Texas freezes undergraduate tuition through 2026–27 academic year

Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that undergraduate tuition and fees at Texas public colleges and universities will remain frozen through the 2026–27 academic year, extending a statewide effort to keep higher education more affordable for students and families.

In a letter sent to all Texas public institutions of higher education, Abbott directed schools to halt any planned increases in tuition and fees for undergraduate students. The order applies to both two-year and four-year public institutions, including general academic and health-related colleges and universities.

“Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families,” Abbott said in the announcement. “Access to affordable, high-quality education is essential to ensuring Texans learn the skills needed to secure family-sustaining jobs and meet the demands of a growing workforce.”

The governor emphasized that the tuition freeze is part of a broader initiative that began in 2023, when Texas first moved to limit rising college costs at public institutions. Since then, state leaders have invested heavily in higher education and student financial aid programs.

According to the announcement, the Texas Legislature recently approved an additional $328 million in student financial aid funding aimed at expanding access to financial assistance programs for eligible students across the state.

Supporters of the tuition freeze argue that the move will help reduce financial pressure on families while encouraging more students to pursue college degrees or workforce training.

Critics, however, may question how universities will manage operational costs without additional tuition revenue.

The policy is expected to remain in effect through the end of the 2026–27 academic year, providing predictability for students planning college enrollment and for families budgeting for higher education costs. Universities across Texas will continue operating under state-set tuition limits while balancing funding from state appropriations, financial aid programs, and internal budget adjustments going forward as planned.