The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a large public research university in El Paso, Texas, known for its strong engineering, health‑sciences, and STEM programs and its vibrant, diverse campus community. Students often rave about the friendly, welcoming environment, the many student organizations and cultural events, the energy around Sun Bowl football games, and the unique setting with views of the Rio Grande and Ciudad Juárez across the border.

State

Texas

Student Population

26,000

Acceptance Rate

95%

GPA Range

2.8–3.4

SAT Range

950–1100

Common Majors

engineering (especially civil, mechanical, electrical), computer science, nursing, biology

“School culture feels like a close‑knit, bilingual border‑town community with a lot of hustle, professors are invested but the workload can be heavy, sports bring a strong Sun Bowl‑style pride, and off‑campus life mixes El Paso eats, local parks, and internships that keep the routine busy yet deeply connected to the city.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

In-state: $9,290; Out-of-state: $25,331

Conference

Conference USA

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

71.77

Avg Women's Scores

73.5

Men's Team Notes

Miners men posted 287.1 adjusted scoring average across 38 rounds, ranked #97 nationally with a top-3 finish highlighting depth. Strong individual efforts from Teeter and Keller fueled contention; par-or-better consistency shone on desert layouts amid challenging winds and firm greens.

Women's Team Notes

Miner women averaged mid-73s over key invitationals, balancing precise approach play with clutch short game from emerging talents. Veteran leadership anchored top-10 contention; birdie bursts propelled strong regional showings on Southwest tracks and conference previews.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Aaron Puetz

Women's Coach

Steve Sims

Men's Email

ampuetz@utep.edu

Women's Email

spsims@utep.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Aaron Puetz is the University of Texas at El Paso men’s head golf coach, guiding the Miners in Conference USA. A former LPGA‑tours‑caddie and experienced collegiate coach, he brings a strong technical and recruiting background to the program. Puetz emphasizes a challenging tournament schedule, player‑development focus, and a team‑driven culture aimed at elevating UTEP’s men’s golf profile within Conference USA and maintaining NCAA‑region‑caliber competitiveness.

Women's Coach Bio

Steve Sims is UTEP women’s head golf coach, leading the Miners in Conference USA. With a strong coaching and recruiting background, he has worked to build a competitive roster and a practice environment focused on scoring and team cohesion. Sims emphasizes player growth, academic balance, and a demanding schedule, positioning the women’s team to improve its conference‑level finishes and long‑term presence in NCAA‑postseason discussions.