Fact brief: Does Gov. Greg Abbott’s tuition freeze apply to Texas Christian University?
No.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s tuition freeze only applies to public universities.
Texas Christian University is private, and its trustees serve as the decision-makers without state involvement for issues such as tuition rates.
In 2023, Abbott signed a law prohibiting tuition increases at public colleges and universities for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
In November 2024, Abbott sent a letter to public universities’ chairs and chancellors informing them that he was also prohibiting tuition increases for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years.
In his letter, Abbott said public universities must do all they can to lessen students’ financial burden amid inflation and other economic challenges.
TCU raised tuition by 3% for the 2025-26 academic year, citing “increased operational costs and other economic factors.” The university also introduced a corresponding 3% increase in need-based financial aid.
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Sources
- Texas Christian University Undergraduate Catalog About TCU
- Office of the Texas Governor Governor Abbott Prohibits College Tuition Increases In Texas
- Office of the Texas Governor Letter to University Systems
- Texas Christian University Tuition Rate Increase for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
- U.S. News & World Report What College Trustees Are and Why They Matter
- Fort Worth Report TCU’s tuition will increase by 3% next year, bringing cost to more than $63K
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