UTEP reports record fundraising and enrollment growth

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has reported record-breaking figures in enrollment, fundraising, and research expenditures. During her annual State of the University address, President Heather Wilson noted that UTEP is experiencing growth even as many universities across the United States face declining enrollment.

In terms of fundraising, the institution raised approximately $67.5 million during fiscal year 2026, marking the first time annual donations have exceeded $60 million. This total includes a $30 million gift—the largest in the university's history—to name the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering. The university also received 11 donations exceeding $1 million and expects to reach a record of more than 6,426 unique donors.

Enrollment is also projected to reach historic levels this fall, with expectations to surpass the previous record of 26,297 students. This would mark the fifth consecutive year of record numbers for incoming students. Additionally, research expenditures reached an institutional high of $162.3 million in fiscal year 2025, with $73 million provided by federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy.