About University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public research university established in 2013 through the merger of the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas-Pan American. It officially opened its doors in 2015, becoming the first major university in the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas. With a mission to transform the region through education, research, and community engagement, UTRGV serves over 32,000 students across multiple campuses, including primary locations in Edinburg, Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen. The university is known for its commitment to bilingual education, border health initiatives, and economic development in a diverse, multicultural area.
UTRGV boasts key achievements such as rapid growth in enrollment, the establishment of a School of Medicine in 2016, and recognition for its research in areas like nanotechnology, environmental science, and public health. The university's campuses are strategically located to address regional needs, with the Edinburg campus serving as the main hub in Edinburg, Texas. For more details, visit the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Website. Explore academic jobs in the broader region through Academic Jobs in United States or Academic Jobs in Texas.
UTRGV's history is rooted in serving underrepresented communities, with a focus on Hispanic-serving institution status. It has expanded its offerings to include over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing STEM fields, health professions, and liberal arts. Notable milestones include partnerships with NASA for space research and initiatives in sustainable agriculture tailored to the subtropical climate of South Texas. The university's commitment to accessibility is evident in its low tuition rates and high graduation rates among first-generation students.
For academics interested in professor positions at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or higher education jobs at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the institution provides a supportive environment for research and teaching. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor and explore academic careers at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Faculty Job Opportunities at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Faculty job opportunities at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like health professions, engineering, and education. As a growing institution, UTRGV is actively recruiting for roles such as Assistant Professor in the College of Health Professions, Lecturer in Bilingual Education, and Research Fellow in Environmental Sciences. Recent job trends show a surge in positions related to border health and telemedicine, driven by the region's unique demographic needs. For instance, the School of Medicine offers professor positions in clinical research, with a focus on diabetes and infectious diseases prevalent in South Texas.
Salary ranges for these roles, based on 2025 data from sources like the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Glassdoor, typically start at $65,000 for Assistant Professors in liberal arts, rising to $85,000-$100,000 for those in engineering or medicine. Factors influencing pay include experience, grant funding, and department prestige. UTRGV's emphasis on research jobs at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley makes it ideal for academics seeking tenure-track paths. Explore lecturer roles at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or higher education jobs at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley through AcademicJobs.com.
Key departments hiring include the College of Engineering & Computer Science, where positions in cybersecurity and mechanical engineering are trending, and the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship, focusing on international business. With the university's expansion, there are also opportunities in administration and remote higher ed jobs. For detailed listings, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Academic opportunities at UTRGV often include benefits like professional development funding and collaborative research grants.
In 2025, job trends indicate growth in STEM fields, with UTRGV investing in new facilities for biotechnology and sustainable energy research. This positions the university as a hub for faculty jobs at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, especially for those interested in interdisciplinary work. Salaries in University of Texas Rio Grande Valley academia are competitive, with averages around $78,000 for mid-level positions, according to recent reports. Pursue your career by exploring Faculty Jobs or Research Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Focus on nanotechnology; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Lecturer in Education 🎓
Bilingual programs; salary $55,000-$75,000.
Research Fellow in Medicine 🔬
Border health; salary $80,000-$100,000.
Associate Professor in Business 📊
Entrepreneurship; salary $85,000-$110,000.
Why Work at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Working at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers unique advantages, including a vibrant multicultural environment and opportunities for impactful research in border regions. Academics benefit from collaborative projects with local industries, generous research funding, and a focus on community-engaged scholarship. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and pathways to leadership roles. Unique benefits include bilingual stipends, proximity to Mexico for international collaborations, and access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Coastal Studies Lab. Explore why academic careers at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
The university's location in Texas provides a low cost of living, enhancing the appeal of salaries in University of Texas Rio Grande Valley academia. Faculty enjoy professional development programs and a supportive union environment.
Salary Guide for Faculty at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The salary guide for faculty at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reflects competitive compensation influenced by rank, department, and experience. Based on 2025 data from the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, Assistant Professors earn $60,000-$80,000 annually, with higher ranges in STEM fields like engineering ($70,000-$90,000). Associate Professors average $75,000-$95,000, while Full Professors can expect $90,000-$120,000, particularly in medicine or business. Location in South Texas offers cost-of-living advantages, and factors like research grants can add 10-20% in supplements.
In comparison to national averages, UTRGV salaries are solid for a public university, with adjustments for bilingual expertise. For example, in the College of Education, lecturers start at $55,000, rising with tenure. Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans, boosting overall compensation. Explore more on Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
Department-specific trends show health professions offering premium pay due to demand, with averages around $85,000 for mid-level roles. Experience plays a key role, with senior faculty in research-intensive areas earning up to $130,000. Union negotiations often secure annual increases, making careers here stable. For tailored insights, check faculty salaries at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley via AcademicJobs.com resources.
Additional factors include performance bonuses and summer teaching opportunities, which can increase earnings by 15%. Compared to other Texas universities, UTRGV provides value through its growth trajectory and regional focus.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $60,000-$80,000 | Liberal Arts |
| Associate Professor | $75,000-$95,000 | Engineering |
| Full Professor | $90,000-$120,000 | Medicine |
| Lecturer | $55,000-$75,000 | Education |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Discover top educators at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics find highly rated professors, aiding in course selection and recognizing teaching excellence. Ratings highlight strengths in programs like engineering and health sciences. Use it to rate professors at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and contribute to the community.
Dr. Karen Lozano (Engineering)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Known for nanotechnology research.
Dr. John Sargent (Medicine)
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Expertise in border health.
Dr. Veronica Gonzalez (Education)
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Bilingual education specialist.
Dr. Javier Martinez (Business)
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Focus on entrepreneurship.
Dr. Maria Alvarez (Sciences)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Environmental science leader.
Dr. Luis Ramirez (Liberal Arts)
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - History and cultural studies.
Career Progression at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Career progression at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley follows a structured path from lecturer to full professor, with emphasis on tenure-track roles. Starting salaries for entry-level positions are around $60,000, advancing to $100,000+ with tenure. Research funding is robust, especially in health and engineering, supporting professional development. University-specific factors include mentorship programs and collaborations with UT System. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Research at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley focuses on border health, nanotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. Major centers include the South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and the Center for Vector-Borne Diseases. Funding from NIH and NSF supports collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Academics
- Professional development workshops on grant writing 🎓
- Faculty union for benefits negotiation 💼
- Health and retirement plans 📊
- Access to research libraries and labs 🔬
Student Life and Perspectives at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Student life at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley includes diverse programs in health and engineering, with strong career outcomes in regional industries. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include advising centers and internships.

