This study was done at a university located at the United States/Mexican border of South Texas, where more than 80% of the residents are of Hispanic origin. This article reports partial results of surveys administered to graduating students over a 3-year period to assess perceptions of the outcome of their college experiences. The surveys revealed that an overwhelming majority of the graduates believed the quality of their lives was definitely enhanced because of their college experiences. The survey further revealed that the majority of graduates believed that, as a result of their education and contributing factors, they learned the value of independence, working cooperatively with others, and persistence amid difficulties.Resumen: Este estudio se hizo en una universidad del sur de Texas que está situada en la frontera de Estados Unidos con México donde más del 80% de los residentes son de origen Hispano. Este manuscrito reporta resultados parciales de cuestionarios administrados a estudiantes graduados a través de un período de 3 años, los cuales evalúan su percepción del resultado de experiencias universitarias. Los cuestionarios revelaron que la gran mayoría de los graduados creen que la calidad de sus vidas aumentó debido a sus experiencias universitarias. Aún más, los cuestionarios revelaron que la mayoría de los graduados creen que, como resultado de su educación y otros factores adicionales, ellos aprendieron el valor de la independencia, del trabajo cooperativo, y la persistencia en medio de las dificultades.The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) is located in Edinburg, Texas, less than 20 miles away from Reynosa, México. About 82% of all UTPA students are of Hispanic origin, reflecting the demographic characteristics of the immediate region (McAllen Economic Development Corporation, 2000). The region is distinctly bicultural; the majority of residents speak both English and Spanish. The university includes six academic colleges: arts and humanities, business administration, education, health sciences and human services, science and engineering, and social and behavioral sciences. Annual student enrollment is approximately 13,000.

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