Summer enrollment sees 3-year growth

As of April 15, UTRGV data from the Division of Strategic Enrollment & Student Affairs shows 13,278 students registered for Summer I courses, about a 4% increase in enrollment compared to Summer I 2024 and about 6% from Summer I 2023.

Doctoral students make up the most significant percentage increase, with about a 32% jump from Summer I 2024 and about 31% from Summer I 2023. The School of Podiatric Medicine also had growth, seeing enrollment go from 27 students to 83 in two years.

Undergraduates make up the largest share of summer students, with 10,154 undergraduates enrolled for Summer I 2025. 

Adrian Calderon, a music technology sophomore, said he is taking summer courses to stay on track with his degree.

“I feel like summer’s a good time to get ahead,” Calderon said. “I also need the prerequisites to qualify for future classes.” 

Although he was unaware of specific financial aid options for summer, he said limited funds could be an obstacle.

“If financial aid doesn’t transfer into the summer, that could pose a problem for a lot of students, especially if they’re not working,” Calderon said.\

Some students are deciding to not enroll in summer for personal or financial reasons, such as kinesiology freshman Agustin Gutierrez.

“I don’t want to rush through all my classes just to graduate fast,” Gutierrez said. “I also coach track and field in the summer, so I’m usually busy with that.” 

Jonathan Ochoa, a mechanical engineering sophomore, said he will take summer classes to graduate earlier.

Ochoa added the structure of summer courses can be more intense because of the condensed schedule but finds humanities classes more manageable.

“I’m not really taking hard courses, more like humanities,” he said. “They’re usually not too difficult because it’s fast material I can keep up with.”

Roman Silva, assistant director of Financial Aid Advising, Customer Service and Communications, said the department is actively working to provide support to students seeking financial assistance for summer courses.

“Students are always encouraged to reach out to us to ensure they are prepared for this upcoming semester, and that they have all the information they need to make the most of their summer,” Silva said.

He added that institutional financial aid varies based on individual eligibility and enrollment status.

“All financial aid offers for the summer have already been sent via email, and students are encouraged to look for those communications, including text messages,” Silva said. “We always tell students to reach out to us if they have any questions. They’re always welcome to visit our office or send us an email.”

The assistant director added the help the department is willing to provide to support students.

“We utilize other communication channels, such as social media, and encourage students to connect with us directly to discuss their individual situations,” Silva said. “We’re always eager and anxious to assist when it comes to financial aid questions.”

For more information about financial aid resources, visit utrgv.edu/finaid.