Gov. Abbott Orders Development of 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree

AUSTIN, TX — Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a working group to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways.

“Every semester adds tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses and delays students’ ability to begin their careers,” Abbott said. "Texas students deserve the option to receive a degree in a high-demand, high-wage field in less time. I direct the Coordinating Board to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways.”

“Three-year bachelor’s programs could help motivated students enter high-demand fields a year earlier,” said Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser. “This will lower the cost of education and help satisfy workforce demands in the Texas economy.”

Abbott directed the working group to develop recommendations regarding:

• Academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s degree programs;
• Degree programs and high-demand occupations for which accelerated degrees may be most appropriate;
• Student demand and employer workforce needs;
• Accreditation and institutional approval requirements;
• Statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes that may be necessary for implementation.

The initiative builds on Texas’ broader efforts to strengthen education and workforce connections, improve student completion, and ensure that postsecondary credentials provide lasting value to graduates and Texas communities.

THECB will convene public institutions of higher education, employers, accrediting organizations, faculty leadership, and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the working group. THECB will submit the working group’s recommendations and proposed implementation framework to the Office of the Governor by Thursday, December 31, 2026.

Abbott will work with the Legislature next session to codify an accelerated three-year degree pathway that keeps Texas the national leader in affordable, accessible, high-quality higher education.