The UT System Board of Regents’ Academic Affairs Committee has given preliminary approval to provide free tuition and waived fees to undergraduates from families with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, according to a Nov. 20 press release. 

The plan, which would extend to all nine UT System institutions beginning next fall, includes an immediate $35 million investment for campus implementation that, if passed, will become the first expansive financial aid program in the state. The complete Board will vote on final approval Thursday. 

UT System Chancellor James Milliken said during the committee’s meeting the Board is not only addressing immediate needs for current students but is looking towards the future. 

“Across UT institutions, enrollment is growing, and student debt is declining, indicating success in both access and affordability,” Milliken said. “That’s a rare trend in American higher education, and I’m proud the UT System is in a position to be a leader.” 

This plan expands on two endowments collectively known as the Promise Plus program. Initially launched in 2019 with a $167 million endowment at UT-Austin, the program was further developed in 2022 with a nearly $300 million endowment, which brought the initiative to all UT institutions. Wednesday’s decision raises the income eligibility threshold to $100,000 system-wide, covering tuition and mandatory fees for all qualifying students. 

Kevin Eltife, a Board of Regents chairman, said the decision is one of the most meaningful actions the Regents would take during their terms. 

“To be in a position to make sure our students can attend a UT institution without accruing more debt is very important to all of us,” Eltife said. “As long as we are here, we will continue our work to provide an affordable, accessible education to all who choose to attend a UT institution.” 

Students must be Texas residents, full-time undergraduate students and apply for applicable federal and state financial aid to qualify for Promise Plus.