AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a letter to Texas universities and colleges Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott said undergraduate tuition and fee increases over the next two years are prohibited.

Abbott said in the letter that this is a way for public universities to “relieve the financial burden on our students and their families.”

“As this tuition freeze expires, let me be clear: I will not support any increase in tuition at any public institution.
higher education institution during the next biennium. My office spoke to the Board
Regents in every public university system, and we agree that no institution in Texas
should approve tuition increases for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years,” he said.

Abbott said the state has invested in higher education, which includes “increased funding for colleges and financial aid programs” to ensure higher education “remains accessible and affordable for all Texans.” .

“When all Texans have access to quality, affordable education, they will be able to earn better wages, meet workforce qualifications and enjoy a better quality of life,” Abbott said. “I will ensure college affordability remains a top priority for the state as we approach the next legislative session.”

A University of Texas spokesperson told KXAN that the University shares Governor Abbott’s passion for finding new and innovative ways to make higher education more affordable and accessible, especially for those with limited financial means.

Read Abbott’s full letter provided by his office below:

Letter from Governor AbbottDownload

Lawmakers react

“As a student at UT Austin, I led the effort to stop a proposed tuition increase. I’m grateful that Texas students don’t have to take out additional loans just to try to achieve the American dream, and I call on Governor Abbott to prioritize real reforms that make college affordable for every Texan . James Talarico

“While I appreciate Governor Abbott’s focus on keeping tuition costs manageable, we must recognize that simply freezing tuition rates is not enough to address the broader financial challenges facing our higher education establishments are facing. Rising inflation, increasing operating costs and the need to improve student services are putting pressure on our universities. We cannot afford to let these financial pressures compromise the quality of education or the resources available to students.

During the 88th legislative session, we took an important step with House Bill 8, which increased investments in higher education and financial aid. This is a critical step to ensure that more Texans have access to a quality education and that our universities are equipped to prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators and workers. However, this is just the beginning. To maintain a competitive workforce and support our state’s economic future, we must continue these investments. Freezing tuition without meeting the funding needs of our universities could result in underfunded programs, larger class sizes, and fewer resources for students, ultimately diminishing the value of a university education in Texas.

Investing in higher education is investing in the future of our state. We must ensure that our colleges and universities have adequate funding so they can continue to offer the programs, faculty, and support systems essential to preparing our workforce. I am committed to continuing the conversation and finding lasting solutions to keep college affordable while maintaining the high standards of education our students deserve. -Representative. Donna Howard

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