Texas Senate Bill SB1478

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the fixed tuition price plan offered by certain general academic teaching institutions.

Impact

The implementation of SB1478 is anticipated to have a significant impact on how both students and institutions handle tuition costs. Specifically, the bill mandates that institutions not only maintain fixed tuition rates for a designated period but also reward timely degree completion with tuition rebates. Students who earn their baccalaureate degree within four years will receive a rebate; those completing within five years will receive a lesser rebate. This approach not only incentivizes students to graduate on time but also aligns institutional practices with state policies aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and affordability.

Summary

SB1478 aims to amend the Education Code by establishing guidelines for fixed tuition price plans offered by certain general academic teaching institutions. The bill requires these institutions to offer a fixed tuition plan to entering undergraduate students, which guarantees that tuition charges per semester credit hour will not increase for at least 18 consecutive semesters after a student's initial enrollment. This offers consistency in financial planning for students, allowing them to avoid unexpected financial burdens due to tuition increases over time.

Contention

While the bill presents clear benefits regarding tuition predictability and rewards for timely graduation, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics could argue that the stipulations surrounding rebates may not sufficiently cater to diverse student experiences and completion timelines. Moreover, there might be concerns about how these fixed plans could affect the financial stability of institutions, particularly if a large number of students opt into the program without corresponding state support for revenue loss.

Additional_notes

SB1478 is set to apply to fixed tuition price plans starting in the Fall semester of 2020, with provisions made to continue the previous regulations for plans offered before this date. This transitional approach aims to provide institutions and students ample time to adjust to the new requirements.