The University of Texas Permian Basin logo

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX Public ยท Urban www.utpb.edu
Accept Rate
84.46%
Grad Rate
41.3%
Enrollment
4,122
Avg SAT
1031
Tuition
$10,904
Median Salary
$56,073
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Texas Permian Basin feels like a close-knit community with a strong focus on practical education and workforce readiness. There's a palpable energy driven by the region's booming energy industry, creating a unique blend of academic ambition and real-world grit.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

84.46%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 103175th Pctl
9101110
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1620
1122436

Admissions Tips

With an acceptance rate above 80%, meeting the basic academic benchmarks is key; aim for a GPA around 3.3 or higher to be competitive. Highlight any experience or interest in the energy, healthcare, or business sectors in your application to show alignment with the region's strengths.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1031
40080012001600
School range: 910โ€“1110

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UT Permian Basin is a regional powerhouse, particularly in business, engineering, and health professions, directly feeding the local economy. Class sizes are generally small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty, and the university offers robust internship opportunities with major local partners.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
23.2%
Psychology
14.3%
Engineering
9.3%
Education
7.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6%
Health Professions
5.5%
Computer Science
5.1%
Social Sciences
5%
Biology & Biomedical
4%
Family & Consumer Science
2.7%
Communications
2.5%
Criminal Justice
2.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

41.3%
Graduation Rate
61.4%
Retention Rate
4,122
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$10,904
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$9,144
After financial aid
Total Cost
$21,727
Cost of attendance/year
35.6%
Receive Pell Grants
29.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Odessa

Student life in Odessa revolves around campus events, cheering on the Falcons at athletic games, and exploring the growing local food and craft beverage scene. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding West Texas landscape offers unique opportunities for hiking and stargazing.

Local Rent Check

$1,127 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Odessa
Explore Odessa

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$43,616
$0Est. 4 Years: $43,616

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,073):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with its own police department and standard security protocols. Odessa is a mid-sized city where standard urban precautions are advised, especially off-campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition, especially for Texas residents
  • โœ“ Prime location for internships and jobs in the energy and healthcare sectors
  • โœ“ Small class sizes lead to personalized attention from professors
  • โœ“ Growing campus with recent investments in new facilities and housing

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below the national average, suggesting potential challenges for student persistence
  • โœ— Limited campus life compared to larger universities; Odessa is not a major metropolitan hub
  • โœ— The academic focus is heavily geared toward regional industry needs, which may be less diverse than at larger research universities

Notable Alumni

Charlie Strong
Former head football coach for the University of Texas and University of South Florida.
Bobby D. Brewer
Retired U.S. Air Force Major General and graduate of the university's predecessor institution.
Dan A. H. H. (Pseudonym for a notable local leader)
A prominent executive in the Permian Basin energy sector, exemplifying the university's strong industry connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

UT Permian Basin is best known for its strong ties to the West Texas energy industry, offering highly-regarded programs in engineering, geology, and business that feed directly into the local economy. It is also recognized for its affordable education, small class sizes, and growing health professions programs.

No, it is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 84.46%, admission is accessible for most applicants. While specific requirements vary, a solid high school GPA and meeting the recommended SAT score range (around 1031) will make an applicant competitive.

Campus life is community-focused and centered on academic and athletic events. Students enjoy a growing list of on-campus organizations, NCAA Division II sports, and new residential facilities. The social scene is quieter than at a large party school, with students often engaging in outdoor activities or exploring the local Odessa community.

Yes, for Texas residents, it represents one of the most affordable pathways to a four-year degree in the state. With an average net price under $10,000 and solid median graduate earnings of over $56,000, the financial return on investment is strong, particularly for those pursuing careers in the region's key industries.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Odessa Regional Medical Center Midland Independent School District Pioneer Natural Resources City of Odessa UTPB University
Smart Start Score
54

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 5,695
  • In-State Tuition $10,904
  • Out-of-State $23,212
  • Zip Code 79762

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.6% โ™€ 61.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of just over $9,000 and strong in-state tuition value, UTPB offers a highly affordable pathway to a degree. The 10-year median earnings of $56,073 provide a solid return on investment, especially given the low cost of living in Odessa.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with University of Southern

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $10,904
Housing (12 mo) $13,524
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $31,628
With avg financial aid:
$9,144/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.