Rio Grande Valley colleges, universities ordered to freeze tuition for another year

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed public colleges and universities to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees through the 2026-27 academic year, extending a statewide tuition hold that has been in place since 2023.

Abbott announced the directive Wednesday in a letter sent to public higher education institutions across Texas.

“I directed all public institutions of higher education in Texas to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees,” Abbott said in a statement released by the governor’s office. “Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families.”

The freeze applies to all public two-year and four-year institutions, including both general academic and health-related institutions statewide.

That includes Rio Grande Valley institutions such as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, Texas Southmost College and Texas State Technical College campuses.

Abbott said tuition and fees will remain frozen through the 2026-27 academic year as the state continues increasing investment in higher education and financial aid programs.

“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,” Abbott said.

According to the governor’s office, Texas increased student financial aid funding by $328 million during the latest legislative session to improve access to financial aid programs for eligible students statewide.