Governor Greg Abbott orders tuition freeze at all Texas public colleges and universities for upcoming school year
Austin, Texas – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all public colleges and universities across the state to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year, continuing a statewide effort aimed at keeping higher education affordable for students and families.
Governor Abbott announced that he sent a formal letter to every public institution of higher education in Texas directing them not to raise undergraduate tuition or fees during the 2026-27 academic year.
The freeze applies to both two-year and four-year public institutions, including general academic universities as well as health-related institutions throughout Texas.
State officials said the move is intended to help students gain access to affordable education while preparing for jobs in Texas’ rapidly growing workforce.
“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,” Governor Abbott said.
“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,” he added.
Tuition Freeze Continues Statewide Education Push
According to the governor’s office, Texas has maintained tuition and fee freezes at public higher education institutions since 2023 under Abbott’s direction.
State leaders say the continued freeze reflects broader efforts to reduce financial pressure on college students and families while expanding educational opportunities across Texas.
Officials also highlighted recent investments made by the state to strengthen higher education funding.
During the most recent legislative session, Texas approved an additional $328 million in student financial aid funding.
The funding increase was designed to improve access to state financial aid programs for eligible students attending public colleges and universities.
State officials say the financial aid expansion, combined with the tuition freeze, is intended to help more Texans pursue degrees and workforce training without facing rising educational costs.
The tuition freeze announcement comes as many students and families across the country continue facing concerns about college affordability, student debt, and rising living expenses.
Texas leaders argue that maintaining stable tuition rates can help more students complete degrees while preparing for careers needed by employers throughout the state.
The governor’s office emphasized that affordable higher education remains an important part of Texas’ long-term workforce and economic development strategy.
By freezing tuition and increasing financial aid support, state leaders say they hope to create stronger pathways for students seeking higher-paying and stable careers while helping public colleges remain accessible to families across Texas.
