UTEP Expands Paydirt Promise to Support More El Paso Families with Higher Education Access

UTEP Expands Paydirt Promise for El Paso Families

EL PASO, TX – The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has announced an expansion of its Paydirt Promise, now allowing families with an annual income of up to $100,000 to benefit from this critical program. Previously, the Promise was offered only to families earning $80,000 or less. This change is aimed at increasing accessibility to higher education for many in the El Paso area.

Funding Details

The expansion comes as a result of an additional $35 million allocated by the Board of Regents to support the initiative. The Paydirt Promise provides coverage for tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students. To qualify, students must be Texas residents pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

Current Impact

Currently, over 9,000 students at UTEP benefit from the Paydirt Promise. With the recent expansion, UTEP officials hope that hundreds more students will qualify, further reducing the barrier to college education for El Paso families.

System-Wide Expansion

The University of Texas system is also implementing a similar expansion across all nine campuses, raising the income eligibility limit to $100,000 for families system-wide. This holistic approach underscores the commitment to making education more attainable in Texas.

Student Reactions

Students have expressed positive reactions to this development. Astrid Ochoa, a UTEP student, highlighted the seriousness of student debt, saying, “I know that a lot of people struggle with debt. And to be able to, like, not take out loans just to get a bachelor’s degree is super awesome.” This sentiment echoes among many students, confirming that financial support is a significant factor in their educational journey.

Encouraging More Debt-Free Graduates

Dr. Amanda Vasquez-Vicario, UTEP’s Vice President for Enrollment Management, noted that approximately 50% of UTEP students currently graduate without any student debt. However, the university aims to increase that percentage with the Paydirt Promise expansion. “We know that once they graduate, they’re looking at personal responsibilities, possibly continuing on to grad school, which we always encourage,” said Dr. Vasquez-Vicario. She emphasizes the importance of minimizing student debt to ensure that graduates can manage their financial responsibilities more effectively.

Student Financial Aid Applications

As part of the expansion, UTEP urges students to complete their FAFSA applications promptly to determine their eligibility for the Paydirt Promise. The application period officially opened earlier than expected, providing additional opportunities for students to secure funding for their education.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Paydirt Promise is a significant step towards alleviating financial burdens on families and promoting higher education accessibility in the El Paso area. As UTEP actively seeks to include more students under this umbrella of support, it exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to education that prioritizes student success and financial sustainability.