<p>Well, UTEP is actually located in one of the safer areas around town, on the west side – the only big safety concern is that it abuts the river & the border & they actually have had reports of stray bullets crossing over from Juarez. </p>
<p>The main issue is that this is a student with weaker stats & UTEP is a large university where he is certain to be admitted and apparently would be eligible for significant financial aid. Although it definitely is not prestigious, UTEP is a respectable enough school & large enough to afford a wide variety of majors & opportunities for students. It probably is the educational equivalent – as well as the cost equivalent-- of most CSU campuses in California. </p>
<p>Also, if the student is in central or east Texas – and is looking at California schools out of a desire to leave Texas – El Paso has a very different cultural feel than other parts of Texas – so it might provide the change the student is looking for, even though still in-state.</p>