Overview
Founded as Edinburg College in 1927, the institution was renamed University of Texas-Pan American (UTAP) after the University of Texas System welcomed it into the fold. UTAP offers a wide variety of programs, including 56 bachelor's degrees, 45 master's degrees, and two doctoral degrees. It also makes several programs available online via COLT--the Center for Online Learning, Teaching & Technology, which strives for educational excellence through supporting, initiating, and implementing applied research for integration of technology in the curriculum. Tackling the challenge of providing higher education access to the people of a bicultural, international borderland that includes the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and the Northeastern regions of Mexico, UTAP is committed to embracing technology as a primary means of reaching out to this geographically and culturally diverse population. The dedication has earned UTAP the recognition as a leader in the use of technology to deliver quality higher education programming to its predominantly Hispanic service area.

Student Appeal
UTAP's Physician Assistant Studies Program is recognized as the only physician assistant program in Texas not located in or affiliated with a medical center. Despite that fact, the program is affiliated with more than 150 clinical preceptors and/or training facilities, including all of the major hospitals in all four Rio Grande Valley counties. Hailed nationally as the leader in Hispanic enrollment, the PASP consistently enrolls 85% Hispanic students in every class.

Financial
Eligible students may apply for federal aid such as Pell Grant, SMART Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Perkins Loan, Direct Stafford Loan, and Direct Parent/Graduate PLUS Loan.