(AUSTIN) – The Board of Regents of The Texas State University System voted today to direct the system’s four-year institutions to develop optional fixed-rate tuition plans that will provide students and parents with more predictability when paying for college. The board approved the proposal unanimously during a special called meeting held in Austin.
The board’s decision requires The Texas State University System’s senior institutions to develop four-year, fixed-rate tuition plans as an option for students who enroll beginning in the fall of 2014. Institutions must submit their proposals to the Board of Regents for consideration during the board’s November 2013 meeting.
TSUS Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Perry Moore said the fixed-rate tuition plans should include an academic progress requirement to ensure students have an incentive to complete their degrees on time. “These optional plans will assist students and their families in financial planning and will also encourage more timely graduation within the four years of fixed tuition,” said Moore.
While students who want more predictable tuition may participate in the fixed-rate program, they are not required to do so. Students can continue to pay standard tuition, which varies from institution to institution, but traditionally has been below the state average.
The Texas State University System has four senior institutions: Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University and Texas State University.