Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Higher Education Coordinating Board to “convene a working group” to study the feasibility of three-year bachelor’s degree programs at Texas’ taxpayer-subsidized universities.
In a letter to Higher Education Coordinator Wynn Rosser, Abbott stated that his intention was to promote affordability for students.
“Every semester adds to tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses, and delays students’ ability to begin their careers,” Abbott wrote.
“Recent changes to accreditation standards have created a new opportunity to develop three-year bachelor’s degree pathways in high-demand, high-wage fields,” he continued.
Abbott has ordered the board to “develop recommendations” for:
- Academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways;
- Degree programs and high-demand occupations for which three-year bachelor’s degree pathways may be most appropriate;
- Student demand and employer workforce needs;
- Accreditation and institutional approval requirements;
- Statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes necessary for statewide implementation.
Abbott has ordered the coordinating board to submit their recommendations to his office by December 31, 2026, which could potentially tee up legislation next year.
The 90th Texas Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2027.
