“I think our course offerings and the demonstrated quality of our programs are really drawing students in, and some new financial aid offerings are also making an impact,” he said.

This year, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized UTPB as the number one public university in Texas for graduating students who get jobs or go on to graduate school.  Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report have recognized UTPB students’ quality performance.  UTPB teachers pass the ExCet exams at a 98 percent pass rate.  

Govea said students know quality counts, and he expects rising enrollment numbers to continue.
 
“I think we’re seeing students who want to take quality courses at a competitive price. We have many scholarship and work opportunities for Fall, and both undergraduate and graduate applications are still being accepted.”  

One of those opportunities is the Better Educators for Schools in Texas, or BEST, scholarship program. BEST allows educators to earn a master’s degree for less than $5,000. It also pays for students who already have at least a bachelor’s degree to become certified to teach. More than 100 students have enrolled in BEST so far. For more information, contact Megan Caudle, BEST program coordinator, at 552.2664 or visit online at www.utpb.edu.