Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced on Thursday that he sent a letter to all Texas public institutions of higher education directing them to freeze increases in undergraduate tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year.
The directive applied to all public colleges and universities across Texas, including both two-year and four-year institutions as well as health-related institutions. Under the order, tuition and fee levels will remain unchanged through the 2026–27 academic year.
Abbott said the decision was aimed at keeping higher education accessible and affordable for Texas families while supporting workforce development needs in the state.
“I directed all public institutions of higher education in Texas to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees. Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families,” Abbott said. He added that affordable education is essential to helping students gain skills needed for stable, family-sustaining jobs.
The move continued a policy direction that began in 2023, when Abbott first directed public institutions to hold tuition and fee levels steady. State leaders also highlighted recent funding increases for higher education, including a reported $328 million boost to student financial aid during the most recent legislative session.
State officials said the goal of the combined actions was to improve access to financial aid programs and reduce cost barriers for students across Texas public colleges and universities.
