Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

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October 4, 2022
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Second Texas bill would mandate fixed-tuition rates at universities

Universities would be required to freeze tuition for the duration of students’ undergraduate degree plans if the Texas Legislature approves a bill filed in the House of Representatives.

The bill, filed Friday by Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, would prohibit universities from charging students who graduate on time a tuition rate higher than the one charged during their first semester or term at a university.

Tuition rates would remain stagnant during a four-year period for undergraduates enrolled in a four-year degree plan and during a five-year period for those enrolled in a five-year degree plan.


This differs from a bill filed by Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, which requires universities to offer students a fixed-rate tuition plan but allows universities to offer other plans. Branch’s bill also does not address students who are enrolled in five-year degree plans.

At a Senate Finance Committee meeting Monday, University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr. said after UT-Dallas implemented a fixed-rate tuition plan, the administration at UT-Austin approached student leadership about implementing a similar plan. Powers said administrators did not find much interest in the plan among student groups but having the option to pay a fixed rate may appeal to families paying for students’ tuition.

“Some families will want that. They would rather pay a little bit more than they have to so they can budget better,” Powers said. “Other families won’t want that. They’d rather pay a little less now and then take the risk that it might go up a little bit later. We think a program where different options are offered to students makes a lot of sense.”

Michael Morton, Senate of College Councils president, serves on the University’s Tuition Policy Advisory Committee and said the current proposals surrounding fixed-rate tuition do not properly address students’ individual academic needs. 

“It’s potentially a good thing, but there needs to be more work on the details,” Morton said.

At the Senate Finance Committee meeting, UT-Dallas President David Daniel said his university implemented a fixed-rate tuition option to encourage students to graduate in a timely manner. He said he recommends institutions consider the plan.

“It works great for us, but whether it would work well for anyone else, I cannot say,” Daniel said.

Printed on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 as: Additional bill would mandate fixed tuition 

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Second Texas bill would mandate fixed-tuition rates at universities