Texas Governor orders development of three-year bachelor’s degrees

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish a working group to develop a framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways. The initiative aims to reduce the cost of higher education by allowing students to complete certain degrees in approximately 90 credit hours rather than the traditional 120.

By accelerating the timeline, the state intends to lower expenses related to tuition, housing, and food while helping students enter high-demand, high-wage fields more quickly. The working group will evaluate academic standards, employer workforce needs, and necessary regulatory changes.

Additionally, Abbott has directed public colleges and universities to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees through the 2026-27 school year. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is expected to submit its recommendations and implementation framework to the Governor’s Office by December 31, 2026.