Texas, December 27, 2025
Texas higher education is seeing transformative changes with record enrollments exceeding 1.6 million students and significant policy shifts in universities. The Texas legislature has implemented various laws impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while also promoting new funding mechanisms and governance structures within colleges. These developments, including the launch of new institutions and changes in accreditation processes, reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance the educational landscape in Texas.
Record Enrollment and Policy Shifts Mark Texas Higher Education Landscape
Texas has witnessed significant developments in its higher education sector, highlighted by record-breaking enrollment figures and substantial policy changes affecting universities statewide.
Record Enrollment Achieved
In the fall of 2025, Texas colleges and universities reported an unprecedented enrollment exceeding 1.6 million students, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This surge reflects a 4.7% increase from the previous year, with public two-year colleges leading the growth at 6.1%. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board attributes this rise to the state’s efforts in building a talent-strong workforce.
Policy Changes in Higher Education
The Texas legislature has enacted several policies impacting higher education institutions:
- Senate Bill 12: Signed into law on June 20, 2025, this legislation imposes restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 public and open-enrollment charter schools. It prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, bans student clubs based on these topics, and requires parental consent for certain health services.
- Senate Bill 37: Introduced in March 2025, this bill aims to increase oversight of state universities by granting governor-appointed boards more authority over hiring, curriculum, and compliance with state laws. It also proposes the creation of an office to investigate concerns at state schools.
- Community College Funding Reform: The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved new rules implementing an outcomes-based funding system for community colleges, effective September 1, 2023. This model rewards colleges for awarding degrees, certificates, and other credentials of value, aligning with workforce needs.
Institutional Developments
Several Texas institutions have undergone significant changes:
- Texas A&M University System’s New Accreditor: In June 2025, the Texas A&M University System, along with five other public higher education systems from conservative states, formed a new accrediting body. This move aims to provide alternative accreditation options and address concerns over existing agencies’ perceived ideological biases.
- University of Austin’s Establishment: The University of Austin, a private liberal arts institution, began enrolling students in fall 2024. By 2025, it had 150 students and achieved “candidate for accreditation” status from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Texas State Technical College Endowment: In November 2025, Texas voters approved an $850 million endowment for Texas State Technical College, the state’s primary system for workforce development. The funds are designated for campus infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades, and expansion across the state.
Rankings and Recognition
Texas universities have achieved notable standings in national rankings:
- U.S. News & World Report Rankings: In the 2026 “Best Colleges” list, Rice University ranked 17th nationally, and the University of Texas at Austin ranked 30th. The University of Houston made significant progress, rising 12 spots to 132nd overall.
- State Education Ranking: According to the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best State” rankings, Texas placed 25th in education, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes statewide.
Protests and Campus Climate
In April 2024, the University of Texas at Austin experienced pro-Palestinian protests organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Committee. The demonstrations included sit-ins and marches, calling for the university to divest from companies linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza. University officials, supported by law enforcement, intervened to disperse protesters, leading to multiple arrests and raising concerns about free speech on campus.
Conclusion
Texas higher education is undergoing significant transformations, marked by record enrollments, policy reforms, institutional developments, and shifts in campus dynamics. These changes reflect the state’s commitment to adapting its educational landscape to meet evolving societal and economic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 12, and how does it affect Texas education?
Senate Bill 12, signed into law on June 20, 2025, imposes restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 public and open-enrollment charter schools. It prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, bans student clubs based on these topics, and requires parental consent for certain health services.
What is Senate Bill 37, and what changes does it propose for Texas universities?
Introduced in March 2025, Senate Bill 37 aims to increase oversight of state universities by granting governor-appointed boards more authority over hiring, curriculum, and compliance with state laws. It also proposes the creation of an office to investigate concerns at state schools.
What is the new accrediting body formed by the Texas A&M University System?
In June 2025, the Texas A&M University System, along with five other public higher education systems from conservative states, formed a new accrediting body. This move aims to provide alternative accreditation options and address concerns over existing agencies’ perceived ideological biases.
What is the University of Austin, and when did it begin enrolling students?
The University of Austin is a private liberal arts institution that began enrolling students in fall 2024. By 2025, it had 150 students and achieved “candidate for accreditation” status from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What is the significance of the $850 million endowment for Texas State Technical College?
In November 2025, Texas voters approved an $850 million endowment for Texas State Technical College, the state’s primary system for workforce development. The funds are designated for campus infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades, and expansion across the state.
Key Features of Texas Higher Education Developments
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Record Enrollment | Texas colleges and universities reported an enrollment exceeding 1.6 million students in fall 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. |
| Senate Bill 12 | Legislation signed into law on June 20, 2025, imposing restrictions on DEI initiatives in K-12 public and open-enrollment charter schools. |
| Senate Bill 37 | Introduced in March 2025, this bill aims to increase oversight of state universities by granting governor-appointed boards more authority over hiring, curriculum, and compliance with state laws. |
| New Accrediting Body | The Texas A&M University System, along with five other public higher education systems from conservative states, formed a new accrediting body. |
| University of Austin | A private liberal arts institution that began enrolling students in fall 2024 and achieved “candidate for accreditation” status in 2025. |
| $850 Million Endowment | An endowment approved by Texas voters in November 2025 for Texas State Technical College to support workforce development. |
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