me to trust God on an even deeper level, by trusting that He can and will use me anywhere I am, with any degree I get from any school.

Read more about Tawny Brianna Turner.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it felt like home. Unlike most major universities, UTRGV has a familiarity that cannot be described. I felt both heard and seen in this university and through that I have been able to expand my career choices in and out of campus.

Read more about Amando Luis Montalvo Jr.

Why UTRGV?

Because I was having financial problems and UTRGV was willing to help with my tuition. I am grateful for this decision because I met wonderful people, and it has provided me with amazing exposure in the engineering field.

Read more about Luis Sebastian Valadez de la Tejera.

Why UTRGV?

I spent 12 years in the Air Force and upon separating, I knew I wanted to return to school. My wife is originally from Mercedes, TX. We met in Okinawa, Japan and wanted us and our kids to grow up around family.

Read more about Michael Casey.

Why UTRGV?

I decided to attend UTRGV due to its low cost of attendance and its closeness to home. As a first generation Mexican American, I also appreciated the sense of community, closeness, and opportunity that I witnessed UTRGV provide to students on my college tour and I'm glad to be able to say today that it's something I've gotten to experience as well.

Read more about Alfonso Delgado.

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV really provided an inexpensive nurturing environment where I would be able to get a superb educational experience, whilst still being close to home. It even provided me with the opportunity to be able to work toward my career goals in the medical field.

Read more about Maxwell Douglas Walters.

Why UTRGV?

As someone who is family oriented, I knew I wanted to attend UTRGV because of its proximity to home. UTRGV is a great university for students who want to achieve their goals in an affordable and efficient manner.

Read more about Kyanna Sanchez.

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because I have heard nothing but great things about it. It is very affordable compared to other universities, which is one of the things I looked for in a university. I also wanted to find a university that allowed me to stay close to my family and UTRGV was able to provide both important aspects for me.

Read more about Maryanne Ortiz.

Why UTRGV?

After graduating from South Texas College, transferring to UTRGV was the best decision for my future and my family. The School of Music provides me with so many opportunities for my degree, my performance, and my learning to be the best educator for my future students.

Read more about Marely Enriquez.