Texas lawmakers changed the rules. Colleges now have to charge undocumented students higher tuition rates.

The latest legislative session issued drastic reforms for higher education in Texas, from changes that limit access to in-state tuition, to those that impact a college’s autonomy in developing its programs and curriculum. 

Most colleges and universities in San Antonio have yet to announce plans to adjust to these upcoming changes. Only the University of Texas at San Antonio has confirmed that it has started to reach out to students who could be affected.

In June, Senate Bill 1798 effectively ended a 24-year-old Texas law that allowed for qualifying undocumented students to receive in-state tuition. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed credit for the abrupt end to what was known as the Texas Dream Act of 2001 deeming it a “discriminatory and un-American provision.” 

Students who will be subject to the law include those without proof of legal residency in the United States, and those who are in the pipeline to receive some type of legal status but have not been approved.

The new law would not affect students with legal protection such as DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or Temporary Protected Status.

The National Immigration Forum estimates this law will immediately impact 57,000 undocumented students in Texas and 197,000 who are under 18 and on track to graduate high school.

Advocates warn this change could render college degrees unaffordable as out-of-state tuition costs nearly three times more than in-state tuition in most areas.

“The out-of-pocket cost of higher education would place it beyond reach for many undocumented students in Texas,” states a National Immigration Forum report. “Students will take longer to complete their degrees or decide altogether to drop out. Others will head to different states.”

At Texas A&M University-San Antonio full-time students taking 15 credit hours pay about $10,040 per semester, while out-of-state tuition for the same number of hours runs at about $23,600. At UTSA, out-of-state students taking the same number of hours would pay $27,600 per semester. 

Tuition at Alamo Colleges District also nearly triples without in-state tuition benefits, going from about $3,400 for 15 credit hours to about $9,900.

While colleges were not required to keep track of what students were undocumented, part of the requisites to obtain in-state tuition in Texas was for the student to prove they had resided in the state for at least three years and sign an affidavit stating they would apply to become lawful residents as soon as they could. 

UTSA students who have not filed proof of legal residency are now being notified that lack of documentation may result in them being charged out-of-state tuition, UTSA spokesperson Joe Izbrand said in a statement. 

“In compliance with the recent Federal Court Order and Consent Judgment in United States v. Texas, students attending UTSA who do not provide documentation to demonstrate that they are lawfully in Texas will be charged nonresident tuition beginning in the 2025 fall semester,” Izbrand said in a statement. 

It is not yet clear how many students in San Antonio will be impacted by this change, as several institutions stated that they are reviewing the law requirements and its impact. But advocates warn that lack of clarity and early communication has students confused.

These changes will affect current students who have already invested time and money on their degree but have not graduated, including dual enrollment students at the high school level. 

Last week Jolt Action, a progressive nonprofit organization that advocates for young Latinos in Texas, partnered with the national nonprofit Young Invincibles to offer a virtual workshop to those interested in learning about the changes coming down the pipeline in higher education. 

There are less answers than questions, said Jackie Bastard, executive director at Jolt Action. Their main concern right now is to keep the community informed, she said.

“There’s a special session coming up,” Bastard said. “Let’s ensure that we’re making our voices heard, get together with organizations like Jolt, or Young Invincibles, or any of the organizations within the Texas Youth Power Alliance, and be part of that advocacy and that movement so that we’re able to have a collective voice and make a collective impact.”

Higher education advocates are also keeping a close eye on Senate Bill 37, which was approved in April.

The bill limits how Texas public universities teach history, race and inequity. It also establishes a statewide appointed committee tasked with evaluating curricula to determine what should be considered “foundational” and what should be cut.

Advocates worry that this bill will not only impact what students are exposed to in college, but also research opportunities and grants. 

While there is little time to adjust to these changes, advocates suggest students ensure they are up to date on any potential changes at their campus by looking for reliable sources of information and following organizations such as National College Attainment Network and the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education.

The San Antonio Report partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.