Gov. Greg Abbott said on November 13 that Texas’ public universities should not raise tuition for another two years, citing “substantial cost increases due to inflation.”
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In a letter sent to higher education leaders, Abbott said he consulted with each state university’s board of regents and all agreed not to increase tuition for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. said.
“When inflation and other economic pressures strain household budgets, public universities must do everything they can to ease the financial burden on students and their families,” Professor Abbott wrote.
Last year, the Texas Legislature allocated an additional $700 million to public universities under House Bill 1 (State Budget). In exchange for funding, university leaders agreed to keep undergraduate tuition rates unchanged for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.
Public universities collect revenue from biennial state budgets, research contracts and grants, tuition and fees, endowments, and other sources.
“The state has made historic investments in higher education, including increased funding for colleges and financial aid programs,” Abbott said in the letter. “These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Texans. With access to education, you can earn better wages, qualify for the workforce, and experience a higher quality of life.”
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Average tuition and fees at Texas state universities this year will cost in-state students about $10,261, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Council’s college planning site College for All Texans. The average total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, books, and other fees, is $28,724.
Abbott said college affordability is a “top priority” for the 89th Texas Legislature, which begins Jan. 14.
