The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Campus

2025 admissions data

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 94.0% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 94 actually get in. No guessing. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a UNIV institution located in Edinburg, TX — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) can be an excellent choice for students who appreciate a diverse community and are focused on practical education. With a student body made up of 89.2% Hispanic students, it fosters a rich cultural environment beneficial for personal growth. The university’s balanced program strength means that it caters well to a variety of academic interests, making it suitable for undecided students. However, those looking for a traditional campus life experience might feel disconnected here, as the sprawling campuses are not centrally located within a bustling city. Students who prioritize a vibrant social scene may find the surroundings quieter than they expect, making UTRGV a perhaps tough sell for those heavily invested in seeking a lively college lifestyle. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as they significantly shape the daily experience of attending UTRGV, impacting both academic and social outcomes.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

91.2%

Acceptance Rate

Women

96.3%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

17,002

Admitted

15,983

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math420–530

Reading460–560

ACT Score Range

English14–21

Math15–20

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How Competitive Is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley? Making Sense of the Acceptance Rate

Students often equate acceptance rate with competitiveness, but the relationship isn’t always straightforward. The acceptance rate at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a useful snapshot, yet it doesn’t capture the full admissions landscape.

With an acceptance rate of 94.0%, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley admits a significant portion of its applicants—but that doesn’t mean admissions outcomes are uniform. Different students experience different levels of competition based on how and where they apply.

The Hidden Layers Behind Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates are shaped by applicant mix. Universities that attract students across a wide academic spectrum often report higher acceptance rates, even when expectations within certain programs are rigorous.

At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, students applying with a clear academic focus may encounter a very different admissions process than those applying without a defined direction. Program demand, preparation level, and alignment all matter.

Why Context Matters More Than Percentages

Acceptance rates are best understood as context, not conclusions. They help frame the admissions environment but don’t account for individual strengths or weaknesses.

For students researching the acceptance rate at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the most valuable takeaway is not the number itself, but what it suggests about how competitive the applicant pool might be—and how preparation and fit influence outcomes.

Admissions Insight

Advising access is a critical yet often underappreciated factor that impacts student outcomes at UTRGV. While the university boasts a balanced range of programs, the accessibility and quality of academic advising can vary significantly. At UTRGV, the availability of advisors who understand specific majors and career pathways can influence timely degree completion and overall student satisfaction. This variance is particularly noticeable in the most popular programs, such as nursing and engineering, where demand for advisors often exceeds supply. Students may find themselves overwhelmed by unscheduled visits and lengthy wait times during peak registration periods. Additionally, the cultural nuances of the local community play a considerable role. Understanding this can be vital; advisors who are culturally competent can better assist students in navigating their academic paths, especially for those from first-generation college backgrounds. This personalized support can result in improved retention rates and more successful transitions to graduate programs or careers. Moreover, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, there is potential for productive relationships to develop in smaller classes, but this is offset by the uneven distribution of advising resources. For instance, those who actively seek advice and mentorship often reap rewards that others overlooking this vital resource may miss. Therefore, when assessing UTRGV, it's essential to consider not only academic offerings but also the level of support accessibility and the role it plays in shaping academic and post-graduation success.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://www.applytexas.org

Your Chances of Getting Into The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Should The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Be on Your College List?

By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.

Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.

Making a Balanced Application Decision

Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.

What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.

Should You Apply to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?

If 94.0% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate at UTRGV?

The acceptance rate at UTRGV varies yearly, but typically, it has a relatively high acceptance rate compared to many other universities, often welcoming a diverse range of applicants.

Is the SAT or ACT required for admission?

No, UTRGV has adopted an optional test policy, meaning that students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for their application.

What is the average class size?

UTRGV aims to maintain small classroom sizes, with approximately 22% of classes having 2-19 students and 50% featuring 20-39 students, fostering closer interaction between students and faculty.

How much is in-state tuition?

In-state tuition and fees at UTRGV are approximately $9,986, which is cost-effective compared to many similar institutions, making it accessible for Texas residents.

What financial aid is available?

UTRGV provides various financial aid options, with about 77% of students receiving state aid averaging $4,572 annually, helping to alleviate the cost of education.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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