Texas Governor Abbott proposes three-year bachelor’s degrees

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed a new higher education initiative aimed at allowing students to earn bachelor’s degrees in three years. The proposal directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop recommendations for accelerated 90-credit-hour degree plans, specifically targeting high-demand and high-wage fields.

Abbott stated that these pathways could reduce the overall cost of a degree by as much as $35,000 in tuition and living expenses, enabling students to enter the workforce sooner. The initiative follows recent changes to accreditation standards, such as those approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

In addition to the three-year degree plan, Abbott announced a proposal for discounted summer classes to further reduce costs and speed up graduation timelines. The Governor has requested that the board convene a working group including public universities, employers, and accreditation agencies to finalize recommendations by the end of the year. He also expressed intent to work with the Legislature to codify these accelerated pathways.