University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is a public university in Odessa, Texas, part of the UT system, focusing on energy-related fields like petroleum engineering amid the oil-rich Permian Basin. Students rave about small classes, personal professor attention, affordable tuition, undergraduate research opportunities, and vibrant events like FalconPalooza.

State

Texas

Student Population

4,900

Acceptance Rate

84%

GPA Range

3.0-3.6

SAT Range

940-1140

Common Majors

Psychology, Business, Education, Petroleum Engineering, Nursing.

"UTPB's supportive Falcon community rocks—small classes mean professors know you, modern campus buzzes with clubs and tailgates, plus Odessa's energy jobs, BBQs, and West Texas sunsets make off-campus life epic and affordable!"

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 2

Tuition (no scholarship)

$8,208 (in-state), $20,516 (out-of-state)

Conference

Lone Star Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

71.7-72.3

Avg Women's Scores

75-77

Men's Team Notes

University of Texas Permian Basin men’s golf averaged about 287–289 per 18‑hole team round, or roughly 71–72 per player, across multiple tournaments. The Falcons posted several low‑rounds in the 60s and 70s, earned a national‑ranking‑level top‑20 placing, and showed strong four‑man balance in mid‑level events.

Women's Team Notes

University of Texas Permian Basin women’s golf averaged about 75–77 per player per round, with counting‑rounds largely in the 70s and some 80s. The team turned in competitive multi‑round totals, highlighted by a Newcomer‑of‑the‑Year‑level performance and improved low‑round scoring across the season.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Kyle Wittenbach

Women's Coach

Paul Chavez

Men's Email

wittenbach_k@utpb.edu

Women's Email

chavez_c@utpb.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Kyle Wittenbach was hired as head men's golf coach at UT Permian Basin, bringing experience from Ferris State where he led two NCAA DII Tournament teams and national championship advances (2017, 2019). His Falcons achieved T-5th at 2025 LSC Championships (the program's best) earning regional consideration and No. 24 national ranking from Odessa base.

Women's Coach Bio

Paul Chavez joined UT Permian Basin in July 2024 as head women's golf coach after leading Odessa College to three NJCAA National Championships. A 2025 Coaches Legacy Award recipient for NJCAA wins, he builds Lone Star contention with GA Maldonado-Villa, leveraging West Texas recruiting for NCAA DII South Central Region success.