The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a very young college — it was created in 2013 and last year marked its 10-year anniversary of welcoming its first class. UTRGV offers more than 100 programs at various levels, including bachelor's degrees in subjects like addiction studies, marine biology, and hospitality and tourism management for more than 27,000 undergraduates. The university is also home to the Smart Hospital, a 15,000-square-foot simulation center with an ICU, emergency room and birthing room.
Students here get some serious bang for their buck. The total cost of attendance for in-state students living on campus is about $25,000. Nearly all first-year students qualify for some type of grant or scholarship, bringing that price down to less than $10,000 on average.
The university is dedicated to helping students complete their education, and it offers supportive services like on-campus childcare facilities. Plus, through the UTRGV Tuition Advantage Program, students with a family income of $125,000 or less can qualify for grants that cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees.
Outside of the classroom, students can show off their school spirit by joining the co-ed cheer, dance and mascot teams. Last year, more than 12,000 fans filled the school’s stadium for its first-ever football game, which came about after students cast a record number of ballots in a vote to bring the sport to campus. UTRGV’s mascot is the Vaquero, a cowboy whose outfit was designed and chosen by students.
