Austin, Texas, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Recent immigration policy changes have left undocumented students at the University of Texas at Austin facing dramatic tuition increases. With the end of the DREAM Act, these students may see their tuition fees soar, pushing many to reconsider their educational aspirations. While in-state tuition sits at about $1,709 per credit hour, out-of-state fees are nearly $6,590, prompting financial concerns among approximately 57,000 affected students. Support initiatives like Rooted Texas are stepping up to provide emergency assistance as legal challenges unfold.
Big Changes Brewing at UT Austin: Tuition Hikes for Undocumented Students
Austin, Texas – A storm of uncertainty is brewing at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) as recent changes in immigration policy hit home for many students. Following the end of the DREAM Act, undocumented students, often referred to as DREAMERS, are looking at a significant increase in tuition fees, leaving many in a state of worry about their educational futures.
The DREAM Act previously allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition, making college more accessible. Sadly, this lifeline has been yanked away. Austin has been rocked by the news that the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump filed a federal lawsuit questioning the legality of the DREAM Act, resulting in a ruling that deemed it unconstitutional under federal law. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made the agreement to put an end to this policy, further complicating the situation for aspiring students.
How Will This Affect Tuition Rates?
As of now, students planning to attend UT Austin will be feeling the pinch. In-state undergraduate tuition rates have been pegged at approximately $1,709 per credit hour, while out-of-state students brace for a staggering $6,590 per hour. It gets even more alarming: one UT student shared that her tuition for the upcoming term is expected to reach around $23,000. This alarming spike could force some to rethink their educational paths altogether.
Important Deadlines and Support Systems
Under the new guidelines, the deadline for students to confirm attendance is August 14, 2024. This date looms large for many low-income undocumented students who may already be facing financial hurdles. In an effort to support affected students, initiatives like Rooted Texas at UT Austin are working hard to provide emergency support and tuition relief. They are urging applications for assistance to be submitted by August 8.
Even more concerning is the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), which has instructed universities to identify undocumented students by June 18, 2024. This move comes in the wake of changes that could force 57,000 undocumented students across Texas into costly out-of-state status, second only to California. The task of proving citizenship has become essential, with UT Austin sending out over 900 letters postmarked in early July, requesting documentation from enrolled students to avoid reclassification.
Future Legal Challenges Ahead
The ruling has triggered a sense of unease among many students, raising questions about the future of their education. Advocates are stepping up their efforts to contest the legality of this decision, citing inconsistencies in how Texas public colleges and universities handle the implications of this change. The emotional toll of these alterations is not to be overlooked, as many students grapple with stress and anxiety regarding their educational aspirations. The distinction between legal status and lawful presence has become a murky point of confusion for both institutions and learners.
In the meantime, ongoing legal actions, including appeals, are being launched to protect undocumented students and restore the benefits of the DREAM Act. Advocates are hopeful for a resolution that would make education a viable option for all aspiring students, regardless of their immigration status.
FAQ Section
What is the DREAM Act?
The DREAM Act was legislation that allowed undocumented students in the United States to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
Why has the DREAM Act been eliminated?
The DREAM Act ended due to a federal lawsuit questioning its legality, leading to a ruling that deemed it unconstitutional under federal law.
What are the new tuition rates for UT Austin?
In-state undergraduate tuition is now about $1,709 per hour, while out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at around $6,590 per hour.
How many students are affected by this change?
Approximately 57,000 undocumented students in Texas, the second-largest population of such students in the U.S., may be impacted by these alterations in tuition costs.
What support is available for affected students?
Initiatives like Rooted Texas at UT Austin are providing emergency support to help affected students manage the increase in tuition costs.
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Additional Resources
- Statesman: Texas Dream Act Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: DREAM Act
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Dream Act Tuition
- Google Search: Texas Dream Act
- Denton Record-Chronicle: College Students Relying on Texas Dream Act
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Undocumented Students
- KVUE: Texas Dream Act and Student Uncertainty
- Google News: Texas Dream Act Tuition
- The Daily Texan: Texas Dream Act Overturned
- Fox 7 Austin: Texas Undocumented Students Tuition
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