Texas students can apply to public colleges for free during new statewide application week
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, in partnership with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), has officially announced Free College Application Week, set to take place October 13–19, 2025. This new annual initiative allows Texas residents to apply to all public colleges and universities in the state without paying application fees, marking a major step toward improving college access and affordability.
“Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” said Governor Abbott. “During free college application week, Texans can apply to their preferred colleges or universities without application fees. By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.”
The initiative was created under Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Under the new law, all Texas public colleges and universities must waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs. The program is open to first-time college students as well as transfer students.
My Texas Future, ApplyTexas, and Direct Admissions Support the Initiative
To support students beyond the fee waiver, the campaign also integrates with existing college readiness and planning tools, including My Texas Future, ApplyTexas, and the Direct Admissions program.
My Texas Future is a digital platform that helps students explore career interests, research education paths, and find financial aid options. Students can take a career quiz, compare hundreds of Texas-based occupations based on pay, demand, and required education, and then align their goals with degree or credential programs. The tool also allows users to save preferences, request advice from counselors, and connect directly with ApplyTexas and Direct Admissions.
With ApplyTexas, students complete one online application that can be sent to multiple Texas institutions. Through Free College Application Week, any Texas resident applying for undergraduate admission through this system won’t have to pay the typical application fee.
Direct Admissions takes it a step further by allowing students to receive pre-acceptance letters from participating colleges. By submitting academic details—like GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores—through My Texas Future, students can be matched with institutions they already qualify for before they even apply, providing clarity and motivation during the application process.
“In addition to the cost savings, combined with other tools available to Texans for planning and achieving educational and career goals, free application week removes a barrier so more students can take their first step toward higher education,” said THECB Commissioner Wynn Rosser.
Making College More Attainable for Every Texan
The first Free College Application Week will run from October 13 through October 19, 2025, and will take place annually during the second full week of October going forward.
Eligible students must apply through ApplyTexas and meet Texas residency requirements. More information can be found through the Texas Residency Guidelines or by exploring MyTexasFuture.org.
With this new statewide effort, Texas aims to open doors for more students to pursue higher education without the financial burden of application fees. It’s a significant move to invest in the future of Texas by empowering students to take the first step toward college with confidence and support.
