UTSA - NEWS RELEASE

May 19, 2025

A total of 379 San Antonio ISD high school students already have their seats saved for college. Through a unique direct admissions program facilitated by UP Partnership, these students have been admitted to UTSA for Fall 2025 and Fall 2026. They will join 95 SAISD students who are enrolled in the UTSA-SAISD program’s first cohort. 

The program, launched in January 2024, provides high-achieving SAISD students ranked in the top 25% of their graduating class with guaranteed admission to UTSA before they reach their senior year of high school. 

On May 21, a special celebration to acknowledge students admitted to UTSA will take place at St. Philip’s Early College High School, 1801 Martin Luther Dr., from 11 a.m. to noon. About 20 students from the high school have received admission to UTSA for fall 2026 through the program.

For Bella Gonzalez, a student at St. Philip’s Early College High School, earning guaranteed admission to UTSA was rewarding.

“When I look at this accomplishment, I know I can do anything I approach in the future,” Gonzalez said. “I would like to tell other students that even though applying to school is hard, it gets you to places you would have never imagined. All the hard work will pay off into positive experiences and impact for our community.”

The first-generation student is looking forward to turning her love for animals into a career in veterinary medicine. She plans to study biology and ultimately further her studies with a doctorate.

Many SAISD high school graduates who enroll at UTSA are eligible for UTSA Bold Promise, a tuition and assistance program for eligible Texas residents with annual household incomes up to $100,000. The program covers 100% of UTSA’s tuition and mandatory fees. This financial aid is crucial in eliminating one of the most common barriers for students striving to obtain a college degree.

“Education can change a person’s life. People with a bachelor’s degree have a higher earning potential over their lifetime and have more job opportunities. They also have better health care, better retirement plans, and more economic and job stability,” said Lynn Barnes, UTSA senior vice provost for strategic enrollment. “UTSA is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education for anyone who wants to pursue a degree. Our goal is to support students who dream of going to college.”

Over the last month, SAISD has hosted special events at high schools across the district to celebrate the early admission status of their Future Roadrunners as well as their academic accomplishments.

Now in its third year, the UTSA-SAISD direct admission program does not preclude other SAISD students from applying during their senior year and then enrolling at UTSA.  

This year, in addition to SAISD, this program also includes a direct admission pathway to UTSA from the Northside ISD. To date, 350 NISD students have completed or are in the process of completing their UTSA admission applications for fall 2026. 

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