Texas Governor Greg Abbott Freezes Public College Tuition Until 2027

The sad truth is that college has become a luxury that most people can't afford out of pocket. Taking out loans to cover college costs has inherent risks.

College is much more expensive now than it was for previous generations. According to CBS News, it's 155% more expensive to attend college than it was in 1980.

The price increases come from so-called "administrative bloat," that is, non-teaching staff and faculty who help universities operate like small cities instead of being part of the larger community around them.

Another reason for the increase is the demand- everyone I know was raised to think a degree was essential for success.

However, I've seen many friends with burdensome debt and a job in a field unrelated to their degree (yes, even business and technical degrees).

Read More: With Worldwide Tuberculosis Cases Rising, Texas Is Vulnerable

So what's the solution? We all know that for Texas to remain competitive, we need educated people to innovate, solve problems, and operate businesses.

According to NBC DFW, Governor Greg Abbott announced a tuition hike freeze for all public Texas universities through 2027.

This was his reasoning:

[...] let me be clear: I will not support any tuition increase at any public higher education institution in the upcoming biennium. When all Texans have access to quality and affordable education, they can earn better wages, meet workforce qualifications, and experience a higher quality of life."

Of course, universities can still "fee" students to death. I'm still angry about the online class fee I paid during the pandemic- when there was no option to attend in person.

Additionally, this does not affect any private Texas universities.

Read More: How People Die At Big Bend, The Most Dangerous Texas State Park

Texas Redditors had some skepticism about the mandate as well.

Did you know that the majority of tuition increases at public universities is directly correlated to the reduction of funds received from the state government?

Just another attempt to handicap public schools to further his agenda to privatize education across the board. It’s the same playbook he is using to cripple grade schools.

For two years? Hmmm....what happens in two years? Checks notes: Governor re-election campaign!

As for me, I don't look gift horses in the mouth. I have a loved one in college now, and I'm grateful she can count on the same tuition costs to get her through the rest of her Bachelor's degree.