The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

May 24, 2025
Raeleen Solis

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV primarily because of its proximity to home. While I aspire to move away for my career after graduation, I wanted more time in the Valley to strengthen my connections to my community and culture. UTRGV has provided that and so much more. Here, I have gained confidence, experience, and valuable skills, while also forming lifelong friendships. The university’s deep connection to the culture and community of the Rio Grande Valley is the beating heart of UTRGV, something other schools simply can’t offer, especially not with the same academic value.

Read more about Raeleen Solis.

May 17, 2025
Nathaen G. Neira

Why UTRGV?

My freshman year of college coincided with the COVID-19 outbreak, so I opted to stay close to home. Initially, I planned to transfer to another university the following year, but those plans quickly changed as I grew fond of UTRGV and the opportunities it had to offer.

Read more about Nathaen G. Neira.

May 10, 2025
Marco Vela

Why UTRGV?

Choosing UTRGV was an easy decision for me because I have lived in the Rio Grande Valley my entire life. Staying close to home allowed me to remain connected to my community while pursuing a quality education. UTRGV offered not only a convenient location but also exceptional academic programs, dedicated professors, and opportunities I may not have found elsewhere. The university’s commitment to affordability, diversity, and student success made it the perfect choice for both my undergraduate and graduate studies.

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May 3, 2025
Daniela M. Rivas Tapia

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV has been a part of my family's legacy since the UTPA days. Two of my uncles pursued their degrees here—one earning a bachelor's in manufacturing engineering and the other a master's in computer science. I practically grew up knowing the Edinburg campus. As a child, I remember visiting my uncles at their apartment or my grandparents, and they would take me around campus, showing me the facilities. They would always say, "These will be the hallways you walk through in the future," and from that moment, I felt at home. Since then, UTRGV has provided me with a supportive environment, a pathway to success, a sense of family, and memories I knew I couldn’t find anywhere else.

Read more about Daniela M. Rivas Tapia.

April 26, 2025
Kzyna-Jo Martinez

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it allowed me to stay close to my family, which has always been a priority for me. I’m very close to them, and while I was excited to pursue my academic goals, I wasn’t ready to move far from home. UTRGV offered the perfect balance by being just a short drive away. Beyond that, I was really impressed by the opportunities UTRGV provides, from its strong academic programs to its focus on student success and community engagement. I quickly realized that this university is committed to supporting its students, and it felt like the ideal place for me to grow both personally and academically.

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April 19, 2025
Eva De Jesus

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it was close to home, and I appreciated its small student-to-teacher ratio, which allowed me to build strong connections with my professors and grow academically. Additionally, I was drawn to UTRGV’s status as a growing research institution, as I have always been passionate about research and its impact.

Read more about Lexus Abrego.

April 12, 2025
Eva De Jesus

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it offers an accredited online MBA program that fits my needs as a working student and parent. Its affordability, combined with high-quality education, made it the perfect choice for me. Furthermore, UTRGV’s strong cultural heritage makes the learning experience even more meaningful and close to home.

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April 5, 2025
Lynsey Torres

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV offered me their Presidential Scholarship, which essentially covers all of my tuition expenses. Even though my high school academic standing qualified me for acceptance to any school in Texas, UTRGV offered by far the most financial assistance.

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March 29, 2025
Valeria Martinez

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV for a couple of reasons: one being that it is local to my hometown. Another is that, although many feel colleges are large and have many students, I strongly believe UTRGV’s faculty-to-student ratio is perfect. Being able to speak to a professor not only about class work but also about future and current opportunities, along with discussing the next steps in life—allows a student to realize they’ve chosen the right school. In addition, the clubs all around the university, not just those affiliated with UTRGV, are very welcoming, making students feel at home and assuring them they aren’t going through college alone.

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March 22, 2025
Jesus Eduardo De La Rosa Jr.

Why UTRGV?

There are numerous reasons why I chose UTRGV as my future alma mater—for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. However, three foundational reasons stood out: UTRGV offers a well-defined, structured, and dynamic Cybersecurity degree; it provided me with a substantial financial aid package and scholarships; and the faculty, staff, and student communities foster vibrant social and educational cultures.

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March 15, 2025
Dairine Flores

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it allows me to stay close to home while receiving a quality education. Being near my family and community is important to me, and UTRGV provides the perfect balance of affordability, academic excellence, and career opportunities.

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March 8, 2025
Paul Sanchez

Why UTRGV?

While researching universities that aligned with my life goals, I found that UTRGV offered both Computer Science and Graphic Design—two fields I’m passionate about. What stood out even more was the university’s commitment to providing high-quality education with affordable solutions, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. Having a local university with these opportunities made UTRGV the ideal choice. I knew it would provide me with the resources, support, and skills needed to grow both personally and professionally, preparing me for success in the industry.

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March 1, 2025
Odalys Garcia

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it offers a supportive environment with endless opportunities for growth as an undergraduate. The professors are passionate about what they teach and genuinely care about student success. UTRGV provides hands-on experiences, internship opportunities, and a wide range of programs that help students explore their interests and build valuable skills. It’s a place where I feel motivated to push myself to try new things and prepare for the future.

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February 22, 2025
Eryssa Quintanilla

Why UTRGV?

Attending UTRGV allows me to remain close to my family and offers more financial assistance for students compared to other universities.

Read more about Eryssa Quintanilla.

February 15, 2025
Imanol Lopez-Moreno

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV is a university with a strong connection to my family. My mother first attended UT Pan American in 1990, and my brother graduated from UTRGV in 2022. The campus is close to my hometown, making it easy to visit family and friends. UTRGV also offers a highly respected engineering program, making it the perfect choice for my academic and career goals.

Read more about Imanol Lopez-Moreno.

February 8, 2025
Natallie Cuellar

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV was close to home and financially accessible. They offered Graphic Design, which aligned with my interests.

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February 1, 2025
Daniel Salas

Why UTRGV?

I attended UTPA from 2014-2016, and after recently deciding to come back to school, I knew this was where I wanted to be. My family and friends who graduated from UTRGV have accomplished great things with their degrees, which I hope to accomplish as well.

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January 18, 2025
Regina Moreno

Why UTRGV?

I picked UTRGV because it allows me to stay near home and stay in touch with my family, which is really important to me. Being close to my family provides me with a solid support structure, which I know will help me excel in college. Because of UTRGV's location, I can continue to be engaged in my neighborhood and give back to where I grew up while simultaneously taking advantage of the university's excellent academic opportunities. I feel that staying close to my roots will provide me with the necessary foundation for personal and academic success.

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January 18, 2025
Alexandra Garcia

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it offered everything I was looking for in a university. It allowed me to stay close to my family, which was very important to me, while providing an affordable, high-quality education. UTRGV's status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution also appealed to me, as it celebrates and represents Hispanic culture in meaningful ways. Knowing I’d be in an environment that honors my heritage and supports students from similar backgrounds made the decision even easier. The combination of proximity, affordability, and cultural appreciation made UTRGV the perfect choice for me.

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January 11, 2025
Fernanda Reyna

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV for its commitment to accessible, high-quality education and its strong community connections—values that align with my goals. The university has provided incredible opportunities, including hands-on roles that enrich my studies. UTRGV emphasizes community leadership, allowing me to serve, volunteer, and connect meaningfully with others. I’m grateful for the university’s supportive atmosphere, which has been invaluable in preparing me for the future.

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January 4, 2025
Sergio Arturo Gonzalez Jr.

Why UTRGV?

I selected UTRGV for its combination of affordability, proximity to home, and the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich cultural experience of the Valley. Being a lifelong resident of the area, I appreciated the university’s strong Hispanic heritage and its commitment to providing a welcoming environment. Additionally, following in the steps of my older sister, a UTPA alum, further solidified my decision to attend UTRGV.

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