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Admission Requirements

Students at UTRGV are talented, compassionate, hard-working, goal-oriented, and community-minded. So when we look at applicants, we don’t simply focus on grades and test scores. We take a holistic approach to admissions so we get a well-rounded picture of who each applicant is and how they would impact our campus community.

High school graduates in the top 10 percent of their graduating class receive assured admission to UTRGV.

All UTRGV entering freshman applicants will have their own admissions profile created from all the information submitted, and admissions decisions will be based on that profile and their accomplishments in high school.

You are an entering freshman if you have graduated or will be graduating from high school and have not attended a college/university after your high school graduation. 

  • You are also considered an entering freshman if you: 
    • Earned college credit while still in high school
    • Completed a GED program or were homeschooled and have not attended a college or university after receiving your diploma
Factors for review
Factors for review will include:
Class Rank
Prior College Hours
The rigor of High School Courses Completed
Leadership Experience
Community Involvement
Career Goals
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First-Year Student Profile
  • Average ACT 19.74
  • Average SAT 1030
  • 46% Rank in Top 25% of Class
  • 57% Begin UTRGV with Prior College Hours
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Cost

UTRGV has one of the lowest costs of attendance in the state of Texas. Our tuition is the 2nd lowest in the UT System and the 3rd lowest among all Texas public universities. We guarantee your tuition will not increase for 4 years.

Tuition and Fees Chart Cost of Attendance Chart

Financial Aid

FAFSA Code: 003599

The Financial Aid Office at UTRGV is dedicated to helping you and your family pursue your educational goals. Navigating the financial aid process can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Your Vaquero family is ready to offer you support and guidance every step of the way.

Apply for Financial Aid Scholarships Loans Tuition Advantage

Submit Your Application

  • Fill out the UTRGV Freshman application online at applytexas.org.
  • Submit your high school transcript or high school equivalency certificate. Make sure it indicates your sixth-semester grades, graduation plan, class rank, class size, and GPA (If applicable).
  • Admissions Essay A or B through Apply Texas. 
  • Although not required for admission, it is strongly recommended that applicants submit official college transcripts reflecting college coursework taken while in high school (dual enrollment) for consideration under Holistic Review.
  • For the 2023-2024 application cycle, UTRGV remains test-optional. If you have taken the ACT or SAT exams and wish to send us your official scores, contact the testing agency. The UTRGV school code for ACT is 6991, and for SAT 6568. While test scores are not required for an admission decision, test scores are required for Tuition Advantage and are highly encouraged for Scholarships, College of Engineering Admissions, Biomedical Program Admissions, etc. 

If you attended one of the following types of high schools, you have additional documentation to submit to complete your application:

      • Texas private high school, submit a high school certification form along with your high school transcript.
      • Foreign School (attended school in another country), submit your transcript to get evaluated by SPANTRAN, Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA), or World Education Services (WES). SPANTRAN, FCSA, or WES are the only companies accepted by UTRGV for foreign evaluations.   

Check your Application Status for additional pending documents. International applicants visit the International Students page for requirements.

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Application Deadlines
  • Fall Priority Deadline: February 1
  • Summer Priority Deadline: February 1
  • Spring Priority Deadline: November 1
Review and Print Checklist Recruitment Events Available Scholarships Explore Student Life Academic Calendar Residence Life and Housing

I'm Admitted — What’s Next?

Congratulations and welcome to UTRGV!

Now that you’re admitted, it's time to take care of the list below.

You can view more details and download a checklist for admitted students on our Undergraduate admissions webpage.

Activate your UTRGV Account toggle open accordion 
This is your Vaquero lifeline. All information regarding your classes, student accounts, announcements and more will come to your UTRGV email address. Visit utrgv.edu/myaccount to activate your account today!
Send us any College Credit you’ve Earned toggle open accordion 
Request your official college transcript to be sent to UTRGV. College transcripts must come directly from the sending institution and include the official seal of the college/university or a signature of a college/university official.
Sign up for New Student Orientation toggle open accordion 

Don’t delay! Keep an eye out for orientation dates and sign up — you'll enroll in your classes, and the best selections are at the beginning.

SIGN UP FOR NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Check your TSI Status toggle open accordion 
What is TSI? The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires all students test prior to enrolling in college-level coursework in the areas of reading, math and writing. You need these scores for academic placement in your classes. If you haven’t taken the TSI yet, you may do so through the UTRGV Testing Center.
Provide Documentation for Meningitis Vaccine toggle open accordion 
All new students under the age of 22 must submit evidence of receiving the meningitis vaccine or booster shot (administered within the past five years) or evidence of exemption before they can enroll.
Check on your Financial Aid and Scholarships Awards toggle open accordion 
Make sure you stay up to date with your financial aid. Whether it’s a grant, scholarship or other financial award, this is really important information to make sure you pay your tuition and fees on time.
Make Arrangements for On-Campus Housing toggle open accordion 

Plan to live on campus!  Review UTRGV’s  First Year Housing Policy to learn more information on housing requirements for Freshmen.

Turn in your Final High School Transcript toggle open accordion 

This is important. Your final high school transcript reflects your completion, and this information is necessary for your admissions file. Transcript must be received by August 1st.

Know Your Way Around Campus toggle open accordion 
Don’t get lost during your first day of class! Check out the campus maps so that you know where to find your classes.
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