Enrollment reaches record high at UTPB

ODESSA – More students than ever before enrolled at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) in fall 2012 with an enrollment of 4,170 students, according to David Watts, the president of the university.

The previous enrollment peak was in fall 2010 with 4,133 students, but dropped off in fall 2011 when only 3,800 students enrolled.

In an effort to increase enrollment and work toward the ultimate goal of 8,400 students by fall 2022, UTPB introduced two new initiatives this fall to provide students more access to college.

The Texas Science Scholars program, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, computer science, geology, information systems or mathematics for only $10,000, was approved by UT System Regents in May.

UTPB began contracting with Academic Partnerships, a Dallas-based higher education service provider that will recruit students and provide services for those enrolled in seven online UTPB degree programs. As a result of the partnership, it is estimated that enrollment will increase by more than 4,000 students during the next five years.