AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused all increases to collegiate undergraduate tuition for the 2026-2027 school year, continuing a policy that has held tuition flat since the 2023-2024 academic year. In a November 2024 directive, Abbott instructed public colleges and universities to keep undergraduate tuition rates unchanged.

"Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families," Abbott wrote in a letter to college and university presidents. He added that "access to affordable, high-quality higher 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, including health-related schools.

The state previously froze undergraduate tuition and fees for both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. Abbott told higher education leaders he hopes to extend the tuition freeze beyond the 2026-2027 school year.

While academic tuition remains frozen, some institutions are moving forward with non-academic fee increases. The University of Texas System regents approved mandatory fee hikes for several campuses starting in 2027, covering athletics, student services, medical services, and advising. At UT Rio Grande Valley, the university services fee is set to rise from $38.10 to $70 per semester credit hour.

Archie L. Holmes Jr., UT System’s executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, recommended the non-academic fees, saying they were "non-academic in nature" and had been "really well thought out" by institutions. System documents indicate the proposed increases would not raise the average cost of attendance at any affected UT campus by more than 3.7%, aligning with the 2025 Higher Education Price Index.

Texas A&M University System regents also considered fee changes at Tarleton State University, including converting the health and wellness fee to a flat $75 per semester and raising the recreational and facilities fee from $100 to $125. Tarleton leaders said the health fee increase would expand medical and mental health services following eight student suicides in three years and rising demand for crisis care. About 59% of participating students supported the health fee change, and 51% backed the recreational fee increase.

Abbott’s letter does not distinguish between academic and non-academic fees. UT System spokesman Ben Wright said system leaders are "committed to affordability" and pointed to regents’ efforts to cover tuition and fees for eligible undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000 annually.