SHSU expands free tuition threshold to $100K AGI

**Sam Houston State University Dramatically Expands Free Tuition Program, Opening Doors for More Texas Families**

HUNTSVILLE, TX – Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is set to significantly broaden its flagship Bearkat Promise program, dramatically increasing the income threshold for free tuition and mandatory fees for incoming students beginning in **fall 2026**. The move is poised to make a four-year university education more accessible for a wider range of Texas middle-income families facing the growing burden of college costs.

Previously, the Huntsville-based university’s program offered free tuition to Texas residents from families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of up to $65,000. Under the new expansion, that threshold is jumping to a substantial **$100,000 AGI**. This significant increase means many more prospective undergraduate students admitted to SHSU can qualify for up to eight semesters of tuition-free education.

“This bold expansion of the Bearkat Promise underscores our unwavering commitment to making a quality university education attainable for more Texans,” said SHSU President Alisa White in a statement. “We understand the financial pressures families are under, and we believe that economic circumstances should not be a barrier to higher education for deserving students. This program is an investment in the future of our students and the economic vitality of our state.”

The decision comes amidst a national trend of rising college expenses and increased demand for financial relief, particularly for families often termed the “middle class squeeze” — those who earn too much to qualify for significant need-based aid but still find tuition costs prohibitive.

“Programs like the Bearkat Promise are crucial in addressing the growing financial strain on middle-income families,” noted Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a higher education policy analyst. “By raising the AGI threshold to $100,000, Sam Houston State is positioning itself as a leader in affordability, directly benefiting a segment of the population that often falls through the cracks of traditional financial aid structures. This will undoubtedly enhance their appeal and contribute to a more educated workforce in Texas.”

For prospective students and their families, the expansion offers substantial relief. “The cost of college has been a constant worry for us,” said Maria Garcia, a parent of a high school junior in Houston considering SHSU. “Knowing that our child might qualify for free tuition with this new threshold is a game-changer. It means less debt and more focus on their studies.”

To be eligible for this expanded benefit, students must be Texas residents, admitted to Sam Houston State University, and enroll full-time as an undergraduate. They will also need to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 to continue receiving the aid. The program covers tuition and all mandatory fees for eight fall/spring semesters, provided students maintain eligibility.

Sam Houston State University, founded in 1879, has a long-standing mission of providing accessible education. The Bearkat Promise program itself was established to reinforce this commitment, and its latest expansion is the most significant since its inception. University officials highlight that the program helps students reduce reliance on loans, allowing them to graduate with less debt and better position them for post-graduation success.

The university encourages interested students and families to visit the SHSU financial aid website or contact the admissions office for more detailed information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for the Bearkat Promise program, effective for students entering in fall 2026.