Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.
Impact
The implementation of HB 89 is expected to have significant repercussions on how public colleges and universities manage their tuition rates. By capping tuition fees, the bill could reduce the financial burden on students and their families, thereby promoting higher enrollment rates and potentially increasing graduation rates. Institutions will still have the flexibility to adjust tuition according to the stipulations set forth but must ensure that they do not exceed the imposed limits from the previous academic year. This is intended to create a fairer distribution of tuition costs amongst students.
Summary
House Bill 89 aims to limit the total amount of tuition that public institutions of higher education can charge students for an academic year. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the maximum tuition fees charged should not exceed the amounts that were in effect for the 2014-2015 academic year for two or more similarly situated students, based on various factors including residency status and course load. This legislative effort is designed as a measure to enhance the affordability of higher education in Texas, making it more accessible for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Contention
Although the bill is primarily aimed at improving student affordability, it has generated a mix of support and concerns among stakeholders. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to combat the rising costs of higher education, while critics are wary of its implications on public institutions' funding and financial health. They suggest that limiting tuition could constrain institutional revenues, potentially leading to cuts in services, academic programs, or faculty positions, which might ultimately undermine educational quality. Discussions around balancing affordability with institutional sustainability remain ongoing.
Relating to the determination of resident status of certain high school graduates by public institutions of higher education and to the tuition and fees charged by those institutions to those graduates.
Relating to a study by the Legislative Budget Board concerning the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.