Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that undergraduate tuition and fees will remain frozen from increases at all Texas public colleges and universities through the 2026-27 academic year.
In a letter sent to presidents of public institutions of higher education across the state, Abbott reaffirmed a directive first issued in November 2024, ordering schools not to raise undergraduate tuition or fees for the upcoming school year.
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“Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families,” Abbott said in a statement. “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.”
The tuition freeze applies to all public two-year and four-year institutions in Texas, including general academic universities and health-related institutions.
Abbott noted tuition and fees have remained frozen since 2023 and credited the Texas Legislature for helping expand affordability measures during recent legislative sessions.
According to the governor’s office, the state invested more than $680 million in 2023 to reform community college funding and expand degree pathways for students.
During the 2025 budget cycle, Texas also increased student financial aid funding by $328 million to improve access to state aid programs for eligible students statewide.
In his letter, Abbott said the state’s investments are intended to ensure higher education remains affordable while maintaining strong academic standards.
“Texas must continue leading the nation in creating affordable pathways to higher education while maintaining the high academic standards that make our institutions strong,” Abbott wrote.
Abbott also said he plans to work with lawmakers next legislative session to extend the tuition freeze beyond 2027 and explore additional ways to reduce college costs for students and families.
The freeze comes as colleges and universities nationwide continue grappling with rising operational costs and concerns over student debt and affordability.