In a move to keep higher education affordable for Texas families, Governor Greg Abbott announced that undergraduate tuition and fees at the state’s public colleges and universities will remain frozen through the 2026-27 academic year. This decision affects all two-year and four-year public institutions, including general academic universities and health-related institutions.

Commitment to Affordable Education

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of accessible education in a statement, saying, “Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families. Access to affordable, high-quality education is essential to ensure Texans learn the skills needed to secure family-sustaining jobs and meet the demands of a growing workforce.”

The directive to freeze tuition was initially issued in November 2024 and has been reinforced by the Texas Legislature, which codified the policy for general academic four-year institutions. Abbott’s letter to college and university presidents reiterated that no increases in undergraduate tuition or fees should occur in the upcoming academic year.

State Investments in Education

Abbott highlighted the state’s continued investment in higher education, noting that since 2023, Texas has invested over $680 million to reform community college funding and expand degree pathways. Additionally, during the 2025 budget cycle, student financial aid funding was increased by $328 million to broaden access to aid programs for eligible students.

These financial commitments are part of a broader strategy to maintain strong academic standards while creating affordable pathways to higher education. Abbott expressed his intention to work with lawmakers in the next legislative session to further extend the tuition freeze and explore additional measures to reduce education costs for students and families.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.