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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

2024-2025 

Annual Report

IN HIGHER EDUCATION 
AND HEALTH CARE

CREATING VALUE

Fall 2025 set a record with a first-day enrollment of 35,812 students, marking a 26% increase since we opened in 2015.

• Record-breaking Fall 2025 freshman class: 7,200+ students. 
• Record-breaking first-year retention rate: 80.1%.
• Record-breaking doctoral enrollment: 680+ doctoral students. 
• More than 60,000 graduates and counting since 2015.
  

HIGHLIGHTS

In 2015, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley opened its doors with the vision to transform lives across the Rio Grande Valley. From the start, that vision focused on advancing student success, expanding academic opportunities, and strengthening communities through research and health care.

This 2023-24 Annual Report reflects the remarkable milestones we have achieved together:

•  Record-breaking enrollment, retention, and graduation rates — a testament to our students’ ambition and our faculty and staff’s dedication.

•  Over 56,000 graduates since our founding in 2015 — 3% of the Valley’s population — making an indelible impact across Texas and beyond.

•  Unparalleled academic expansion — 42 new degree programs since 2015 — ensuring that the best and brightest students can pursue their ambitions right here in the Valley. We also remain Texas' only university with both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine, with a School of Optometry on the horizon.

•  Research at an all-time high, positioning UTRGV to pursue R1 Carnegie status in the coming years.

•  Historic growth in philanthropy, with record-setting fundraising and endowment figures.

•  National recognition, ranked Texas’ No. 1 University by Washington Monthly for the second straight year and the top Texas public university for value by The Wall Street Journal.

• A new era in UTRGV Athletics, with the launch of women’s swimming and diving and our Division I football program kicking off in 2025.

These are just a few highlights, with many more included in this report. None of this would be possible without the relentless hard work of our students, faculty, and staff — and the unwavering support of the communities we serve. Unlike other institutions, we don’t expect the Valley to adapt to us. We are built for the Valley. Our values — hard work, family, opportunity, and gratitude — reflect our region, define us, and drive us forward.

As we look back on an incredible year — and soon, an incredible decade — let’s be clear: we are just getting started. Our trajectory is rising, and it’s rising fast. Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

Guy Bailey

President

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 

A MESSAGE FROM 

The President

IN THE NEWS

UTRGV’s chess team won its fourth national championship at the 2025 President’s Cup, the most prestigious in chess. The Vaqueros secured the victory after a strong performance against the nation's top programs, continuing their tradition as one of the leading collegiate chess programs in the U.S. Read more about their championship win. 

Chess Team Named Co-Champion at President’s Cup

Doctoral Student Earns Award from Texas Business Hall of Fame

Emiliana M. Escobar, a UTRGV doctoral student and master electrician, was honored with the Future Texas Business Legend Award by the Texas Business Hall of Fame for her innovation in education technology. Her bilingual interactive learning platform, ElectraXR, helps aspiring electricians prepare for journeyman certification in a more accessible format. Read more about Escobar's Future Texas Business Legend Award and her ElectraXR platform. 

A Historic Promise: Free Tuition for Thousands

UTRGV launched Tuition Advantage, one of the most expansive free-tuition programs for eligible Texas residents. The program initially covered students from families with annual household incomes of $75,000 or less and has since expanded to include those from households earning up to $125,000, helping remove financial barriers and broaden access across the Rio Grande Valley.

UTRGV Celebrates Record Number of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2025–26

UTRGV announced a record cohort of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2025–26, reflecting the university’s growing global presence in scholarly exchange and international research. Faculty and students will engage in academic and cultural study opportunities around the world, strengthening the university’s impact on global education. Read more about UTRGV’s record Fulbright U.S. Scholar cohort for 2025–26.

Mastery of AI: UTRGV Program Renamed to Reflect New Focus

UTRGV’s program, formerly focused on business information systems, was renamed to reflect a sharpened focus on business analytics and artificial intelligence, to align with growing workforce and industry demands. This evolution underscores UTRGV’s commitment to equipping students with skills for today’s fastest-growing career fields. Read more about UTRGV’s updated business analytics and artificial intelligence program.

We Helped Listen to the Stars 

UTRGV’s Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy played a significant role in the global research effort that led to the first detection of gravitational waves. The breakthrough marked a historic moment in science and was recognized with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to the founders of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

• Operational revenues increased from $487 million to $705 million, an increase of 47.5% in 10 years.
• $813+ million invested in construction and renovation since 2015.
  • 12 new buildings completed, 11 in progress.
  • 35 major renovations completed.  
• UTRGV has grown from 5,265 to 7,401 employees since 2015.
• Since 2015, UTRGV has graduated more than 60,000 students, which represents 3% of the Rio Grande Valley population.
  

UTRGV Campus

High School

Research Facility

UT Health RGV Clinic

Medical Residency

Workforce & Economic Development Office

UTRGV Completes Purchase of Landmark Monitor Building

UTRGV finalized the purchase of the historic Monitor Building in McAllen to become the home of the School of Optometry and expanded health-related facilities. This strategic acquisition will deepen UTRGV’s footprint in the RGV and strengthen access to healthcare education. Read more about UTRGV’s purchase of the Monitor Building.

UTRGV Invests in Cameron County Academic Infrastructure

More than $60 million invested in enhancing academic buildings and infrastructure in Cameron County, significantly improving classroom, research, and student support spaces. These upgrades aim to expand capacity and modernize facilities to better serve students and faculty alike. Read more about UTRGV’s facility upgrades and expanded capacity in Cameron County.

A University that Starts in High School

UTRGV partnered with Harlingen CISD to launch its first collegiate high school, creating a tuition-free pathway from high school to higher education. Building on that success, the model expanded to Edinburg and McAllen, broadening opportunities for students in the region.

Advancing the Rio Grande Valley through governmental relations, community engagement, and economic development since 2015.

• $7.2 million in capital formation and $154 million in new sales and contracts.
• 3,116 business and community clients served.   
• 109 businesses created or expanded, and 1,950 jobs created or saved.

UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center received the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Award of Excellence for its eBridge Center, recognizing its innovation and community impact. This award celebrates the center’s success in driving regional economic development and supporting local entrepreneurs. Read more about UTRGV’s UEDA Award of Excellence for the eBridge Center.

Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center recognized with national Award of Excellence

UTRGV Aims to Keep Talent in the RGV

At a Texas Tribune workforce forum, President Guy Bailey highlighted UTRGV’s strategy, including new and growing professional programs, to help more students earn advanced degrees and build careers in the Rio Grande Valley. Read more about UTRGV’s expanding professional programs and workforce initiatives.

National Recognition for Community Engagement — Again!

UTRGV earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for its role in strengthening community ties and addressing local challenges across the Rio Grande Valley. First recognized in 2020, the university renewed this prestigious designation in 2026, reaffirming community engagement as a core pillar of its mission.

The School of Medicine’s student-run clinic expanded free care services, improving healthcare access for underserved families in the RGV while giving students meaningful clinical experience. This effort enhances both community health outcomes and medical training opportunities. Read more about UTRGV School of Medicine’s student-run clinic.

Serving Our Own: UTRGV School of Medicine’s Student-Run Clinic  

School of Podiatric Medicine earns initial accreditation  

The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine achieved initial accreditation, marking a major milestone for the program and expanding healthcare education opportunities in South Texas. The accreditation recognizes the school’s rigorous academic standards and commitment to preparing the next generation of podiatric physicians. Read more about this milestone for UTRGV’s School of Podiatric Medicine.

A First for Texas Healthcare  

UTRGV secured approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Texas’ first School of Podiatric Medicine, expanding access to specialized care while training the next generation of physicians.  UTRGV is the only university in Texas with schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine.

UTRGV Joins Partnership Led by Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen  

A $9.7 million research partnership with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and industry partners was created to advance rail safety and workforce training. The collaboration highlights UTRGV’s commitment to high-impact research with real-world applications. Read more about UTRGV’s research collaboration with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.  

School of Medicine researcher leading the fight against Alzheimer's disease  

UTRGV showcased international research insights into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, bringing global expertise to local awareness efforts. Events and presentations connected cutting-edge science with community education and support. Read more about UTRGV’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research.

A Classroom in the Ocean 

UTRGV’s Dr. Erin Easton and two students joined a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition off the coast of Chile, helping identify more than 200 marine species while gaining hands-on experience through global research.

In just 10 years, generous philanthropic investment has helped fuel UTRGV’s rise, accelerating student success, advancing innovation, and strengthening our impact across the Rio Grande Valley.

•  $302.8 million raised since 2015.  
•  $35.6 million raised in FY25.  
•  Record $218.5 million endowment.  
•  Record Day of Giving with $309,000 raised.  

UTRGV’s endowment grew to $191 million, strengthening financial support for scholarships and initiatives that expand access and reduce student debt burdens. This growth marks a milestone in institutional advancement, fueling opportunity for current and future Vaqueros. Read more about UTRGV’s endowment growth. 

UTRGV Endowment Surges to Empower Students to Graduate Debt-Free  

First Endowed Chair for Orthopedic Surgery  

UTRGV established its first endowed chair in orthopedic surgery, a distinguished gift that will support the recruitment of top-tier orthopedic faculty, paving the way for innovative clinical and surgical training for UTRGV medical students and residents. Read more about UTRGV’s first endowed chair in orthopedic surgery.   

A $15 Million Vote of Confidence  

Robert and Janet Vackar made a historic $15 million gift to UTRGV, marking the university’s first major philanthropic milestone. Their generosity ignited a new era of private giving that set the momentum for the record-breaking fundraising growth that followed. UTRGV named the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship in honor of their support.  

UTRGV Volleyball clinched at least a share of the 2025 Southland Conference championship with a dominant 3–0 sweep over East Texas A&M in the regular season finale. The Vaqueros won in straight sets (25–10, 25–19, 25–17), capping a strong run during their second year in the conference. Read more about UTRGV volleyball’s Southland Conference championship win.

Volleyball Secures SLC Title With Sweep at East Texas A&M

Elementary School Rallies Behind UTRGV Football  

Students and staff at Cano/Gonzalez Elementary School came together with spirited displays of support for UTRGV’s inaugural football season, reflecting deep community pride and early excitement around Vaquero athletics. The heartfelt cheer highlighted the growing reach of campus athletics across the RGV.  Read more about community support for UTRGV’s inaugural football season.

Students Vote to Shape a New Era of Vaquero Spirit

UTRGV students voted to support a future increase in the intercollegiate athletics fee to help launch football, a marching band, women’s swimming and diving, and an expanded spirit program.

UTRGV football finished its inaugural season 9-3 with the best record of any new FCS program starting from scratch.

• Baseball named 2025 Southland Conference Champions  
• 147,000+ total season attendance across all sports in FY25. 
• Record $7.6 million generated in philanthropy, ticket sales, and corporate partnerships.  
  

HIGHLIGHTS

A Historic Promise: Free Tuition for Thousands

UTRGV launched Tuition Advantage, one of the most expansive free-tuition programs for eligible Texas residents. The program initially covered students from families with annual household incomes of $75,000 or less and has since expanded to include those from households earning up to $125,000, helping remove financial barriers and broaden access across the Rio Grande Valley.

IN THE NEWS

Mastery of AI: UTRGV Program Renamed to Reflect New Focus

HIGHLIGHTS:

New Academic Programs

UTRGV Celebrates Record Number of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2025–26

UTRGV announced a record cohort of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2025–26, reflecting the university’s growing global presence in scholarly exchange and international research. Faculty and students will engage in academic and cultural study opportunities around the world, strengthening the university’s impact on global education. Read more about UTRGV’s record Fulbright U.S. Scholar cohort for 2025–26.

UTRGV’s program, formerly focused on business information systems, was renamed to reflect a sharpened focus on business analytics and artificial intelligence, to align with growing workforce and industry demands. This evolution underscores UTRGV’s commitment to equipping students with skills for today’s fastest-growing career fields. Read more about UTRGV’s updated business analytics and artificial intelligence program.

We Helped Listen to the Stars 

UTRGV’s Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy played a role in the global research effort that led to the detection of gravitational waves. The breakthrough marked a historic moment in science and was recognized with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to the founders of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

• BBA Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
• PhD Computer Science
  

• BS Bilingual Education
• Doctor of Physical Therapy                               
  

IN THE NEWS

UTRGV Invests in Cameron County Academic Infrastructure  

UTRGV Completes Purchase of Landmark Monitor Building

UTRGV finalized the purchase of the historic Monitor Building in McAllen to become the home of the School of Optometry and expanded health-related facilities. This strategic acquisition will deepen UTRGV’s footprint in the RGV and strengthen access to healthcare education. Read more about UTRGV’s purchase of the Monitor Building.

More than $60 million invested in enhancing academic buildings and infrastructure in Cameron County, significantly improving classroom, research, and student support spaces. These upgrades aim to expand capacity and modernize facilities to better serve students and faculty alike.  Read more about UTRGV’s facility upgrades and expanded capacity in Cameron County.

A University that Starts in High School

UTRGV partnered with Harlingen CISD to launch its first collegiate high school, creating a tuition-free pathway from high school to higher education. Building on that success, the model expanded to Edinburg and McAllen, broadening opportunities for students in the region.

HIGHLIGHTS

IN THE NEWS

UTRGV Aims to Keep Talent in the RGV  

Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center recognized with national Award of Excellence  

UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center received the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Award of Excellence for its eBridge Center, recognizing its innovation and community impact. This award celebrates the center’s success in driving regional economic development and supporting local entrepreneurs.  Read more about UTRGV’s UEDA Award of Excellence for the eBridge Center.

At a Texas Tribune workforce forum, President Guy Bailey highlighted UTRGV’s strategy, including new and growing professional programs, to help more students earn advanced degrees and build careers in the Rio Grande Valley. Read more about UTRGV’s expanding professional programs and workforce initiatives.

National Recognition for Community Engagement —  Again!

UTRGV earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for its role in strengthening community ties and addressing local challenges across the Rio Grande Valley. First recognized in 2020, the university renewed this prestigious designation in 2026, reaffirming community engagement as a core pillar of its mission.

HIGHLIGHTS

•  School of Medicine:
    –  225 medical students enrolled  
    –  288 medical graduates since 2016  
    –  118 residents in training  
    –  449 resident graduates since 2016  

•  School of Podiatric Medicine:
    –  109 podiatric medicine students enrolled  
    –  3 residents in training 

IN THE NEWS

School of Podiatric Medicine earns initial accreditation  

HIGHLIGHTS

Serving Our Own: UTRGV School of Medicine’s Student-Run Clinic  

The School of Medicine’s student-run clinic expanded free care services, improving healthcare access for underserved families in the RGV while giving students meaningful clinical experience. This effort enhances both community health outcomes and medical training opportunities. Read more about UTRGV School of Medicine’s student-run clinic.

The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine achieved initial accreditation, marking a major milestone for the program and expanding healthcare education opportunities in South Texas. The accreditation recognizes the school’s rigorous academic standards and commitment to preparing the next generation of podiatric physicians. Read more about this milestone for UTRGV’s School of Podiatric Medicine.
   

A First for Texas Health Care 

UTRGV secured approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Texas’ first School of Podiatric Medicine, expanding access to specialized care while training the next generation of physicians. UTRGV is the only university in Texas with a School of Medicine and School of Podiatric Medicine. 

IN THE NEWS

School of Medicine researcher leading the fight against Alzheimer's disease  

HIGHLIGHTS:

Research by the Numbers

UTRGV Joins Partnership Led by Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen  

A $9.7 million research partnership with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and industry partners was created to advance rail safety and workforce training. The collaboration highlights UTRGV’s commitment to high-impact research with real-world applications. Read more about UTRGV’s research collaboration with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.

UTRGV showcased international research insights into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, bringing global expertise to local awareness efforts. Events and presentations connected cutting-edge science with community education and support. Read more about UTRGV’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research.     

A Classroom in the Ocean

UTRGV’s Dr. Erin Easton and two students joined a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition off the coast of Chile, helping identify more than 200 marine species while gaining direct experience through global research.  

IN THE NEWS

First Endowed Chair for Orthopedic Surgery  

HIGHLIGHTS

UTRGV Endowment Surges to Empower Students to Graduate Debt-Free  

UTRGV’s endowment grew to $191 million, strengthening financial support for scholarships and initiatives that expand access and reduce student debt burdens. This growth marks a milestone in institutional advancement, fueling opportunity for current and future Vaqueros. Read more about UTRGV’s endowment growth.

UTRGV established its first endowed chair in orthopedic surgery, a distinguished gift that will support the recruitment of top-tier orthopedic faculty, paving the way for innovative clinical and surgical training for UTRGV medical students and residents. Read more about UTRGV’s first endowed chair in orthopedic surgery.  
  

A $15 Million Vote of Confidence  

Robert and Janet Vackar made a historic $15 million gift to UTRGV, marking the university’s first major philanthropic milestone. Their generosity ignited a new era of private giving that set the momentum for the record-breaking fundraising growth that followed. UTRGV named the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship in honor of their support.  

IN THE NEWS

Elementary School Rallies Behind UTRGV Football  

HIGHLIGHTS

Volleyball Secures SLC Title With Sweep at East Texas A&M

UTRGV Volleyball clinched at least a share of the 2025 Southland Conference championship with a dominant 3–0 sweep over East Texas A&M in the regular season finale. The Vaqueros won in straight sets (25–10, 25–19, 25–17), capping a strong conference run in just their second year in the conference. Read more about UTRGV volleyball’s Southland Conference championship win.

Students and staff at Cano/Gonzalez Elementary School came together with spirited displays of support for UTRGV’s inaugural football season, reflecting deep community pride and early excitement around Vaquero athletics. The heartfelt cheer highlighted the growing reach of campus athletics across the RGV. Read more about community support for UTRGV’s inaugural football season.
 

Students Vote to Make History 

UTRGV students voted to support a future increase in the intercollegiate athletics fee to help launch football, a marching band, women’s swimming and diving, and an expanded spirit program.  

#1 in Texas

Top 10 Texas Universities

*National ranking in parenthesis

 2024-2027 
Seal of Excelencia
Recertification 

Building the region’s health care workforce through medical education, residency training, and specialized programs since 2015.

School of Medicine

• 225 medical students enrolled 
• 288 medical graduates since 2016 
• 118 residents in training  
• 449 resident graduates since 2016

School of Podiatric Medicine

• 109 podiatric medicine students enrolled   
• 3 residents in training  

UTRGV is the only university in Texas with both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine, and it is on track to launch a School of Optometry in 2027.   

Building the region’s health care workforce through medical education, residency training, and specialized programs since 2015.

Training the next generation of health care leaders: 

IN HIGHER EDUCATION 
AND HEALTH CARE

CREATING VALUE

MILESTONE MOMENT: September 16, 2019

Through UT Health RGV, the university has expanded access to specialized, high-quality care across the Rio Grande Valley with 22 clinics.

• The new UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center marks a major step forward in bringing advanced treatment closer to home.
• 127,199 patients served in FY25.

UTRGV announced a major expansion in cancer care and research, bringing unified treatment and advanced therapeutic services to the Rio Grande Valley. The initiative, along with the new state-of-the-art Cancer and Surgery Center, strengthens regional healthcare infrastructure and reinforces the university’s role in improving community health outcomes. Read more about UTRGV’s expansion in cancer care and research.   

Cancer Care and Research Comes to the Valley  

Diabetes expert shares early warning signs, prevention tips  

UT Health RGV experts shared early detection, prevention, and management tips for diabetes during Diabetes Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of community education in mitigating the disease’s impacts. Read more about UT Health RGV’s diabetes awareness and prevention efforts. 

When the Valley Needed Heroes, Ours Put on Masks

In response to urgent community need, UT Health RGV launched its first COVID-19 drive-through testing site, led by courageous medical professionals on the front lines during one of the region’s most critical moments. By April 2021, UT Health RGV had administered more than 100,000 tests, delivering lifesaving care and support to our community.

Total Research Expenditures for FY2025: $103.7 million.

• Highest in UTRGV history.   
• First time surpassing the $100 million threshold.   
• An increase of 261.6% since 2015 (from $28.7M to $103.7M).  
• 671 proposals submitted.    
• 470 faculty engaged in research.   

 These achievements position UTRGV among the nation’s rising research universities and strengthen its path toward Carnegie R1 classification.   

in Texas for Least Debt among Public Universities  (U.S. News & World Report )

Chess Team Named Co-Champion at President’s Cup

UTRGV’s chess team won its fourth national championship at the 2025 President’s Cup, the most prestigious in chess. The Vaqueros secured the victory after a strong performance against the nation's top programs, continuing their tradition as one of the leading collegiate chess programs in the U.S. Read more about their championship win.  

Doctoral Student Earns Award from Texas Business Hall of Fame

Emiliana M. Escobar, a UTRGV doctoral student and master electrician, was honored with the Future Texas Business Legend Award by the Texas Business Hall of Fame for her innovation in education technology. Her bilingual interactive learning platform, ElectraXR, helps aspiring electricians prepare for journeyman certification in a more accessible format. Read more about Escobar's Future Texas Business Legend Award and her ElectraXR platform.

• BA Medical and Health Humanities
• MAT Teaching
• MS Marketing
  

• Operational revenues increased from $487 million to $705 million, an increase of 47.5% in 10 years.
• $813+ million invested in construction and renovation since 2015.
  • 12 new buildings completed, 11 in progress.
  • 35 major renovations completed.  
• UTRGV has grown from 5,265 to 7,401 employees since 2015.
• Since 2015, UTRGV has graduated more than 60,000 students, which represents 3% of the Rio Grande Valley population.
  

Advancing the Rio Grande Valley through governmental relations, community engagement, and economic development since 2015.

•  $7.2 million in capital formation and $154 million in new sales and contracts.
•  3,116 business and community clients served. 
•  109 businesses created or expanded, and 1,950 jobs created or saved.

UTRGV is the only university in Texas with both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine, and it is on track to launch a School of Optometry in 2027. 

IN THE NEWS

Diabetes expert shares early warning signs, prevention tips  

Cancer Care and Research Comes to the Valley  

UTRGV announced a major expansion in cancer care and research, bringing unified treatment and advanced therapeutic services to the Rio Grande Valley. The initiative, along with the new state-of-the-art Cancer and Surgery Center, strengthens regional healthcare infrastructure and reinforces the university’s role in improving community health outcomes. Read more about UTRGV’s expansion in cancer care and research.   
  

UT Health RGV experts shared early detection, prevention, and management tips for diabetes during Diabetes Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of community education in mitigating the disease’s impacts. Read more about UT Health RGV’s diabetes awareness and prevention efforts.
 

When the Valley Needed Heroes, Ours Put on Masks  

In response to urgent community need, UT Health RGV launched its first COVID-19 drive-through testing site, led by courageous medical professionals on the front lines during one of the region’s most critical moments. By April 2021, UT Health RGV had administered more than 100,000 tests, delivering lifesaving care and support to our community.   

HIGHLIGHTS

Through UT Health RGV, the university has expanded access to specialized, high-quality care across the Rio Grande Valley with 22 clinics.

• The new Cancer and Surgery Center marks a major step forward in bringing advanced treatment closer to home.    
• 127,199 patients served in FY25. An increase of 261.6% ($28.7M) since 2015. 

Total Research Expenditures for FY2025: $103.7 million.
•  Highest in UTRGV history.   
•  First time surpassing the $100 million threshold.   
•  An increase of 261.6% since 2015 (from $28.7M to $103.7M).  
•  671 proposals submitted.    
•  470 faculty engaged in research.   

 These achievements position UTRGV among the nation’s rising research universities and strengthen its path toward Carnegie R1 classification.   

In just 10 years, generous philanthropic investment has helped fuel UTRGV’s rise, accelerating student success, advancing innovation, and strengthening our impact across the Rio Grande Valley.

•  $302.8M raised since 2015.  
•  $35.6M raised in FY25.  
•  Record $218.5M endowment.  
•  Record Day of Giving with $309,000 raised.  

UTRGV football finished its inaugural season 9-3 with the best record of any new FCS program starting from scratch.

• Baseball named 2025 Southland Conference Champions  
• Record $7.6M generated in philanthropy, ticket sales, and corporate partnerships 
  147,000+ total season attendance across all sports in FY25.   
• $5.3M+ raised in philanthropy.  
  

UTRGV debuts in U.S. News & World Report’s Most Innovative Schools list

UTRGV Ranks Third in Nation for Teach for America Corps Members  

UTRGV was named one of the nation’s Most Innovative Schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking its first appearance on the list. The university debuted at No. 56 overall and No. 28 among public institutions, reflecting growing national recognition for its forward-thinking approach to education and student success. Read more about UTRGV’s recognition as one of the nation’s Most Innovative Schools.

UTRGV ranked third nationally among colleges preparing corps members for Teach for America, highlighting the university’s strength in teacher preparation and community impact. This distinction reflects UTRGV’s commitment to shaping future educators and leaders. Read more about UTRGV’s role in preparing students for Teach for America.   

Top of the Charts — literally! 

UTRGV began the 2023–24 academic year ranked #1 University in Texas by Washington Monthly for value, return on investment, and upward mobility. Since then, UTRGV has reclaimed the #1 spot again in 2024 and 2025!  

• Opening of the surgical services portion of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center (Spring 2026).
  
  
• Opening of the new Visual Arts Complex on our Brownsville campus (Fall 2026).
  
  
• Expansion of mechanical and civil engineering course offerings on our Brownsville campus (Fall 2026).
  
  
• Launch of the Rio Grande Valley Legal Education Hub with St. Mary’s University on our Edinburg campus (Fall 2026).
  
  
• Launch of the Doctor of Optometry program (Fall 2027).
  
  
• Pursuit of Carnegie R1 status by 2028.

WHAT'S COMING NEXT:

UTRGV Ranks Third in Nation for Teach for America Corps Members 

UTRGV ranked third nationally among colleges preparing corps members for Teach for America, highlighting the university’s strength in teacher preparation and community impact. This distinction reflects UTRGV’s commitment to shaping future educators and leaders. Read more about UTRGV’s role in preparing students for Teach for America.
 

UTRGV debuts in U.S. News & World Report’s Most Innovative Schools list

UTRGV was named one of the nation’s Most Innovative Schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking its first appearance on the list. The university debuted at No. 56 overall and No. 28 among public institutions, reflecting growing national recognition for its forward-thinking approach to education and student success. Read more about UTRGV’s recognition as one of the nation’s Most Innovative Schools.

Top of the Charts — literally! 

UTRGV began the 2023–24 academic year ranked #1 University in Texas by Washington Monthly for value, return on investment, and upward mobility. Since then, UTRGV has reclaimed the #1 spot again in 2024 and 2025!  

TEN YEARS OF

Student Success

MILESTONE MOMENT: October 3, 2017

IN THE NEWS

HIGHLIGHTS: New Academic Programs

TEN YEARS OF 

Academic Innovation

TEN YEARS OF 

Investing in the RGV

TEN YEARS OF 

Regional Transformation

TEN YEARS OF 

Advancing Health Care

TEN YEARS OF 

Advancing Patient Care

TEN YEARS OF 

Research Momentum

TEN YEARS OF 

Impactful Fundraising

TEN YEARS OF 

Intercollegiate Athletics

MILESTONE MOMENT: October 24, 2021

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE MOMENT: January 13, 2026

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE MOMENT: October 20, 2020

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE MOMENT: March 27, 2020

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE MOMENT: April 10, 2024

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE MOMENT: May 2016

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE MOMENT: November 3, 2021

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN THE NEWS

TEN YEARS OF 

Rankings & Recognitions

MILESTONE MOMENT: August 6, 2023

IN THE NEWS

 2024 
Completion Award
Winner

 2025 
Great Colleges
To Work For

 2025 
Carnegie Community
Engagement Classification

2024-2025

Annual Report

A MESSAGE FROM

The President

In 2015, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley opened its doors with the vision to transform lives across the Rio Grande Valley. From the start, that vision focused on advancing student success, expanding academic opportunities, and strengthening communities through research 
and health care.

A decade later, that promise is visible in every graduate, every discovery, and every community we serve.

Today, UTRGV stands as Texas’ top university for value and social mobility, a rising research university exceeding $100 million in research expenditures, and a proud institution with more than 60,000 graduates.

What we have accomplished together in 
a decade is extraordinary, and what we accomplish next will shape 
The Future of Texas.

Sincerely,


Guy Bailey, Ph. D.
President

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE: September 16, 2019

Fall 2025 set a record with a first-day enrollment of 35,812 students, marking a 26% increase since we opened in 2015.

• Record-breaking Fall 2025 freshman class: 7,200+ students. 
• Record-breaking first-year retention rate: 80.1%.
• Record-breaking doctoral enrollment: 680+ doctoral students. 
• More than 60,000 graduates and counting since 2015.
  

#1 in Texas

 2024-2027 
Seal of Excelencia
Recertification 

Rankings & Recognitions

TEN YEARS OF

 2024 
Completion Award
Winner

 2025 
Great Colleges
To Work For

 2025 
Carnegie Community
Engagement Classification

For Best Value — Again! (2023, 2024, 2025)

– Washington Monthly

TEN YEARS OF

Rankings &

Recognitions

TEN YEARS OF

Student Success

For Least Debt among Public Universities

– U.S. News & World Report

For Best Value among Public Universities

– Wall Street Journal

For Social Mobility among Public Universities

– U.S. News & World Report

For Social Mobility among Public Universities

– Wall Street Journal

For Most Bachelor's and Master's Degrees Granted to Hispanics

– Hispanic Outlook Magazine

IN THE NEWS

MILESTONE: August 16, 2023

MILESTONE: October 3, 2017

MILESTONE: October 24, 2021

MILESTONE: January 3, 2026

MILESTONE: October 20, 2020

MILESTONE: March 27, 2020

MILESTONE: April 10, 2024

MILESTONE: May 2016

MILESTONE: November 3, 2021