UTEP enrollment reaches all-time high

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A record number of students enrolled in the University of Texas at El Paso this fall, according to the school. For the first time, UTEP's enrollment passed 27,000.

UTEP said this fall's enrollment set an all-time record for the second year in a row. It said 27,368 new students enrolled, which is an increase of more than 4% from last year's fall semester.

The university's previous record stood at 26,297, UTEP said.

“Surpassing 27,000 students is a remarkable milestone, but what matters most is that record numbers of students are not just enrolling at UTEP, they are staying and finishing,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson in a statement. “That is a credit to our faculty and staff, who take seriously the job of meeting each student where they are, and making UTEP an excellent and affordable path to a better life.”

In August, Wilson said UTEP expected to set a record during UTEP's state of the university address.

UTEP's milestones didn't stop with this fall semester's enrollment. For the fifth year in a row, UTEP enrolled its largest freshman class. It said 4,695 first-time college students started their studies this fall.

When it announced its record enrollment, UTEP noted its efforts to build its student body and support. One example included UTEP's Paydirt Promise, which covers 100% of tuition and fees for some Texas residents.

The university also credited its online education program, which offers more than 40 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs and graduate certificates.