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After Governor Abbott extends tuition freeze, TWU puts hike on ice
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After Governor Abbott extends tuition freeze, TWU puts hike on ice

Texas Woman’s University will not implement the tuition increase approved by the regents earlier this month. A university spokesperson said it would follow the law.

And the law is Announcement from Governor Greg Abbott On Wednesday, he will extend a statewide tuition freeze for two years.

A few days earlier, the TWU board of directors had approved a recommendation to increase tuition by $9 per credit hour.

Abbott sent a letter to public universities and colleges last week, arguing that state lawmakers have poured resources into higher education.

“The state has made historic investments in higher education, including increased funding for colleges and financial aid programs,” Abbott wrote in his letter. “These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that 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. I will ensure college affordability remains a top priority for the state as we approach the next legislative session.

Last legislative session, lawmakers allocated an additional $700 million in the state budget for Texas public universities.

“Texas Woman’s will comply with the Governor’s directive to freeze tuition and looks forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session to address higher education funding to meet critical workforce needs. state’s work,” said Matt Flores, vice president of the university. communications.

TWU is the state’s newest university system. The state legislature established TWU as the seventh university system in Texas in 2021.

However, TWU will not have access to the Texas University Fund, a $3.9 billion endowment created by combining a one-time grant from the state budget surplus with the National Research University Fund, interest income from the Economic Stabilization Fund and charitable contributions.

At the last Board of Regents meeting, TWU officials said some student services would have to be reduced or eliminated if the regents voted against the increase.

“It’s too early to say what kind of impact the tuition freeze would have next fall, as we will know more about state funding after the budget passes,” Flores said.

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