Gov. Abbott Promotes Free College Application Week in October

AUSTIN, TX — Texas residents will be able to apply to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities across the state at no cost during Free College Application Week, scheduled for Oct. 12-18, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday.

The statewide initiative requires public colleges and universities to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas during the designated week.

“Next week, a Texas student can apply to any public college or university and pay no application fee,” Abbott said. “I froze undergraduate tuition and fees through the 2026-27 academic year to keep costs down for Texas students. A three-year bachelor’s degree could cut the total bill further and save as much as $35,000. These steps will create a stronger Texas for generations to come.”

The program is part of the governor's broader efforts to address college affordability in Texas.

Since 2023, Abbott has directed public colleges and universities to freeze undergraduate tuition rates. The freeze remains in effect through the 2026-27 academic year for both two-year and four-year institutions.

In August, Abbott also directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor's degree pathways in high-demand, high-wage fields.

According to the governor's office, a three-year bachelor's degree could reduce the cost of earning a degree by as much as 25%, potentially saving students between $15,000 and $35,000.

“Free College Application Week is another way Texas makes it easier and affordable for students to plan for and advance their education,” Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said. “All prospective students should take full advantage of this opportunity, which can save them hundreds of dollars as they apply to their chosen public Texas colleges and universities.”

Free College Application Week was established through legislation signed by Abbott requiring every public college and university in Texas to waive undergraduate admission application fees for eligible Texas residents applying through ApplyTexas.

More than 260,000 applications were submitted during Free College Application Week in 2025, according to the governor's office.

Prospective students can use My Texas Future and the state's Direct Admissions program to explore colleges, evaluate workforce needs and identify educational programs that align with their career goals.

The resources also allow students to compare tuition costs, campus locations and the value of various credential programs.

To qualify for the application fee waiver, Texas residents must submit their undergraduate applications through ApplyTexas no later than 11:59 p.m. Oct. 18.

Additional information about the initiative is available through My Texas Future's college application resources.

Students who have questions about residency eligibility can review the Texas Residency Guidelines provided by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.