Gov. Greg Abbott reminded Texans Oct. 8 that Free College Application Week is Oct. 12-18, when Texas residents can apply to undergraduate programs at any public college or university in the state at no cost, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“Next week, a Texas student can apply to any public college or university and pay no application fee,” Abbott said. “I froze undergraduate tuition and fees through the 2026-27 academic year to keep costs down for Texas students. A three-year bachelor’s degree could cut the total bill further and save as much as $35,000. These steps will create a stronger Texas for generations to come.”
The governor’s office described the week as a key part of Abbott’s college affordability efforts. Since 2023, the release said, Abbott has directed all public colleges and universities to freeze undergraduate tuition rates, and that freeze remains in place through the 2026-27 academic year for two-year and four-year institutions.
In August, Abbott directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways in high-demand, high-wage fields, the release said. The governor’s office said a three-year degree could cut the cost of a bachelor’s degree by up to 25 percent and save students $15,000 to $35,000.
Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser encouraged prospective students to take part. “Free College Application Week is another way Texas makes it easier and affordable for students to plan for and advance their education,” Rosser said. “All prospective students should take full advantage of this opportunity, which can save them hundreds of dollars as they apply to their chosen public Texas colleges and universities.”
Signed into law by Abbott, Free College Application Week requires every public college and university to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to an undergraduate program, according to the release. The governor’s office said more than 260,000 applications were submitted during the week last year.
Prospective students can use My Texas Future and the Direct Admissions program to streamline their college search, evaluate workforce needs and identify programs that fit their career goals, the release said. Applicants must apply through ApplyTexas and submit their application by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2026, to receive the fee waiver. The governor’s office pointed residency questions to the Texas Residency Guidelines.