State legislation has provided students at Texas Tech University the option of choosing a Fixed Tuition plan.
The following information will help you make the best decision for you and your family.
What is Fixed Tuition?
House Bill 29, as passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature, mandated that all Texas institutions provide an option for fixed-price tuition. Texas Tech has chosen to implement an option that will “freeze” the designated tuition portion of a student’s bill. This means that for a certain period, a student’s designated tuition will not increase. For the average student taking 12 hours, designated tuition equates to approximately 50% of their academic charges (not including housing, dining, or other student-elected fees). The remaining portion of the bill is made up of mandatory fees; this portion of the bill is subject to change over the course of a student’s tenure at Texas Tech.
How will Fixed Tuition affect me as a student?
If a student chooses the Fixed Tuition option, they may pay a higher rate for designated tuition during the first year and possibly throughout their time at Texas Tech. However, if educational costs increase over time and necessitate additional increases in the designated tuition rate, the fixed rate price will not go up and it may be a more economical option over the course of the 12 consecutive semesters covered under the Fixed Tuition option. Texas Tech University does not advocate one option over another and there are no guarantees of cost savings.
Who is eligible for Fixed Tuition?
Incoming undergraduate students, either via transfer from another institution or no prior college attendance, beginning with the fall of 2014 are eligible to choose the Fixed Tuition plan. (Dual High School credit is not considered prior college attendance). Students who have previously enrolled at Texas Tech and are re-entering from another institution are not eligible for the Fixed Tuition plan. Graduate, Law, and Veterinary students are not eligible for the Fixed Tuition plan.
How long is my tuition fixed?
Texas Tech University has chosen to implement a plan that will allow students to “freeze” the cost of designated tuition for a period of 12 semesters, including summers. This equates to four academic years. For example, a freshman in the fall of 2014 would be under their Fixed Tuition plan until the end of the second summer session of 2018. At the end of this period, students will be charged the standard rate of designated tuition for the subsequent term and all successive terms beyond that point.
Students who continue their graduate education with Texas Tech University but have not exhausted the 12 consecutive semesters of the Fixed Tuition plan will pay the designated tuition of the current term rather than the fixed plan rate.
When do I need to decide?
Students must decide if they would like to participate in the Fixed Tuition plan prior to the first class day of their initial term of enrollment. Students may defer or change their election up until 4:00 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first class day. At that time, the election reflected on the system will be the election of record. Any student who has not made an election will be defaulted to “non-participation” status. To opt in, students may visit Student Business Services in room 301, West Hall and complete the Fixed Tuition Opt-In form. For convenience, a PDF version is available within the Forms section on the Student Business Services website. Faxed or mailed forms must be notarized; emailed forms will not be accepted.
What if I change my mind?
Students who have elected to participate in the Fixed Tuition plan have a one-time, opt-out option. Once a student has opted out, they will no longer be on the Fixed Tuition plan and will not have the option to participate for future terms. Adjustments to the designated tuition portion of the bill will only be effective in successive terms if the change is made after classes have begun for the term.
Students who elect not to participate in the Fixed Tuition plan will not be able to opt in at a later date.
I still have questions. Whom should I contact?
Feel free to contact Student Business Services to discuss any additional questions you might have regarding Fixed Tuition. You may visit their office in person on the third floor of West Hall, room 301, or you may give them a call at 806-742-3272 or toll-free at 1-866-774-9477.