Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced on Wednesday that he will not support any tuition increases at the state’s public universities for the next two years. In a letter sent to all public university systems in Texas, Abbott outlined an agreement that will keep tuition rates frozen through the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.
Abbott emphasized the importance of easing the financial burden on students and families amid rising inflation and economic challenges. "Texans face significant rising costs due to inflation," Abbott said in the letter. "When inflation and other economic pressures burden household budgets, our public universities must take every step possible to ease the financial burden on our students and their families."
The move builds on a 2023 law signed by Abbott that froze tuition increases through the 2024-2025 school year. The governor made it clear that this freeze will extend into the next biennium, asserting that he will not support any tuition hikes at any public higher education institution in Texas.
"As this tuition freeze expires, let me be clear: I will not support any tuition increase at any public higher education institution in the upcoming biennium," Abbott wrote.
Abbott's administration has also focused on increasing state funding for higher education. In the most recent legislative session, the state allocated $700 million in additional funding to Texas public universities. The governor highlighted this financial commitment as part of the state’s broader efforts to ensure higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Texans.
"These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Texans," Abbott continued. "When all Texans have access to quality and affordable education, they can earn better wages, meet workforce qualifications, and experience a higher quality of life."
Abbott’s letter signals that maintaining college affordability will remain a top priority as the state moves into the next legislative session. The governor has consistently prioritized education reform and is positioning college affordability as a key issue in upcoming legislative discussions.
The move to freeze tuition comes as families across Texas continue to grapple with inflation and the rising cost of living. For many students, tuition costs are a significant portion of their financial burdens, and the freeze is expected to provide much-needed relief for those pursuing higher education.
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