Free tuition at Texas public universities now reaches many middle-income families. For 2026-27, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and most University of Texas System campuses cover tuition for Texas residents with family income up to $100,000, and UT Rio Grande Valley goes up to $125,000. These programs aren't separate scholarships you apply for -- colleges combine federal and state grants with their own money so that tuition (and usually mandatory fees) is covered for eligible students who file the FAFSA or TASFA on time.
Texas university free-tuition programs at a glance
All figures come from each university's own program page, checked in October 2026.
| University | Program | Income limit for full coverage | What's covered | Notable conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | Texas Advance Commitment | AGI up to $100,000 (support up to $125,000) | Tuition | Financial need; 2.0 GPA to renew |
| Texas A&M | Aggie Assurance | Income and assets up to $100,000 (entering fall 2026) | Tuition and fees | FAFSA/TASFA before Jan. 15; 2.5 GPA |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | Tuition Advantage | $125,000 | Tuition and mandatory fees | Unmet need; 2.5 GPA; FAFSA/TASFA by April 1 (2026-27) |
| UT Arlington | Blaze Forward | AGI $100,000 | Tuition and course fees | Deadline March 1 |
| UT Dallas | Comet Promise | $100,000 | Tuition and mandatory fees (fall/spring) | FAFSA/TASFA by Jan. 15; 2.5 GPA |
| UTEP | Paydirt Promise | $100,000 | Tuition and fees | At least 9 credits a semester |
| UTSA | Bold Promise | $100,000 | Tuition and mandatory fees | FAFSA by Jan. 15 (freshmen) |
| UT Tyler | Patriot Promise | $100,000 | Tuition and mandatory fees | New freshmen and transfers |
| Stephen F. Austin | Purple Promise | AGI $100,000 | Tuition and mandatory fees | Fall entrants; priority deadline |
| Texas State | Bobcat Promise | $50,000, or $100,000 for top-25% grads (from fall 2027) | Tuition and mandatory fees | 15 credits a semester |
| Texas Tech | Red Raider Guarantee | AGI $80,000 | Tuition and fees (max $11,852) | Complete aid file by March 15 |
| University of Houston | Cougar Promise | AGI $65,000 (support to $125,000) | Tuition and mandatory fees | All documents by Jan. 15 |
The UT System campuses' programs are funded in part by the UT System's "Promise Plus" endowment, which the Board of Regents expanded in 2024 to reach families earning up to $100,000; each campus runs its own version -- see UT System promise programs by campus.
What "free tuition" means here
- It's last-dollar. Federal and state grants -- Pell, the TEXAS Grant -- and scholarships are applied first; the university covers what's left of tuition (and usually mandatory fees).
- It isn't room and board. Housing, meals, books, and transportation aren't covered by any of these programs.
- Financial need still matters. Most programs require demonstrated need on the FAFSA or TASFA, and some cap coverage at that need.
- Income definitions differ. Most use adjusted gross income (AGI); Texas A&M counts income and assets together.
- Deadlines are real. Several programs require the FAFSA or TASFA by January 15 -- the Texas state priority deadline -- or an earlier school-specific date.
What this means for you
- If your family earns under $100,000, a Texas public flagship may cost you nothing in tuition -- but only if you file on time. For fall 2027, that means the 2027-28 FAFSA or TASFA by January 15, 2027 at most of these schools.
- Compare net cost, not sticker price, including room and board.
- Check full-time and renewal rules. Most require 12-15 credits a semester and a minimum GPA to keep the award.
- Admission comes first. Free tuition only helps once you're in -- see Texas automatic admission.
Sources
- Texas Advance Commitment — UT Austin
- Aggie Assurance — Texas A&M Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Promise Plus — The University of Texas System
- Tuition Advantage — UTRGV
- Blaze Forward Program — UT Arlington
- Comet Promise — UT Dallas
- Paydirt Promise — UTEP
- Bold Promise — UT San Antonio
- Patriot Promise — UT Tyler
- Purple Promise — Stephen F. Austin State University
- TXST expands Bobcat Promise (Sept. 1, 2026) — Texas State University
- Red Raider Guarantee — Texas Tech University
- Cougar Promise — University of Houston