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Site Policies | Privacy Policy | Required Links | Fraud Reporting | UTRGV Careers |Clery Crime Reports | Texas Homeland Security | Texas Veterans | Mental Health Resources
THE FUTURE
OF TEXAS
Legislative Priorities 89th Legislative Session
Message from Dr. Guy Bailey
Moving the Needle on Healthcare
Brain Health at UTRGV
INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE (ION):
• State’s only National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer’s
Disease Research Center.
• World-class center of excellence in brain health education, research,
and personalized treatment serving the Rio Grande Valley
communities and beyond.
• Conducting research and providing clinical care for those suffering
from Alzheimer’s and dementia, among other diseases of the brain.
SOUTH TEXAS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH
CENTER (ADRC):
• Collaboration of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and
Neurodegenerative Diseases. The mission is to expand genetic
studies to include more of the region’s population.
• Joins 32 other centers nationwide that are accelerating research on
effective Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention, diagnostics, and
treatments, while improving support for families and caregivers.
• ADRCs are the National Institute on Aging Centers of Excellence.
2026-2027 BIENNIUM REQUESTS
General Academic Unit
FUNDING FOR A NEW SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY (SOO)
AND THE DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY (OD) PROGRAM
$10 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
Funding will provide resources to establish and operate UTRGV’s SOO and the OD degree program. THECB approval for the OD program is anticipated in January 2025, and the inaugural cohort of 40 students is expected to enroll in Fall 2027. Funding will support salaries for the founding dean, associate deans, clinical and basic science faculty, and academic support staff. The SOO and OD program are critical components of UTRGV’s strategic plan for health and professional medical education in the Rio Grande Valley.
RESTORE FUNDING FOR INSTITUTIONAL
ENHANCEMENT (IE)
RESTORE $16.2 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING;
ADD $6.9 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
5 doctoral programs in STEM and health fields, and 3 professional programs:
PhD in Physics
PhD in Human Genetics
Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Integrated Life Sciences
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
School of Medicine (SoM)
TOP PRIORITY
MEDICAL SCHOOL NON-FORMULA INSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS
RETAIN $39.9 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING
The RGV is home to the only medical school in deep South Texas, a rapidly growing four-county region with disproportionate poverty, higher rates of disease, and a shortage of physicians in every specialty. The UTRGV School of Medicine’s highest priority is the continuation of the Non-Formula Support (NFS) operational funding.
SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE
RETAIN $12 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING
NFS appropriations support operating costs until full formula and clinical funding materializes. The school will increase the supply and access to podiatrists to align with the growth and demand for foot-related healthcare created by aging, diabetes, and obesity.
EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
LIMB PRESERVATION PROGRAM (LPP)
$5 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
The LPP will coordinate the efforts of the Schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine to include a team of multidisciplinary specialists who work to prevent limb loss and restore lower limb function in diabetic patients and align to establish a Diabetes Center of Excellence that would operate in conjunction with the Limb Preservation Center.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY CENTER
RETAIN $1.9 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING; ADD $5 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
The RGV has long been a medically underserved area with wide gaps in specialty care and research; cancer research and cancer care are among the most critical shortages. UTRGV seeks to add $5M to support the operations of a new Cancer Center opening in 2025. With design and oncology advisory services provided by the MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Health RGV will operate this first-of-its-kind comprehensive academic cancer treatment program in the region.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FUNDING & POLICY PRIORITIES
TEXAS CHILD MENTAL HEALTH CARE CONSORTIUM (TCMHCC)
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION EXPANSION GRANTS
CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE PROJECT (CCAP)
LIMB PRESERVATION CENTER (LPC) = $23 Million
UTRGV Accessible & Affordable
About UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine. It allowed region residents to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions.
UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including in Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville (formerly The University of Texas at Brownsville campus), Edinburg (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American campus), Harlingen, McAllen, Weslaco, Port Isabel, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island. UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.
About UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine. It allowed region residents to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions.
UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including in Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville (formerly The University of Texas at Brownsville campus), Edinburg (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American campus), Harlingen, McAllen, Weslaco, Port Isabel, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island. UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.
Legislative Priorities
Legislative Priorities | 89th Texas Legislature
In August 2025, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will celebrate its 10th anniversary, and the milestones achieved since opening our doors in 2015 are remarkable. In less than 9 years, we have graduated over 56,000 students, equivalent to 3% of the Rio Grande Valley population.
PRESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
1st in Texas
of Pell Grant Students Amongst Texas Universities
for Lowest Net Price of Attendance
Physicians Educated
Accredited medical school with 220 medical students across 4 classes and 238 medical graduates.
Graduate Medical Education (GME)
408 Residents and fellows completed training since 2016; 136 Residents and Fellows are currently training across 9 residency and fellowship programs. 56% stayed in Texas; of those, 59% stayed in the RGV.
Contact Us
Veronica Gonzales
Senior Vice President for Governmental & Community Relations
Office: (956) 665-2128
Cell: (956) 451-1969
Richard P. Sanchez
Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations
Office: (956) 665-3668
Cell: (956) 369-1010
Veronica E. De La Garza
Director of Governmental Relations
Office: (956) 665-7373
Cell: (956) 496-4358
For more information regarding the enclosed content and funding priorities for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, please contact:
First-year medical student and Valley native Kaitlyn Dianne Ybañez became interested in a medical career after experiencing the optimism and hope that physicians brought to her life. She hopes to be an advocate for healthcare education in the community.
"As part of the first cohort of the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, I knew as a senior in high school that UTRGV was my next destination. Being involved in local opportunities allowed me to explore my passion for healthcare more deeply and develop a sense of purpose. I also share the mission of the UTRGV School of Medicine, which is to provide and enhance medical care for our community. I am beyond excited to serve a place I call home.”
KAITLYN DIANNE YBAÑEZ
School of Medicine, Class of 2028
"I decided to attend UTRGV because it is a top-tier university that prioritizes providing high-quality education to all students. UTRGV has also made significant strides in community engagement, and I was drawn to the university’s commitment to giving back to the community. Upon completing my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, I was certain that I wanted to further my education at UTRGV. The Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program at UTRGV would enable me to pursue a career that I am passionate about while still being able to maintain close relationships with my family and friends in the area.”
NEIDA M. GUTTIEREZ
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
2026-2027 BIENNIUM REQUESTS
1st in Best Performance
1st in Texas
We have expanded educational opportunities for students by adding over 42 bachelor, master, doctoral, and professional degree programs, and research expenditures have surpassed those of our two legacy institutions by close to 600%. Notably, our medical school, which opened in 2016, is now fully accredited and has produced 238 medical graduates and in 2022, we opened our School of Podiatric Medicine, the first in Texas and only one of eleven in the nation.
Our physicians and faculty provide care throughout the Rio Grande Valley at over 25 clinical sites. In 2025, we will open our Cancer and Surgery Center, the first comprehensive academic outpatient cancer treatment program in the region, and we continue to recruit expert physicians and scientists to lead research in diabetes, cancer, immunology, and neuroscience.
Despite operating on a lean budget, UTRGV consistently ranks #1 in the state and nation for low cost, high value, and greatest social mobility and economic value. I am most proud of our students, the majority of which are first-generation college students, working their way through school to help support their families and still maintain an 81% first-year retention rate.
Great things are happening at UTRGV and with your continued support, the best is yet to come!
Growing Our Own
46% of current students come from the RGV or completed undergraduate degrees at UTRGV.
Taking Care of Our Community
UT Health RGV has 25 clinical sites across 100 miles within the RGV, including 3 Area Health Education Clinics (AHECs) in three counties. Podiatrists provide care in 2 of those clinics. UT Health RGV also operates a mobile van, the Unimovil, that provides basic care in colonias across the RGV.
Institute of Neuroscience
Conducting Research and providing clinical care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and other diseases of the brain. State’s only National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
School of Podiatric Medicine
First in Texas, only one of 11 in the nation and the only public SoPM. Opened in 2022, seated third class.
Cancer and Surgery Center
First comprehensive academic outpatient cancer treatment program in the region. Opens in 2025.
BORDER ECONOMIC AND ENTERPRISE
RETAIN $1 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING;
ADD $340,000 IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
Would broaden capacity to support workforce development, new industry recruitment, industry engagement, and small business development, as well as much-needed workforce analysis.
STARR COUNTY UPPER-LEVEL CENTER (ULC)
RETAIN $55,230 IN CURRENT FUNDING;
ADD $290,000 IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
To expand services in one of the most chronically underserved areas of Texas, including increased recruitment of teacher candidates, social work programs, and health and mental wellness training.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FUNDING PRIORITIES
TEACHER RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
More intense, yearlong programs provide more meaningful
experiences than traditional student teaching programs.
FULLY FUND ENROLLMENT GROWTH
A priority that is particularly important for those institutions that
continue to grow.
CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE PROJECT (CCAP)
Health Professions Workforce Building = $150 million with a total of
150,000 gross square feet.
FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
TEXAS Grants and work-study programs
CONTINUE FUNDING SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE
REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES (CRUs)
RESEARCH FUNDING
CONTINUE EXPANSION OF BROADBAND COVERAGE
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESOURCE CENTER FOR AGING RESEARCH:
Builds an infrastructure and data collection system to attract and support expert researchers from multiple disciplines and at different scientific career stages, encouraging them to conduct research aimed at reducing the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease.
“I originally attended Texas A&M University but decided to transfer to UTRGV to stay closer to my family. It turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. UTRGV offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a close-knit community atmosphere that I didn’t find at other universities. Being close to my family while still receiving a top-notch education has been invaluable.”
HARRIS BRITTON
Information Systems
"When I first learned about the UTRGV School of Medicine opening in 2016, I was amazed that a medical school would be right here in the Valley. Getting a medical education so close to home is a dream come true," Laddidad said. "It's not just about getting into medical school. It's about being prepared to succeed and to serve my community effectively as a future physician."
JULIANNA LADDIDAD
Vaqueros MD, 2024
UTRGV School of Medicine offers early admission to students participating in both the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) and Vaquero MD pipeline programs. After completing program requirements, promising students receive a guaranteed seat in the incoming UTRGV School of Medicine student class. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)
THE FUTURE
OF TEXAS
Legislative Priorities 89th Legislative Session
#1 University in Texas
Message from Dr. Guy Bailey
PRESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
In August 2025, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will celebrate its 10th anniversary, and the milestones achieved since opening our doors in 2015 are remarkable. In less than 9 years, we have graduated over 56,000 students, equivalent to 3% of the Rio Grande Valley population.
We have expanded educational opportunities for students by adding over 42 bachelor, master, doctoral, and professional degree programs, and research expenditures have surpassed those of our two legacy institutions by close to 600%. Notably, our medical school, which opened in 2016, is now fully accredited and has produced 238 medical graduates and in 2022, we opened our School of Podiatric Medicine, the first in Texas and only one of eleven in the nation.
Our physicians and faculty provide care throughout the Rio Grande Valley at over 25 clinical sites, and in 2025, we will open our Cancer and Surgery Center, the first comprehensive academic outpatient cancer treatment program in the region, and we continue to recruit expert physicians and scientists to lead research in diabetes, cancer, immunology and neuroscience.
Despite operating on a lean budget, UTRGV consistently ranks #1 in the state and nation for low cost, high value, and greatest social mobility and economic value. I am most proud of our students, the majority of which are first-generation college students, working their way through school to help support their families and still maintain an 81% first-year retention rate.
Great things are happening at UTRGV and with your continued support, the best is yet to come!
2026-2027 BIENNIUM REQUESTS
General Academic Unit
FUNDING FOR A NEW SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY (SOO) AND THE DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY (OD) PROGRAM
$10 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
Funding will provide resources to establish and operate UTRGV’s SOO and the OD degree program. THECB approval for the OD program is anticipated in January 2025, and the inaugural cohort of 40 students is expected to enroll in Fall 2027. Funding will support salaries for the founding dean, associate deans, clinical and basic science faculty, and academic support staff. The SOO and OD program are critical components of UTRGV’s strategic plan for health and professional medical education in the Rio Grande Valley.
RESTORE FUNDING FOR INSTITUTIONAL ENHANCEMENT (IE)
RESTORE $16.2 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING; ADD $6.9 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
5 doctoral programs in STEM and health fields, and 3 professional programs:
PhD in Physics
PhD in Human Genetics
Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Integrated Life Sciences
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
First-year medical student and Valley native Kaitlyn Dianne Ybañez became interested in a medical career after experiencing the optimism and hope that physicians brought to her life. She hopes to be an advocate for healthcare education in the community.
"As part of the first cohort of the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, I knew as a senior in high school that UTRGV was my next destination. Being involved in local opportunities allowed me to explore my passion for healthcare more deeply and develop a sense of purpose. I also share the mission of the UTRGV School of Medicine, which is to provide and enhance medical care for our community. I am beyond excited to serve a place I call home.”
KAITLYN DIANNE YBAÑEZ
School of Medicine, Class of 2028
BORDER ECONOMIC AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
RETAIN $1 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING; ADD $340,000 IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
Would broaden capacity to support workforce development, new industry recruitment, industry engagement, and small business development, as well as much-needed workforce analysis.
STARR COUNTY UPPER LEVEL CENTER (ULC)
RETAIN $55,230 IN CURRENT FUNDING; ADD $290,000 IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
To expand services in one of the most chronically underserved areas of Texas, including increased recruitment of teacher candidates, social work programs, and health and mental wellness training.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FUNDING PRIORITIES
TEACHER RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
More intense, yearlong programs
provide more meaningful experiences
than traditional student teaching
programs.
FULLY FUND ENROLLMENT
GROWTH
A priority that is particularly important
for those institutions that continue to
grow.
CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION
ASSISTANCE PROJECT (CCAP)
Health Professions Workforce Building
= $150 million with a total of 150,000
gross square feet.
FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENT
SUCCESS
TEXAS Grants and work-study
programs
CONTINUE FUNDING SUPPORT FOR
COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL
UNIVERSITIES (CRUs)
RESEARCH FUNDING
CONTINUE EXPANSION OF
BROADBAND COVERAGE
School of Medicine (SoM)
TOP PRIORITY
MEDICAL SCHOOL NON-FORMULA INSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS
RETAIN $39.9 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING
The RGV is home to the only medical school in deep South Texas, a rapidly growing four-county region with disproportionate poverty, higher rates of disease, and a shortage of physicians in every specialty. The UTRGV School of Medicine’s highest priority is the continuation of the Non-Formula Support (NFS) operational funding.
SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE
RETAIN $12 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING
The NFS appropriations support operating costs until full formula and clinical funding materializes. The school will increase the supply and access to podiatrists to align with the growth and demand for foot-related healthcare created by aging, diabetes, and obesity.
EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
LIMB PRESERVATION PROGRAM (LPP)
$5 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
The LPP will coordinate the efforts of the Schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine to include a team of multidisciplinary specialists who work to prevent limb loss and restore lower limb function in diabetic patients and align to establish a Diabetes Center of Excellence that would operate in conjunction with the Limb Preservation Center.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY CENTER
RETAIN $1.9 MILLION IN CURRENT FUNDING; ADD $5 MILLION IN EXCEPTIONAL ITEM FUNDING
The RGV has long been a medically underserved area with wide gaps in specialty care and research; cancer research and cancer care are among the most critical shortages. UTRGV seeks to add $5M to support the operations of a new Cancer Center opening in 2025. With design and oncology advisory services provided by the MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Health RGV will operate this first-of-its-kind comprehensive academic cancer treatment program in the region.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FUNDING & POLICY PRIORITIES
TEXAS CHILD MENTAL HEALTH CARE CONSORTIUM (TCMHCC)
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION EXPANSION GRANTS
CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE PROJECT (CCAP)
LIMB PRESERVATION CENTER (LPC) = $23 Million
"I decided to attend UTRGV because it is a top-tier university that prioritizes providing high-quality education to all students. UTRGV has also made significant strides in community engagement, and I was drawn to the university’s commitment to giving back to the community. Upon completing my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, I was certain that I wanted to further my education at UTRGV. The Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program at UTRGV would enable me to pursue a career that I am passionate about while still being able to maintain close relationships with my family and friends in the area.”
NEIDA M. GUTTIEREZ
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
2026-2027 BIENNIUM REQUESTS
Moving the Needle on Healthcare
Physicians Educated
Accredited medical school with 220 medical students across 4 classes and 238 medical graduates.
Taking Care of Our Community
UT Health RGV has 25 clinical sites across 100 miles within the RGV, including 3 Area Health Education Clinics (AHECs) in three counties. Podiatrists provide care in 2 of those clinics. UT Health RGV also operates a mobile van, the Unimovil, that provides basic care in colonias across the RGV.
Growing Our Own
46% of current students come from the RGV or completed undergraduate degrees at UTRGV.
Institute of Neuroscience
Conducting Research and providing clinical care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and other diseases of the brain. State’s only National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Graduate Medical Education (GME)
408 Residents and fellows completed training since 2016; 136 Residents and Fellows are currently training across 9 residency and fellowship programs. 56% stayed in Texas; of those, 59% stayed in the RGV.
Cancer and Surgery Center
First comprehensive academic outpatient cancer treatment program in the region. Opens in 2025.
School of Podiatric Medicine
First in Texas, only one of 11 in the nation and the only public SoPM. Opened in 2022, seated third class.
Brain Health at UTRGV
INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE (ION):
• State’s only National Institute on
Aging-designated Alzheimer’s Disease
Research Center.
• World-class center of excellence in brain
health education, research, and
personalized treatment serving the Rio
Grande Valley communities and beyond.
• Conducting research and providing clinical
care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s
and dementia, among other diseases of
the brain.
SOUTH TEXAS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH CENTER (ADRC):
• Collaboration of the Glenn Biggs Institute
for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative
Diseases. The mission is to expand genetic
studies to include more of the region’s
population.
• Joins 32 other centers nationwide that are
accelerating research on effective
Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention,
diagnostics, and treatments, while
improving support for families and
caregivers.
• ADRCs are the National Institute on Aging
Centers of Excellence.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESOURCE CENTER FOR AGING RESEARCH:
Builds an infrastructure and data collection system to attract and support expert researchers from multiple disciplines and at different scientific career stages, encouraging them to conduct research aimed at reducing the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease.
“We now know that Alzheimer's begins 20 years or earlier before memory loss or other symptoms develop,” Maestre said. “We are now looking forward to therapeutics that will begin early enough to really stop the progression to the disease – and moving toward incorporating biomarker detection for Alzheimer's disease into routine preventive healthcare.”
DR. GLADYS MAESTRE
Director of UTRGV’s Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Aging Research
“We now know that Alzheimer's begins 20 years or earlier before memory loss or other symptoms develop,” Maestre said. “We are now looking forward to therapeutics that will begin early enough to really stop the progression to the disease – and moving toward incorporating biomarker detection for Alzheimer's disease into routine preventive healthcare.”
DR. GLADYS MAESTRE
Director of UTRGV’s Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Aging Research
UTRGV Accessible & Affordable
“I originally attended Texas A&M University but decided to transfer to UTRGV to stay closer to my family. It turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. UTRGV offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a close-knit community atmosphere that I didn’t find at other universities. Being close to my family while still receiving a top-notch education has been invaluable.”
HARRIS BRITTON
Information Systems
"When I first learned about the UTRGV School of Medicine opening in 2016, I was amazed that a medical school would be right here in the Valley. Getting a medical education so close to home is a dream come true," Laddidad said. "It's not just about getting into medical school. It's about being prepared to succeed and to serve my community effectively as a future physician."
JULIANNA LADDIDAD
Vaqueros MD, 2024
UTRGV School of Medicine offers early admission to students participating in both the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) and Vaquero MD pipeline programs. After completing program requirements, promising students receive a guaranteed seat in the incoming UTRGV School of Medicine student class. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)
Year In Review 2022
Year In Review 2022
Contact Us
Veronica Gonzales
Senior Vice President for Governmental & Community Relations
Office: (956) 665-2128
Cell: (956) 451-1969
Richard P. Sanchez
Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations
Office: (956) 665-3668
Cell: (956) 369-1010
Veronica E. De La Garza
Director of Governmental Relations
Office: (956) 665-7373
Cell: (956) 496-4358
For more information regarding the enclosed content and funding priorities for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, please contact:
2024: Year in Review
2024: Year in Review
Ranked Best University
Washington Monthly (2023 & 2024)
Washington Monthly (2023 & 2024)
Degree Choices (2023)
Washington Monthly (2023 & 2024)
Lowest Net Price of Attendance
#1 — Among Texas Universities
#2 — Among National Public Universities
Lowest average total academic costs per year and per degree among Texas public Universities
UTRGV's tuition is transparent, predictable, and incentivizes students to graduate sooner.
TRANSPARENT
Eliminated most fees.
PREDICTABLE
Guaranteed for four years.
INCENTIVIZING: Tuition and fees capped at 12 hours. Enrollment at 15 hours gives students one free class every semester or one free semester overall to encourage progress toward graduation. Enrollment in 18 hours gives students two free classes a semester.
Top Social Mobility for Students
#1 — Among Texas Universities
#9 — Among National Public Universities
At $18,298 In-State tuition, UTRGV's School of Medicine is among the most affordable in the United States.
UTRGV's Tuition Advantage Program covers over 90 percent of its residential undergraduaties tuition and mandatory fees, making it the largest no-cost tuition program in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.
Access and Affordability = 56,000+ GRADUATES IN 9 YEARS (3% of RGV population)
TRANSPARENT
Eliminated most fees.
Lowest average total academic costs per year and per degree among Texas public Universities
INCENTIVIZING: Tuition and fees capped at 12 hours. Enrollment at 15 hours gives students one free class every semester or one free semester overall to encourage progress toward graduation. Enrollment in 18 hours gives students two free classes a semester.
UTRGV's tuition is transparent, predictable, and incentivizes students to graduate sooner.
PREDICTABLE
Guaranteed for four years.