Austin, Texas, August 11, 2025
News Summary
As the University of Texas at Austin prepares for the upcoming semester, undocumented students are set to face significant financial challenges due to increased tuition rates. The termination of the state’s DREAM Act, which previously allowed these students to pay in-state tuition, will raise their costs dramatically from $1,500 to an estimated $23,000 per semester. This change comes after a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice and has stirred controversy regarding educational access for undocumented students in Texas.
Austin, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin is preparing for a new semester, with the deadline for undergraduate tuition payments set for August 14. However, many undocumented students will face significant financial challenges as they confront increased tuition rates following the end of the state’s DREAM Act, which had previously permitted them to pay in-state tuition.
The DREAM Act, in place for over 24 years, allowed undocumented students who attended Texas high schools and graduated or obtained a GED to enroll in public universities at in-state tuition rates. Currently, in-state tuition at UT Austin is approximately $1,500, while out-of-state students are required to pay about $5,000. As a result of recent legal developments, these rates are set to shift dramatically for undocumented students due to a lawsuit initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), challenging the law’s constitutionality.
A federal judge has approved the DOJ’s plans to revoke the in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students. This decision comes after the law was shielded from repeal attempts during the recent legislative session, drawing support from Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton, who described the existing policy as “discriminatory and un-American.”
For students like Mariel, the transition to out-of-state tuition rates has a significant financial impact. Mariel estimates that her tuition for the upcoming fall semester will be around $23,000 due to her undocumented status. She has sought financial assistance from support organizations, but complications persist. After being denied help from one group, she is awaiting potential aid from another, the Rooted Collective, which has initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at assisting students facing these increased costs.
The Rooted Collective focuses on helping incoming seniors and as many undocumented students as possible navigate the financial burdens resulting from the policy change. Advocates argue that this ruling disadvantages students, as it restricts educational access and financial support needed to pursue higher education.
In Texas, approximately 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled in public colleges and universities, making up about 8% of the total university student population. They are now faced with a substantial increase in tuition costs, given that the average in-state tuition in Texas is pegged at $8,195 for the 2024-2025 academic year, substantially lower than the out-of-state rate of $48,712 at UT Austin.
The conflict over the DREAM Act stems from the DOJ’s view that current policies unfairly benefit undocumented students over U.S. citizens. Critics of the lawsuit suggest that the outcome is misleading, as U.S. citizens fulfilling the same criteria can also qualify for in-state tuition, thus debunking claims of favoritism. The termination of the DREAM Act has broad implications, impacting not only the financial situations of many students but also the overall landscape of higher education accessibility in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the DREAM Act in Texas?
The Texas DREAM Act allowed eligible undocumented students who attended Texas high schools to enroll at public universities at in-state tuition rates.
What is the impact of the recent lawsuit by the Department of Justice?
The lawsuit challenges the legality of the DREAM Act, resulting in the end of in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students, leading to higher tuition rates for them.
How much will undocumented students have to pay for tuition at UT Austin?
With the termination of the DREAM Act, undocumented students will face tuition costs that could exceed $23,000 per semester, compared to approximately $1,500 for in-state students.
Who supports the lawsuit against the DREAM Act?
Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton supports the lawsuit, calling for an end to what he describes as discriminatory practices.
How many undocumented students are currently enrolled in Texas public universities?
Approximately 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled, accounting for around 8% of the total university student population in Texas.
| Tuition Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition (Current) | $1,500 |
| Out-of-State Tuition (Current) | $5,000 |
| Estimated Tuition for Undocumented Students (Fall Semester) | $23,000 |
| Average In-State Tuition in Texas (2024-2025) | $8,195 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition in Texas (2024-2025) | $48,712 |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: UT Austin Students Facing Soaring Tuition Costs
- Higher Ed Dive: No More In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students in Texas
- New York Times: Texas Faces New Challenges with Undocumented Students
- The Daily Texan: Texas Orders Public Universities to Identify Undocumented Students
- Inside Higher Ed: Austin Community College Joins Fight Against DOJ
- Wikipedia: DREAM Act
- Google Search: Texas DREAM Act
- Google Scholar: Tuition Changes for Undocumented Students in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DREAM Act
- Google News: Texas Undocumented Students Tuition
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