Austin, Texas, November 24, 2025
The University of Texas System has expanded its Promise Plus program to provide free tuition to undergraduate health students, addressing financial barriers and boosting the healthcare workforce in Texas. The initiative now covers five key health institutions and aims to alleviate unmet financial needs for residents with household incomes up to $100,000. Additionally, the Future Nurses Fund will support nursing students starting in 2026, further enhancing educational accessibility in vital health professions.
Austin Expands Health Education with Promise Plus Program
New initiative provides free tuition for undergraduate health students to bolster workforce
Austin, Texas – The University of Texas System has taken a significant step in addressing the healthcare workforce needs of Texas by expanding its Promise Plus program to include undergraduate students at its health institutions. This initiative now offers free tuition to eligible Texas residents whose household incomes are up to $100,000, effectively alleviating financial barriers for students eager to pursue degrees in critical healthcare fields.
The Promise Plus program was originally established in 2022 with a robust $300 million endowment, initially covering tuition for students at nine diverse academic institutions. With the recent extension, it now includes five key health institutions: UT Southwestern Medical Center, UT Medical Branch at Galveston, UT Health Science Center at Houston, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. To qualify, students must be full-time undergraduates, Texas residents, and demonstrate unmet financial need.
This expansion is not just about financial support; it is a strategic investment in Texas’s future. Chancellor James B. Milliken emphasized the program’s role in addressing the pressing needs of the state’s healthcare workforce. By filling the financial gaps that remain after federal, state, or private aid, the program seeks to ensure that more Texas students can embark on careers in high-demand health professions without the looming burden of tuition costs.
Additional Initiatives Supporting Healthcare Education
In conjunction with the Promise Plus expansion, UTHealth Houston has unveiled the Future Nurses Fund, a unique tuition-free initiative specifically for nursing students. Set to launch in the spring semester of 2026, this fund will provide grants to Texans enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, with income restrictions similar to those of the Promise Plus program. The intent here is clear: to address the ongoing nursing shortage by making education more accessible for future healthcare providers.
Key Benefits for Students
These initiatives reflect a dedicated effort on the part of the University of Texas System to enhance educational accessibility in the healthcare sector, fostering a stronger, more capable workforce for the future. With healthcare workers being less burdened by financial constraints, more individuals can be educated and trained to meet the growing demands of the industry.
Community Impact and Workforce Readiness
The Promise Plus program and Future Nurses Fund are poised to make a profound impact—not just on the students who benefit from these initiatives, but also on Texas’s broader community and economy. As more qualified professionals enter the healthcare field, the state can expect improved healthcare delivery and outcomes, reinforcing the importance of investment in education as a driver of social and economic growth.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Education and Community Health
In summary, the expansion of the Promise Plus program and the introduction of the Future Nurses Fund demonstrate a commitment to tackling the challenges posed by financial barriers in education, particularly in essential health professions. As these programs find traction among Texas students, they reinforce the notion that investment in education can lead to healthier communities and a more robust economy. It is an exciting time for prospective students in Texas, and communities are encouraged to stay engaged with these developments to support local educational initiatives and healthcare innovations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Promise Plus program?
The Promise Plus program is an endowment established by the University of Texas System Board of Regents in 2022, initially covering tuition for students at nine academic institutions. It has been expanded to include five health institutions, offering free tuition to eligible Texas residents with household incomes up to $100,000.
Which health institutions are included in the Promise Plus program?
The Promise Plus program now encompasses five health institutions: UT Southwestern Medical Center, UT Medical Branch at Galveston, UT Health Science Center at Houston, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Who is eligible for the Promise Plus program?
Eligible students must be full-time undergraduates, Texas residents, and demonstrate unmet financial need. The program is designed to fill financial gaps not covered by federal, state, or private aid, ensuring that more students can pursue degrees in high-demand health professions without the burden of tuition costs.
What is the Future Nurses Fund?
The Future Nurses Fund is a tuition-free initiative introduced by UTHealth Houston for nursing students. Starting in the 2026 spring semester, this fund will provide grants to Texans enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program who have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. The grants will supplement other financial aid to cover full tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students, aiming to address the nursing shortage by making education more accessible.
Key Features of the Promise Plus Program Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Promise Plus |
| Year Established | 2022 |
| Initial Coverage | Nine academic institutions |
| Expanded Coverage | Five health institutions |
| Eligible Students | Full-time undergraduates, Texas residents, with household incomes up to $100,000 |
| Program Goal | Alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing degrees in critical healthcare fields |
| Additional Initiative | Future Nurses Fund at UTHealth Houston |
| Future Nurses Fund Eligibility | Texans enrolled in the BSN program with adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less |
| Future Nurses Fund Start Date | Spring 2026 semester |
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