Texas: Governor Abbott Directs THECB To Develop Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Pathways

~ In a move to make higher education more accessible and affordable for students in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to create a working group that will develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor's degree pathways.

According to Governor Abbott, the rising costs of tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses are causing delays for students in starting their careers. He believes that students in Texas deserve the option to receive a degree in a high-demand, high-wage field in less time. In his directive to THECB, he stated, "I direct the Coordinating Board to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor's degree pathways."

The working group will be responsible for developing recommendations on various aspects of the three-year bachelor's degree programs. This includes academic standards and requirements, identifying degree programs and high-demand occupations where accelerated degrees may be most appropriate, assessing student demand and employer workforce needs, as well as addressing accreditation and institutional approval requirements. The group will also consider any necessary statutory, regulatory or administrative changes needed for implementation.

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This initiative is part of Texas' broader efforts to strengthen the connection between education and workforce needs while also improving student completion rates. According to Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser, "Three-year bachelor's programs could help motivated students enter high-demand fields a year earlier. This will lower the cost of education and help satisfy workforce demands in the Texas economy."

THECB will bring together public institutions of higher education, employers, accrediting organizations, faculty leadership and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the working group. The recommendations and proposed implementation framework will be submitted to the Office of the Governor by December 31st, 2026.

Governor Abbott has expressed his commitment to work with the Legislature during the next session to codify an accelerated three-year degree pathway that keeps Texas as a national leader in affordable, accessible and high-quality higher education. In a letter to Commissioner Dr. Wynn Rosser, he stated, "I am confident that this working group will develop a framework that will benefit both students and the Texas economy."

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