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Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

Fact brief: Does Gov. Greg Abbott’s tuition freeze apply to Texas Christian University?

McKinnon Rice, Fort Worth Report
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.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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