UTEP enrollment hits record 27,000 while students face parking shortages

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Fall 2026 marks the first year UTEP's enrollment has surpassed 27 thousand, a 10% increase from 2020, when the university had fewer than 25,000 students, according to the university communications.

Students say the number of parking spots isn't keeping up with those higher enrollment rates.

Limited parking spots is forcing commuters to plan for extra time on their drive and possibly a long walk to class.

Parking permits range from $165 to $400, depending on the lot:

One lot on Glory Road costs students $225, but it has been blocked off for construction of the new Miner Crossing residence hall.

Major concerts featuring artists such as BTS, Karol G and Usher have also contributed to parking challenges by temporarily closing additional lots along Glory Road.

"We all have to like move to other parking spots and then they get mad at us. And so, you know, it starts becoming an issue. It usually takes a week. Last one was when usher came. They closed Glory Road one, two and three," UTEP freshman Luis Avalos said.

Students said parking is generally manageable on a regular day, but concert-related closures can make it difficult to find a space. Some said the added time spent searching for parking has caused them to arrive late to class or miss it entirely.

"When we have those events and we get our product in spots, you know, displaced and everything, and just messes everything up," UTEP freshman Sebastian Gonzalez said. "It does get a little more difficult."

Gonzalez said students sometimes have to search for parking on the other side of campus when their usual lots are unavailable, adding more time to their commutes.

The problem has also affected faculty members. Tawanda Chabikwa, a professor of theater, dance and African American studies who has worked at UTEP for six years, said finding parking has become more challenging in recent years.

"Well, I think over the last couple of years, this has been the most challenging it's been to find parking," Chabikwa said.

Chabikwa said students have struggled to find parking and have arrived late to class as a result.

Although UTEP sends emails in advance to notify the campus community about parking changes, students said they have limited options beyond arriving early or searching elsewhere for available spaces.

UTEP Communications declined an interview but provided a statement acknowledging the parking challenges:

Parking has been tighter than usual on campus in recent weeks. Ongoing construction has closed part of one major lot, and additional spaces closed temporarily in preparation for major concerts – all during some of the busiest weeks of the semester.

Parking and Transportation is contacting affected permit holders directly and arranging alternate parking. Students having trouble finding a space can access real-time parking updates by calling the Parking and Transportation Office at 915-747-5724.

As in previous years, we expect conditions to ease over the coming weeks as demand levels off and closed spaces return to service.

For students and faculty, the combination of enrollment growth, construction and major events has made finding a parking space an added challenge during the academic year.