AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused all increases to collegiate undergraduate tuition for the 2026-2027 school year. 

“Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families,” Abbott wrote in a letter to college and university presidents. “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 pause applies to four-year and two-year institutions, impacting students in health and general academic studies. 

In his letter, Abbott said tuition and fees have been frozen in the state since 2023, when Texas invested more than $680 million “to reform community college funding and expand degree pathways for students.” 

In 2025, Texas also funded $328 million for more financial aid programs across the state, according to the letter. 

“Texas must continue leading the nation in creating affordable pathways to higher education while maintaining the high academic standards that make our institutions strong,” the governor’s letter stated.

Abbott also told higher education presidents that he hopes to extend the freeze in the future and to find more opportunities for affordable education in Texas.