Tuition Freeze Extended for Texas College Students
College Station, TX – Exciting news, Aggies! Thanks to the recent actions of Governor Greg Abbott, students in Texas who began their college journey as freshmen last fall may have the opportunity to complete their studies without worrying about tuition hikes. That’s right! The governor has announced an extension of the state’s freeze on college tuition. Can we get a round of applause for that?
A Quick Recap
First introduced in 2023, this freeze prohibits any increase in undergraduate tuition and fees for the academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The extension means that students will be able to breathe a sigh of relief as the freeze has now been extended through the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years.
Peyton Francis, a sophomore meteorology major at Texas A&M, shared how this decision impacts students like her. “It has helped keep the cost down,” she said. “It’s helpful that it’s not going to go up.” That’s music to the ears of many who are already juggling student loans!
What’s the Damage?
If you’re wondering how much it costs to attend Texas A&M, the tuition for Texas residents this year stands at $11,550. Out-of-state students, however, face a hefty bill of $39,496! And remember, that doesn’t include expenses like books, room, board, or transportation. So, yes, it’s a big deal that these costs won’t be increasing anytime soon.
According to the California College for All Texans website, the average tuition across the state for Texas residents is around $10,261, while out-of-state students can expect to pay about $24,656. For those curious about which schools offer the lowest tuition in the Texas A&M System, Texas A&M Central Texas comes in at just $6,809.
Life Made Easier
Shawnee Vaughn, a senior studying sociology at Texas A&M, also expressed her relief about the tuition freeze: “It’s definitely made it easier to pay back my student loans,” she said. Having some extra cash can come in handy, whether it’s for groceries or a night out with friends.
Likewise, Ty Greenlee, a junior in agricultural leadership, shared his thoughts: “I think the freeze has helped lock in a rate that has been good in the past. It’s definitely helped me in not having to take out as many loans.” A huge win for students across Texas!
State Commitment to Education
Governor Abbott underscored his commitment to making higher education accessible. In his recent letter, he stated, “These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Texans.” He also pointed out that a well-educated populace leads to better wages and an improved quality of life, which is a goal we can all get behind.
The 2023 tuition freeze was part of the state budget that set aside $700 million for public universities. In return, these institutions agreed to keep undergraduate tuition flat during that period. Now, with the deadline approaching, Abbott listened to the board of regents from each public university, and the consensus was clear: keep the freeze.
The Future of Tuition Costs
Did you know college tuition has only gone up since the Legislature approved tuition deregulation back in 2003? For perspective, a student starting at Texas A&M in the fall of 2003 paid only $1,380 for 15 semester credit hours each semester. Fast forward to 2015, and that cost increased to about $3,306 for the same amount. With these numbers in mind, freezing tuition now provides a much-needed break for students.
In summary, it’s a fantastic moment for students in Texas as they can continue their education with one less financial worry! The extension of the tuition freeze means they can focus on their studies, extracurriculars, and, of course, making lasting memories during their college years.
