Texas Ends In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
Published on 6.14.25
The recent federal court ruling that ended in-state tuition for non-citizens in Texas has sparked controversy over the state's 'Texas Dream Act,' which provided a pathway to affordable higher education for undocumented students. Critics argue that the decision is "harmful" and will prevent many from accessing college, while supporters claim it levels the playing field and provides an opportunity for betterment.
This move has resulted in a significant increase in costs for migrant students, with some rates rising by as much as 810%. For example, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the cost per semester credit hour increased from $50 to $455. A third-year student planning to attend medical school may be forced to reconsider their future due to these drastic changes.
Lawmakers are considering a temporary grandfather provision to allow current students to continue attending college without interruption. However, estimates suggest that repealing in-state tuition for undocumented students could cost the state $461 million annually, according to Robert Henneke of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The decision has significant implications for the futures of thousands of migrant students who were previously able to access affordable education through the 'Texas Dream Act.' The ruling's impact will be felt by individual students and the state's economy, which is expected to benefit from the increased tuition rates.