Texas legislature increases financial aid funding by $328 million for higher education

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board held a meeting on June 13, 2025, to discuss significant legislative updates impacting higher education in the state. John Wyatt, the senior director for government relations, provided an overview of the recent legislative session, highlighting key funding and policy decisions that will affect students and educational institutions.

Wyatt reported that the Texas legislature has approved a substantial increase in student financial aid, adding $328 million to state programs, which represents a 22% increase from the previous biennium. This funding aims to enhance accessibility to higher education, particularly for students graduating in the top 25% of their high school class, who will now be eligible for Texas grants at universities and TEOG grants at community colleges. Additionally, the funding will support students transferring between institutions, ensuring they continue to receive financial aid.

The meeting also addressed new legislative measures designed to improve educational resources and student access. Notably, Senate Bill 2314 will expand the MyTexasFuture platform, a tool for college and career advising, and implement a direct admissions process for high school students. This bill mandates that colleges include links to MyTexasFuture on their admissions websites and requires schools to assist students in creating profiles on the platform.

Another significant development is the designation of October as Free College Application Week, allowing Texans to apply to public colleges and universities without application fees. This initiative aims to lower barriers for prospective students and encourage more applications.

Wyatt also discussed Senate Bill 1786, which revises community college funding structures to reward institutions for student transfers to private universities and improve career and technical education through better coordination with workforce data.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on Senate Bill 37, which establishes a statewide review of general education curricula and creates an ombudsman office within the Coordinating Board to address compliance issues in higher education.

Overall, the legislative session has resulted in critical investments and reforms aimed at enhancing the accessibility and quality of higher education in Texas, with a focus on supporting students and adapting to workforce needs.