TITLE 19. EDUCATION
PART 1. TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD
CHAPTER 1. AGENCY ADMINISTRATION
SUBCHAPTER
P.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter P, §1.197, Tasks Assigned to the Committee, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7200). The rule will not be republished.
This amendment clarifies in rule that the committee provides recommendations to the commissioner regarding the addition, deletion, and revision of courses in the Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual.
Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, §2110.0012, authorizes state agencies to establish committees to advise the agency.
Rule 1.197, Tasks Assigned to the Committee, clarifies that the committee provides recommendations to the Commissioner regarding changes to the Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, Section 2110.0012, and Texas Education Code, Section 61.026, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to establish committees to advise the agency.
The adopted amendment affect Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter S.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600245
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
SUBCHAPTER
T.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter T, §§1.220, 1.224, and 1.226, Workforce Education Course Manual Advisory Committee, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6593). The rules will not be republished.
These amendments revise and clarify purpose, meeting requirements, and reporting requirements of the committee.
Amendments to this subchapter in 2024 clarified that the committee is required to advise the Coordinating Board and transmit Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) courses to the Coordinating Board for consideration for approval. This change effectively removed all approval authority from the committee. Now advisory, the committee is no longer subject to the Open Meetings Act. The committee was created to provide advice to the Coordinating Board regarding content, structure, currency, and presentation of the WECM and its courses; coordinate field engagement in processes, maintenance, and use of the WECM; and assist in identifying new courses and courses that are obsolete.
The Coordinating Board is authorized to adopt rules relating to the Workforce Education Course Manual Advisory Committee under Texas Education Code, §130.001 and §61.026.
Rule 1.220(b), Authority and Specific Purposes of the Workforce Education Course Manual Advisory Committee, is amended to assign the WECM Advisory Committee responsibilities to coordinate field engagement and maintenance of the WECM, to identify new courses, and to identify obsolete courses. This amendment will remove the responsibility of the WECM Advisory Committee to identify new or obsolete programs of study, and to identify vertical and horizontal alignments of courses within programs. This amendment is proposed to align this rule with Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 1, Subchapter X, regarding the responsibility of the Program of Study Advisory Committee, to ensure that there is only one committee responsible for programs of study.
Rule 1.224, Meetings, is amended to remove the requirements to conduct meetings that are open to the public, broadcast meetings via the internet, and to post meeting minutes. This amendment aligns with the advisory nature of the committee's responsibilities.
Rule 1.226, Report to the Board; Evaluation of Committee Costs and Effectiveness, is amended to remove the requirement to evaluate costs and report to the Legislative Budget Board. The rule title is also amended to "Report to the Board." This amendment aligns with the advisory nature of the committee's responsibilities.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 130.001, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations for public junior colleges; and Section 61.026, which grants the Coordinating Board authority to establish advisory committees.
The adopted amendment affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter T.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600246
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6209
CHAPTER 2. ACADEMIC AND WORKFORCE EDUCATION
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter A, §2.3 and §2.5, General Provisions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6594). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment defines competency-based baccalaureate degree, and clarify the criteria the Coordinating Board uses to determine whether a proposed degree program has adequate funding for implementation and sufficient labor market need.
House Bill 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, authorizes the Coordinating Board to adopt rules for the approval of competency-based baccalaureate degree programs in fields of study in high demand.
Senate Bill 37, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, adds the consideration of nation labor market needs to the criteria for program approval.
State law requires the Coordinating Board to review new degree programs to ensure institutions have sufficient financing through legislative appropriations, funds allocated by the Coordinating Board, or other sources, and sufficient labor market need for the program. The adopted amendments related to financing identify acceptable revenue streams and clarify that grant funding and legislative appropriations must be in-hand and adequate to fund the program for the first five years of implementation. The adopted amendments related to labor market need clarify that national labor market needs shall be considered during the program approval process.
Rule 2.3, Definitions, is amended to define competency-based baccalaureate degree in alignment with the meaning in Texas Education Code, §56.521.
Rule 2.5, General Criteria for Program Approval, is amended to require institutions proposing a new degree program have grant funding and legislative appropriations available to support the program. The rule also specifies that the board may consider the location where the program is offered in determining the need for a new program. This criterion is implicit in the current rule providing that the board may coordinate to prevent the unnecessary duplication of programs, but this amendment makes explicit that the board may consider location, which is important for off-campus program approval.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.0512, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to review each new degree program proposed by an institution of higher education to ensure the program meets approval criteria, including adequate financing. Texas Education Code, Section 51.3535, authorizes the Coordinating Board to adopt rules regarding the approval of competency-based baccalaureates in fields of high demand.
The adopted amendments affect Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 2, Subchapter A.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600248
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter C, §2.41, Planning Notification: Notice of Intent to Plan, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7201). The rule will not be republished.
This amendment requires that institutions include the proposed location of the degree program in a planning notification for a new degree program.
The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code, §61.0512(b), which requires institutions to notify the Board prior to beginning preliminary planning for a new degree program. Texas Education Code, §61.0512(g) states that institutions may offer off-campus credit courses only with prior approval from the Coordinating Board.
Section 2.41, Planning Notification: Notice of Intent to Plan, is amended to require that institutions include the proposed location of the degree program in a planning notification for a new degree program. This clarification provides additional information to inform review of off-campus educational sites and is incorporated as part of the rule review and revisions to off-campus approval in new Chapter 2P. Review of the location may inform the labor market information and potential for duplication of programs in a specific region.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.0512(b), which requires institutions to notify the Board prior to beginning preliminary planning for a new degree program and Texas Education Code, Section 61.0512(g), states that institutions may offer off-campus credit courses only with prior approval from the Coordinating Board.
The adopted amendment affects Texas Education Code, Sections 61.0512(b), and 61.0512(g).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600249
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6520
SUBCHAPTER
F.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter F, §§2.118 - 2.121, concerning Approval Process for New Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees at Public Universities and Public Health-Related Institutions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7202). The rules will not be republished.
These rules are replaced with new rules in Subchapter F that include the addition of §2.118 which will establish approval criteria for competency-based baccalaureate degree programs required by House Bill (HB) 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, §51.3535, which requires the Coordinating Board to adopt new rules on implementation of HB 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
Section 2.118, Post-Approval Program Reviews, outlines requirements for review of degree programs after initial approval by the Coordinating Board.
Section 2.119, Revisions to Approved Baccalaureate or Master's Degree Programs, outlines how an institution may request changes to an approved bachelor's or master's degree program.
Section 2.120, Phasing Out a Master's or Baccalaureate Degree Program, outlines steps to request closure or phase out of a bachelor's or master's degree program.
Section 2.121, Effective Dates of Rules, provides the effective date for this section of rule.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 51.3535, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules on implementation of House Bill 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter F.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600251
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
19 TAC §§2.118 - 2.121
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter F, §2.118 - 2.121, Approval Process for New Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees at Public Universities and Public Health-Related Institutions without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7203). The rules will not be republished.
This new sections implement statutory obligations related to the approval of competency-based baccalaureate degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
The new sections are adopted under Texas Education Code, §51.3535, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules on implementation of House Bill 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
Section 2.118, Criteria for New Competency-Based Baccalaureate Degrees, establishes approval criteria for competency-based baccalaureate degree programs required by House Bill 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. The new legislation requires that one or more institutions of higher education in each system offer a competency-based baccalaureate degree program in a high demand field identified by the Coordinating Board. Programs in high demand fields, identified based on existing labor market demand data and feasibility for transition to competency-based education, include programs in Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 11 - Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, CIP 51 - Health Professions and Related Programs, CIP 27- Mathematics and Statistics, CIP 30.70 - Data Analytics, or CIP 30.08 - Mathematics and Computer Science. Baccalaureate degrees in CIPs other than those referenced above may be approved by the Commissioner based on demonstrated high labor market demand for the program. Institutions requesting a new baccalaureate degree under this section shall submit a planning notification as required by Subchapter C of this chapter and are subject to approval criteria in Chapter 2, §2.117. The tuition limitation established in new Texas Education Code, §51.3535 (c) and (d), will be adopted in Chapter 13, Subchapter G.
Section 2.119, Post-Approval Program Reviews, outlines requirements for review of degree programs after initial approval by the Coordinating Board. No changes have been made to this section.
Section 2.120, Revisions to Approved Baccalaureate or Master's Degree Programs, outlines how institutions may request changes to an approved bachelor's or master's degree program. No changes have been made to this section.
Section 2.121, Phasing Out a Master's or Baccalaureate Degree Program, outlines steps to request closure or phase out of a bachelor's or master's degree program. No changes have been made to this section.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rules.
The new sections are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 51.3535, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules on implementation of House Bill 4848, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The adopted new sections affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter F.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600250
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
SUBCHAPTER
P.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter P, §§2.382, 2.383, 2.385, 2.386, and 2.388, Approval Process and Criteria for Off-Campus Education at Public Universities and Health-Related Institutions, with changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7204). The rules will be republished. Sections 2.380, 2.381, 2.384, and 2.387 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.
The new rules replace existing rules in Chapter 4, subchapter Q, relating to the delivery of off-campus courses, certificates, and programs, which will be repealed under separate rulemaking and an agency-issued policy document from 2014. The new rules are designed to streamline processes related to notification and approval of off-campus courses, certificates and programs.
Texas Education Code (TEC), §61.002, charges the Board with "the elimination of costly duplication in program offerings, faculties, and physical plants." TEC, §61.0512(a), requires board approval for a new certificate or degree program. TEC, §61.0512(g), states that institutions may offer off-campus credit courses only with prior approval from the Coordinating Board.
Section 2.380, Purpose and Applicability, establishes that the rules apply to public universities and health-related institutions. Rules relating to off-campus education for community, technical and state colleges will be addressed in future rulemaking.
Section 2.381, Authority, identifies the statutory authority for the Coordinating Board to establish rules related to off-campus education.
Section 2.382, Definitions, provides words and terms relevant to delivery of degree programs as off-campus educational sites.
Section 2.383, Standards and Criteria for Delivery of Courses and Programs at an Off-Campus Educational Site, establishes required criteria that institutions must comply with to offer off-campus education. These criteria align with state and federal standards and ensure that each student enrolled in an off-campus degree program has access to the same quality of education as on-campus students.
Section 2.384, Notification Required for Off-Campus Delivery of Courses, Certificates, and Less than Fifty Percent (50%) of a Degree Program, establishes procedures for institutions to notify the Coordinating Board offer off-campus education that does not meet the fifty percent (50%) of a degree program threshold. The section also identifies which site types are not required as part of the notification. This requirement is new but ensures statutory compliance with as minimal data collection as possible.
Section 2.385, Approval Required for Off-Campus Delivery of a New Degree Program, establishes approval procedures for institutions seeking approval for a new degree program that will be offered at an off-campus location. This section does not represent a departure from current practice for universities and health-related institutions.
Section 2.386, Approval Required for Off-Campus Delivery of an Existing Degree Program, establishes procedures for institutions seeking approval for an existing degree program to be offered at an off-campus location. This requirement is not new and removes the institutional requirement to submit a 50-mile notification prior to submission to the Coordinating Board. The Coordinating Board will send out a regional 30-day informal comment period for off-campus requests as it does with new degree programs.
Section 2.387, Modifications and Phase Out of Off-Campus Degree Programs, establishes procedures for making modifications to degree programs offered at an off-campus educational site. This section does not represent a departure from current practice for universities and health-related institutions.
Section 2.388, Effective Dates of Rules, specifies that the rules are effective beginning September 1, 2026.
Subsequent to the posting of the rules in the Texas Register, the following changes are incorporated into the adopted rule.
Section 2.382 is amended to remove the definition of "Additional Location" and integrate those requirements into "Off-campus Educational Site".
Section 2.383 is amended based on comments from institutions with minor nonsubstantive edits for clarification of the intent of the rules and to reflect adjustments to the Definitions section.
Sections 2.385 and 2.386 are amended to replace language with a specific term defined in §2.382.
Section 2.388 is amended in clarify that off-campus sites approved prior to September 1, 2026, do not need additional or new approval.
The following comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rules.
Comment from Texas Tech University System: The system requested clarification of how the proposed new subchapter related to Chapter 5, Subchapter D, and noted that Texas Constitution, Article VII, Section 17(k), includes the terms "branch campus or educational center" it is important to maintain definitions for those two terms for the institutions that participate in the Higher Education Fund (HEF).
Response: Branch campus and off-campus center are not terms included in the proposed rules and so do not need to be defined separately for this subchapter.
Comment from the University of North Texas System: The system expressed concern regarding a conflict with Chapter 5, Subchapter D, particularly around the definitions of branch campuses and off-campus educational sites/units/centers.
Response: The Coordinating Board rules in Chapter 5, Subchapter D, will be proposed for repeal at the April 2026 Board meeting in order to reduce confusion regarding definitions.
Comment from Texas Tech University System and University of North Texas System: The systems suggested including "or" in §2.383(2) to align requirements with §2.382(1), or to rewrite §2.383(2) to conform to the definition of "additional location" in proposed §2.382.
Response: The Coordinating Board agrees with the suggestions and appreciates the opportunity to clarify that the intent was not to require legislative approval for all additional locations. Section 2.383 has been modified to address this and other comments related to required approvals.
Comment from Texas Tech University System: The system recommended removing the word "regional" in §2.383(1) as an adjective for recognized accrediting organizations to align more directly with §4.192, Recognized Accrediting Organizations.
Response: The Coordinating Board agrees with suggested edit and has modified the proposed rules accordingly.
Comment from Texas Tech University System: Will all existing instructional sites be grandfathered as approved?
Response: Yes, all previously approved off-campus sites will continue to operate under the new rules (unless closed by the institution) and will not need additional or new approval.
Comment from Texas Tech University System: Sought clarification on whether the rules intended to restrict new sites to those approved by the legislature, and if so, does the requirement for legislative approval only apply when the site is being designated as an "additional location" for accreditation purposes?
Response: The Coordinating Board agrees with the suggestions and appreciates the opportunity to clarify that the intent was not to require legislative approval for all Off-Campus Educational Sites. Section 2.383 has been modified to address this and other comments related to required approvals.
Comment from Angelo State University: Section 2.384 specifically states that dual credit sites are exempt from the requirement of that section. However, §2.386 does not state that dual credit is exempt. Will universities have to submit for approval off-campus delivery of courses greater than 50% for dual credit sites? Since universities are prohibited from offering dual credit courses outside of the core curriculum, foreign language, or field of study curriculum, students cannot earn a degree while attending the off-site location. Are universities expected to submit and receive approval for dual credit sites where at least 50% of an existing degree program is offered if the student is unable to earn the full degree from that site?
Response: It is correct that dual credit sites are exempt from the general site notification requirement (§2.384) if less than 50% of a degree program is offered at that site. However, universities are required to request approval to offer 50% or more of a degree program at an off-campus site, regardless of whether the program is offered at a site where dual credit is offered. No course-level approval or notification is required.
The new sections are adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §61.002, which charges the Coordinating Board with "the elimination of costly duplication in program offerings, faculties, and physical plants"; TEC, §61.0512(a), which requires board approval for a new certificate or degree program; and TEC, §61.0512(g), which states that institutions may offer off-campus credit courses only with prior approval from the Coordinating Board.
The adopted new sections affect Texas Education Code, §61.002, §61.0512(a) and §61.0512(g).
§2.382.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Off-Campus Degree Program--A degree program in which fifty percent (50%) or more of required instruction or coursework is in-person at an off-campus educational site.
(2) Off-Campus Educational Site--An additional location, which may include a branch campus or a center, approved by the institution's Board-recognized accreditor in accordance with 34 C.F.R. §600.32 that is away from the main campus where an institution delivers the required instruction for a credit course, certificate, or degree program in person.
§2.383.
Each institution of higher education providing off-campus education shall:
(1) Comply with the standards, criteria, and approval requirements of one of the Board-recognized accrediting organizations as defined in §4.192 of this title (relating to Recognized Accrediting Organizations);
(2) Operate an off-campus educational site only as authorized by the legislature or in accordance with the institution's accreditation standards;
(3) Ensure each off-campus educational site is of sufficient quality for the programs and courses offered;
(4) Provide each student with equivalent academic support services as a student enrolled in an on-campus course or program;
(5) Ensure students in off-campus courses and programs satisfy equivalent institutional enrollment requirements as on-campus students; and
(6) Select and evaluate faculty teaching at an off-campus educational site by equivalent standards, review, and approval procedures used by the institution to select and evaluate faculty responsible for on-campus courses and programs.
§2.385.
(a) An institution of higher education shall obtain Coordinating Board approval prior to delivery of a new degree program designated as an Off-Campus Degree Program. A request for a new Off-Campus Degree Program is subject to the designated approval required for the degree level as set out in subchapters D, E, F, and G of this chapter (relating to Approval Process for New Academic Associate Degrees, Approval Process for New Baccalaureate Programs at Public Junior Colleges, Approval Process for New Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees at Public Universities and Public Health-Related Institutions, and Approval Process for New Doctoral and Professional Degree Programs respectfully).
(b) For a new degree program designated as an Off-Campus Degree Program, the institution shall provide the name and address of the off-campus educational site where the proposed program would be delivered in its request for a new degree program submitted to the Coordinating Board for approval.
(c) The Coordinating Board will review the request for an Off-Campus Degree Program in accordance with §2.7 of this chapter (relating to Informal Notice and Comment on Proposed Local Programs), and applicable rules for approval of the proposed program to be offered at an off-campus educational site.
§2.386.
(a) An institution of higher education shall request to offer an existing degree program as an Off-Campus Degree Program under the procedures and approvals pursuant to §2.9 of this chapter (relating to Revisions and Modifications to an Approved Program).
(b) The Coordinating Board will provide an opportunity for informal comment on the proposed off-campus delivery of the program in accordance with §2.7 of this chapter (relating to Informal Notice and Comment on Proposed Local Programs).
§2.388.
The effective date of this subchapter is September 1, 2026. These rules apply to approvals on or after September 1, 2026.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600252
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6520
SUBCHAPTER
Q.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter Q, §§2.411 - 2.413, Requirements for Study Abroad Foreign Language Credit, with changes to the proposed Texas as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6597). The rules will be republished. Section 2.410, is adopted without changes and will not be republished.
These new sections establish guidelines for how enrolled students may earn foreign language credit during a study abroad experience as required by Senate Bill 2431, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The new rules are adopted under Texas Education Code, §51.313, which requires the Coordinating Board to adopt rules related to the awarding of foreign language credit for students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs that include a study abroad component or program.
Section 2.410, Authority, outlines the statutory authority for the Coordinating Board to adopt rules.
Section 2.411, Applicability, outlines degree programs to which the rules apply.
Section 2.412, Student Option to Earn Foreign Language Credit, outlines requirements for institutions to offer foreign language credit to students enrolled in certain study abroad programs.
Section 2.413, Institutional Responsibilities, outlines the institutional responsibilities for implementation of the rules.
Subsequent to the posting of the rules in the Texas Register, the following changes are incorporated into the adopted rule.
Section 2.411 is amended to clarify that the foreign language credit option only applies to a fifteen-week or longer study abroad program and that it does not apply where the study abroad program is in multiple locations with different primary languages or when the higher education institution does not offer the foreign language.
Section 2.412(b)(3) is amended to clarify that language proficiency via an exam is not a required prerequisite for a study abroad program.
Section 2.413 is amended to remove the language that "[e]ach institution shall ensure appropriate academic oversight of the foreign language credit option and maintain documentation of student performance and credit awarded" as institution's already have such responsibilities.
The following comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.
Comment: The University of Texas at Austin Submitted a comment requesting that the rule apply to programs offered during regular academic terms and that short-term programs be exempt from the rule.
Response: The Coordinating Board agrees with the request and has updated the Applicability section accordingly.
Comment: The University of Texas at Austin submitted a comment requesting clarification regarding the ability to deliver language coursework asynchronously.
Response: Subsection §2.412(b)(1) of the rules allows the delivery of foreign language courses offered via distance education, which encompasses asynchronous delivery.
Comment: The University of Texas at Austin submitted a comment raising concerns about increasing the cost and contact hours for students in order to deliver foreign language credit opportunities, and that if a study abroad program is discontinued because the awarding of foreign language credit is not feasible through the program, students will have fewer opportunities for study abroad.
Response: The Coordinating Board acknowledges that requirements of the statute may impact on the availability of study abroad programs for students. The statute does not require a specific structure for the awarding of the foreign language credit, and so institutions have flexibility to provide the credit in ways that have the least impact on cost and contact hours to students (for example as an elective course taken as part of a bachelor's degree or through credit by exam).
Comment: The University of Texas at Austin submitted a comment requesting that "recognized language proficiency examination" and "language competence" be defined in the rule.
Response: Each institution has the authority to define these terms based on its own commonly used language proficiency examinations and assessments of language proficiency.
Comment: The University of Texas at Austin submitted a comment raising concerns that a student would be required to demonstrate language proficiency via exam prior to beginning a study abroad program.
Response: The intent of that subsection was to provide it as an option, not a requirement, and the Coordinating Board had amended the language to reflect that flexibility.
Comment: The University of Texas System submitted a comment requesting clarification on whether the rules apply to any study abroad program completed as part of a bachelor's degree, or only study abroad programs completed as a bachelor's degree requirement.
Response: The statute does not limit the requirement to study abroad programs completed as a degree requirement and therefore applies to all study abroad program completed while enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.
The new sections are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 51.313, which provides the Coordinating Board with authority to adopt rules related to the awarding of foreign language credit for students completing a study abroad component or program while enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program.
The adopted new sections affect Texas Education Code, Section 51.313.
§2.411.
(a) These rules apply to:
(1) A fifteen-week semester or longer study abroad program, offered in a location where a language other than English is the primary language of communication, completed while a student is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at an institution of higher education, as defined by Texas Education Code, §61.003; and
(2) A study abroad program offered as part of regular academic terms at the institution.
(b) The rules do not apply to:
(1) A study abroad program or component in a location where English is the primary language;
(2) A study abroad program in multiple locations with more than one primary language;
(3) A study abroad program in a location where the primary language is not offered at the student's institution of higher education; or
(4) Any non-credit-bearing travel or internship program not associated with a degree program.
§2.412.
(a) Each applicable study abroad component or program shall include an option for a student to earn foreign language credit.
(b) An institution may offer this option through one or more of the following methods:
(1) Enrollment in a credit-bearing foreign language course delivered to the student in-person or through distance education, as defined in §2.202(2) of this chapter (relating to Definitions), during the component or program with associated assignments and assessments);
(2) Completion of a faculty-supervised language immersion experience with an associated assessment;
(3) Achievement of a satisfactory score on a recognized language proficiency examination; or
(4) Other institution-approved demonstration of language competence.
§2.413.
Each institution of higher education shall identify and publish the programs to which these rules apply and clearly communicate the foreign language credit option to students participating in an applicable study abroad component or program.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600253
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
CHAPTER 3. RULES APPLYING TO ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OR INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN TEXAS REGARDING ELECTRONIC REPORTING OPTION FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES; AMNESTY
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter B, §§3.40 - 3.43, Vaccination Against Bacterial Meningitis for Entering Students, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6598). The rules will not be republished.
This new sections reconstitute current Chapter 21, Subchapter T, with no substantive changes. Chapter 3 is retitled to reflect its expanded purpose.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §51.9192, to adopt rules relating to the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement.
Chapter 3 title is amended to revise the name to more accurately reflect the rules in this section of administrative code.
Rule 3.40, Authority and Purpose, states the statutory authority for the subchapter and the purpose of the rules. It is the reconstituted §21.610 and §21.611, combined to conform to common formatting of Coordinating Board rules but without substantive changes.
Rule 3.41, Definitions, provides definitions for terms and phrases used throughout the subchapter. It is the reconstituted §21.612, with no substantive changes.
Rule 3.42, Immunization Requirement, specifies the requirement, subject to exceptions, that students entering public and private institutions of higher education show evidence of receipt of a bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster. It is the reconstituted §21.613.
Rule 3.43, Exceptions, lists the allowable exceptions to the requirement in §3.42. It is the reconstituted §21.614.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of new rules.
The new sections are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 51.9192, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement.
The adopted new sections affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 3.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600254
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6365
CHAPTER 4. RULES APPLYING TO ALL PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN TEXAS
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B, §§4.22, 4.25, 4.28 - 4.31, concerning Transfer of Credit, Core Curriculum and Field of Study Curricula, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7206). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment implements statutory obligations related to the approval of the Texas Core Curriculum.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, §51.315, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules on implementation of Senate Bill 37, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
Section 4.22, Authority, provides the Board with authority to adopt rules related to the Core Curriculum, Field of Study Curricula, and a transfer dispute resolution process. Amendments include adding reference to Texas Education Code, §51.315, §61.052, and §61.832 and removing §61.059, §61.0512, and §61.0593.
Section 4.25, Requirements and Limitations, outlines how institutions transfer lower-division course credit and directs institutions to provide appropriate services to transfer students. Amendments add a requirement that each institution of higher education include on the institution's website the minimum requirements to be accepted as a transfer student to the institution. This amendment will implement Texas Education Code, §61.07771(b)(2), as enacted by Senate Bill 3039, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
Section 4.28, Core Curriculum, adds new subsection (4) setting out the requirements of the Board recommended core curriculum and requiring each institution's governing board to ensure compliance with Texas Education Code, §51.315, as enacted by Senate Bill 37, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. This section also details the specific requirements of the core curriculum including a statement of purpose, the core objectives, and foundational component areas. The proposed amendment repeals the section referring to the fall 2014 implementation of the Texas Core Curriculum.
Section 4.29, Core Curricula Larger than 42 Semester Credit Hours, title is amended to Core Curricula Other than 42 Semester Credit Hours to align with Texas Education Code, §61.822.
Section 4.30, Institutional Assessment and Reporting, title is amended to Core Curriculum Review. This section outlines the responsibilities of institutional governing boards to complete the review of general education courses as required by Texas Education Code, §51.315, enacted by Senate Bill 37, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. The section requires that each governing board complete the initial review in 2026 and provide initial certification to the Coordinating Board no later than January 1, 2027.
Section 4.31, Implementation and Revision of Core Curricula, title is amended to Revision of Core Curricula. This section requires each institution to annually submit revisions of its general education curriculum to its governing board as required by new Texas Education Code, §51.315(d).
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 51.315, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules on implementation of Senate Bill 37, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The adopted amendments affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B; Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter S; and Texas Education Code §61.052, and §61.0522.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600256
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
19 TAC §4.40
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B, §4.40, Transfer Liaison Requirements and Duties, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6600). The rule will not be republished.
The new section outlines expectations and requirements for individuals designated as a Transfer Liaison at an institution of higher education as required by Senate Bill 3039, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The new rules are adopted under Texas Education Code, §61.8231, which requires the Coordinating Board to adopt rules related to the designation of a transfer liaison.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.
The new section is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.8231, which provides the Coordinating Board with authority to adopt rules related to the designation of a Transfer Liaison.
The adopted new section affects Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter S, and Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600257
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
SUBCHAPTER
J.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter J, §4.193, Accreditation Status Notification Requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6602). The rule will not be republished.
This new section requires an institution to notify the Coordinating Board of changes in its accreditation status.
Texas Education Code, §61.051 and §61.003(13), provides the Coordinating Board with authority to coordinate higher education and designate recognized accreditation organizations. Texas Administrative Code, §2.5(a)(10), requires the Coordinating Board to consider past compliance history in the evaluation of new degree program proposals. This new section requires an institution to notify the Coordinating Board of changes in its accreditation status.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.
The new section is adopted under Texas Education Code, Sections 61.051 and 61.003(13), which provides the Coordinating Board with authority to coordinate higher education and designate recognized accreditation organizations.
The adopted new section affects Texas Education Code, Sections 61.051 and 61.003(13).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600258
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
SUBCHAPTER
AA.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter AA, §§4.400 - 4.405, Texas First Early High School Completion Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6602). The rules will not be republished.
This new section reconstitutes the current Chapter 21, Subchapter D, with no substantive changes except to exclude provisions in §4.404 (relating to Notice to Students) that refer to required actions in the 2022 - 2023 school year.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0253, to adopt rules relating to the Texas First Early High School Completion Program.
Rule 4.400, Authority and Purpose, confirms the authority and purpose of the Program, as provided in TEC, §28.0253(b)(c).
Rule 4.401, Definitions, provides definitions for the Program, as included in TEC, §28.0253(a).
Rule 4.402, Eligibility for Texas First Diploma, provides the minimum criteria by which students demonstrate eligibility for the Program, including high school credits, minimum Grade Point Average, and achieving an overall minimum score on one of five assessments or achieving a Grade Point Average that ranks the student in the top ten percent of the student's class. Institutions and the Commissioner of Higher Education jointly developed and recommended these cut points as those that distinguish students who are college ready and prepared for post-secondary success. Allowing a student to meet the requirement based on class rank or assessment scores provides for a more holistic view of readiness.
Rule 4.402 also provides the assessments and related standards and competencies that demonstrate a student's mastery of each subject area for which the Coordinating Board and Commissioner of Higher Education have adopted college readiness standards, plus a language other than English, as required in TEC, §28.0253(c). It provides a process by which a student verifies eligibility for the Program and codification on the student's transcript. These standards align to scores established by the Coordinating Board to define college readiness and provide for the use of assessments and scores commonly used by institutions to place students in college-level course work.
Rule 4.403, Diploma Equivalency, verifies that the diploma awarded through this program is equivalent to the distinguished level of achievement, as required in TEC, §28.0253(f).
Rule 4.404, Notice to Students, provides a notification requirement by the high school to its students and their parents or guardians listing the eligibility requirements for the Program, including the requirement for the student to provide official copies of applicable assessments to receive credit, as required in TEC, §28.0253(g). Provisions related specifically to the 2022 - 2023 school year have been removed.
Rule 4.405, Satisfaction of Other Requirements, confirms that students who meet all the Program requirements according to §21.52 (relating to Eligibility for Texas First Diploma) have met the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative according to TEC, Chapter 51, and the initial eligibility requirements of the Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant program, as authorized under TEC, §56.3041.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rules.
The new sections are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 28.0253, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Texas First Early High School Completion Program.
The adopted new sections affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600255
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6299
CHAPTER 6. HEALTH EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND RESEARCH FUNDS
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 6, Subchapter C, §6.73, concerning the Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health-Related Education Grant Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6604). The rules will not be republished.
This repeal improves organization and consistency for Coordinating Board grant program rules overall, and improve rules for the application, review, and awarding of funds for the Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health-Related Education Grant Program. New rules for this grant program were adopted by the Coordinating Board in October 2024 and are found in Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 10, Subchapter K, §§10.230 - 10.238.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, §63.201 - 63.203, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health-Related Education Grant Program.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, §63.201 - 63.203, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health-Related Education Grant Program.
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 6, Subchapter C.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2026.
TRD-202600259
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 11, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6182
CHAPTER 13. FINANCIAL PLANNING
SUBCHAPTER
G.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new rules in, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter G, §13.129, Refund of Tuition and Mandatory Fees at Public Junior Colleges, State Colleges, and Technical Institute, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6605). The rules will not be republished.
This new section provides for the minimum schedule of tuition refunds to be made by public junior colleges, state colleges, and technical institutions to students depending on the length of the academic term and the class day on which the student withdraws from the course.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §130.009, to adopt rules relating to the uniform dates for adding or dropping a course.
Rule 13.129, Refund of Tuition and Fees at Public Junior Colleges, State Colleges, and Technical Institute, is created. It is the reconstituted §21.5, with several notable changes.
Subsection (a) provides the statutory authority for the section. Subsection (b) relates to the tuition and mandatory fee refund schedule used by junior colleges, state colleges, and technical institutions when students drop courses or withdraw. It is the reconstituted §21.5(a), with notable changes. First, the refund schedule is presented entirely in the Figure, to simplify the rule. Second, Subsection (b)(1) specifies that the rule definition for "class day" in §13.1, applies in the implementation of the subsection. Finally, the authorization of a matriculation fee is not included, as it is topically outside the scope of the rule.
Subsection (c) provides for the managing of refunds or additional charges when a student adds or drops courses before the census date. It is the reconstituted §21.5(c).
Subsection (d) provides for refunds in the situation in which tuition and mandatory fees were paid by a sponsor, donor, or scholarship through the institution. It is the reconstituted §21.5(e).
Subsection (e) provides for circumstances in which a student withdraws due to active duty military service. It is the reconstituted §21.5(g).
No comments were received regarding the adoption of new rule.
The new section is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 130.009, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the uniform dates for adding or dropping a course.
The adopted new section affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter G.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600261
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
V.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter V, §13.646 and §13.649, Community College Finance Program: Base and Performance Tier Methodology for Fiscal Year 2026, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 7, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7211). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment corrects an ambiguity and an error, respectively, in the rule text to more accurately convey the policies adopted by the Legislature and the Board.
The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 130A.005, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules and take other actions consistent with Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Chapter 130, and Chapter 130A to implement House Bill 8, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. In addition, Texas Education Code, Section 130.355, permits the Coordinating Board to establish rules for funding workforce continuing education.
Section 13.646, Performance Tier: Fundable Outcomes, is amended to clarify only certain fundable outcomes - fundable credentials, transfer fundable outcomes, and structured co-enrollment fundable outcomes - are eligible for additional funding weights based on characteristics of the student achieving the outcome. The other amendment corrects a mischaracterizations of the Opportunity High School Diploma Outcome as a credential, as this mischaracterization may suggest that it is subject to the standards of a credential of value in order to be fundable.
Section 13.649, Performance Tier: Rates, is amended to correct the erroneous omission of a needed informational graphic that should have accompanied the printed rule and will also correct an erroneous rule reference.
The following comment was received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
Comment: San Jacinto College asked to please clarify an available fundable option for institutions to provide post-associate degree credential aligned with documented workforce needs. Specifically, San Jacinto College currently offers Enhanced Skill Certificates for (1) Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers 11 SCH (Instrumentation), (2) Advanced Analyzers 6 SCH (Instrumentation) and (3) Mammography 6 SCH (Medical Radiography). Program advisory committees continue to indicate the enhanced training needs; how may the College continue to be funded for completions of the enhanced skill certificates?
Response: The THECB thanks San Jacinto College for their question. Currently, the Enhanced Skill Certificate (ESC) is not a stand-alone outcome eligible for funding. According to Title 19 Texas Administrative Code, §2.262(b)(3), an ESC is associated with an applied associate degree program and is awarded concurrently with a degree, but may not be considered to be an intrinsic part of the degree or used to circumvent the 60-semester-credit-hour associate degree limitation. Colleges can continue to offer ESCs as a part of an associate degree program, which is a fundable outcome in the finance model.
The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 130A.005, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules and take other actions consistent with Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Chapter 130, and Chapter 130A to implement House Bill 8, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. In addition, Texas Education Code, Section 130.355, permits the Coordinating Board to establish rules for funding workforce continuing education.
The adopted amendment affects Texas Education Code, Sections Chapter 130A, and Sections 61.059 and 130.0031.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600262
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 7, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
CHAPTER 21. STUDENT SERVICES
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter A, §21.5, Refund of Tuition and Fees at Public Community/Junior and Technical Colleges, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6606). The rule will not be republished.
This repeal allows for the rule to be relocated to Chapter 13, Subchapter G, relating to Tuition and Fees.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §130.009, to adopt rules relating to uniform dates for adding or dropping courses.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 130.009, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to uniform dates for adding or dropping courses
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter A.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600263
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, §§21.21 - 21.30, Determination of Resident Status, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 21, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7500). The rules will not be republished.
The rules being repealed are superseded by the rules in Chapter 13, Subchapter K, which were adopted in October 2025 and became effective November 2025. Under the newly adopted §13.193, the changes implemented with the adoption of Subchapter K, are effective as to resident tuition determinations made after the census date of the regular Fall 2025 semester, with determinations made before this date governed by the applicable state or federal law (including as modified by court order) at the time of the determination.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §54.075, to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of Texas Education Code, Chapter 54, Subchapter B.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 54.075, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of Texas Education Code, Chapter 54, Subchapter B.
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter B.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600264
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: November 21, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
D.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter D, §§21.50 - 21.55, Texas First Early High School Completion Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6607). The rules will not be republished.
This repeal allows for the relocation of these rules to Chapter 4, Subchapter AA.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §28.0253, to adopt rules relating to the Texas First Early High School Completion Program.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 28.0253, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Texas First Early High School Completion Program.
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter D.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600265
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
H.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter H, §§21.191 - 21.193, Individual Development Account Information Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6608). The rules will not be republished.
This repeal eliminates these rules, which were determined to be unnecessary after the Coordinating Board initiated its four-year rule review of the subchapter.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §61.0817, to adopt rules relating to the Individual Development Account Information Program.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.0817, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Individual Development Account Information Program.
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter H.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600269
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
T.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts repeal of Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter T, §§21.610 - 21.614, The Vaccination Against Bacterial Meningitis for Entering Students at Public and Private or Independent Institutions of Higher Education, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6609). The rules will not be republished.
This repeal allows for the relocation of the rule to Chapter 3, Subchapter B.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §51.9192, to adopt rules relating to the vaccination requirement against bacterial meningitis for certain students.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.
The repeal is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 51.9192, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the vaccination requirement against bacterial meningitis for certain students.
The adopted repeal affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter T.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600270
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
CHAPTER 22. STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 22, Subchapter A, §§22.1, 22.2 and 22.7, General Provisions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6609). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment updates rule definitions and provisions to align with changes in federal law and other Coordinating Board rules.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §56.0035, to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of that chapter.
Rule 22.1, Definitions, is amended to add a definition for "Federal Pell Grant Student Aid Index Cap or Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Cap" and update a citation in the definition of "Resident of Texas." The term "Federal Pell Grant Student Aid Index Cap or Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Cap," which appears in multiple locations throughout Chapter 22, is defined as the maximum Pell Grant award in a given fiscal year, codifying current practice. This definition does not reflect a change in Coordinating Board administration of financial aid programs. The definition of "Resident of Texas" is updated by changing the rule citation, reflecting recent rule changes adopted by the Coordinating Board.
Rule 22.2, Timely Distribution of Funds, is amended to clarify that the rule also applies to funds disbursed through financial aid programs located in Chapter 24 (relating to Student Loan Programs), reflecting recent rule changes adopted by the Coordinating Board, and to amend the timely disbursement provision in subsection (a)(1) to refer to calendar days, rather than business days. This change aligns the timely disbursement timeline with other timely disbursement provisions in the section.
Rule 22.7, Financial Aid Uses, is amended to clarify that the rule also applies to funds disbursed through financial aid programs located in Chapter 24 (relating to Student Loan Programs), reflecting recent rule changes adopted by the Coordinating Board.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 56.0035, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of that chapter.
The adopted amendment affects Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 22, Subchapter A.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600271
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
M.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 22, Subchapter M, §§22.255, 22.260, 22.261, and 22.264, Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6612). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment modifies rules relating to eligible institutions, grant priorities, grant amounts, and allocation of funds to ensure alignment with statutory changes made by House Bill (HB) 3204, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, which became effective September 1, 2025, as well as Riders 25 and 26 in the Coordinating Board's bill pattern of the General Appropriations Act, Senate Bill (SB) 1, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §56.403, to adopt rules relating to the Program.
Rule 22.255, Eligible Institutions, is amended to include the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University as an eligible institution for the Program, as directed by the provisions of HB 3204, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
Rule 22.260, Priorities in Grants to Students, is amended to accomplish the directives of Riders 25 and 26 of the General Appropriations Act, which direct the Coordinating Board to "coordinate with eligible institutions to distribute funds…to those institutions in a manner that ensures that each eligible student who graduates in the top 25 percent of the student's high school graduating class receives an initial grant for the 2026-2027 academic year." After consulting with eligible institutions, the Coordinating Board determined that appropriated funding for the Program is sufficient to accomplish the intent of the riders without modifying the allocation methodology. Accordingly, Subsection (b) is added to the rule to include a student graduating in the top 25 percent of his/her graduating class as an awarding priority. The specific phrasing of the subsection aligns with the provisions of Texas Education Code, §51.803, Automatic Admission: All Institutions. Subsection (e) is added to specify that institutions shall ensure eligible students meeting the top 25 percent standard and who have a Student Aid Index below 60 percent of the statewide average of tuition and fees at general academic teaching institutions receive an initial grant, thus clarifying how institutions may consider the various awarding priorities and maintain compliance with Riders 25 and 26.
Rule 22.261, Grant Amounts, is amended to specify how the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University is to be considered for programmatic purposes. As a college within a general academic teaching institution, which are not generally eligible to participate in the Program, the Polytechnic College does not meet any of the definitions for public junior college, public state college, or public technical institution upon which the rule relies. In reviewing its programmatic offerings, tuition rates, and other factors, the Coordinating Board determined that the Polytechnic College most closely resembles public technical institutions. Subsection (a)(2) is amended to reflect this determination for the purposes of setting the maximum grant for students of the institution. Subsection (d) is updated with a more specific reference to rules in the chapter's General Provisions.
Rule 22.264, Allocation of Funds - Public Technical and State Colleges, is amended to include references to the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, which will again be treated as a public technical institution for this purpose.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 56.403, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Program.
The adopted amendments affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 22, Subchapter M.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600272
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
O.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 22, Subchapter O, §22.302 and §22.310, Texas Leadership Research Scholars Program without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6614). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment clarifies that scholarships are limited to four years per student and per program, guarantees at least one research scholarship per eligible institution if funding is sufficient, and prohibits any rules that may restrict or give preference to any general academic institution. The amendment also addresses changes in deadlines for intent to participate.
The Coordinating Board is authorized to adopt rules as necessary by Texas Education Code, §61.897. The revisions implement statutory amendments passed by the 89th Legislature. Specifically, this amendment updates the Coordinating Board rules to accurately reflect changes made by Senate Bill (SB) 2055, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. SB 2055, amended Texas Education Code, §61.897, to specify that a student is ineligible to receive funding from either the Undergraduate or the Graduate scholarship program for more than four academic years per program, that eligible institutions receive at least one research scholarship award, and that no administrative rules may be adopted that impose limits on, or grant preference to, any general academic institution.
Rule 22.302, Eligible Institutions, provides the responsibilities and deadlines for participating eligible institutions to follow. Specifically, the adopted section removes a provision that is no longer relevant since the academic year has passed and updates the deadline for institutions to indicate their intent to participate by December 15.
Rule 22.310, Scholarship Amounts and Allocation of Funds, outlines the scholarship amounts and how the Coordinating Board will allocate the funds to institutions. Specifically, the adopted section removes old allocation methodologies and clarifies that eligible institutions will receive at least one research scholarship award.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.897, as amended by Senate Bill 2055, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules as necessary to implement the Texas Leadership Research Scholars Program.
The adopted amendment affects Texas Education Code, subchapter T-3, and 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 22, Subchapter O.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600273
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
CHAPTER 23. EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 23, Subchapter B, §§23.32 - 23.35, Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6616). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment updates definitions, clarifies aspects of applicant eligibility, and updates program prioritization rules for improved administration.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §56.3575, to adopt rules relating to the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
Rule 23.32, Definitions, is amended by adding a definition for "current academic year." The added definition, along with proposed amendments to rule §23.33, is intended to clarify the Coordinating Board's existing practice for determining applicant eligibility. This does not represent a change in administration of the program.
Rule 23.33, Applicant Eligibility, is amended to make nonsubstantive changes intended to clarify the Coordinating Board's practice regarding eligibility determinations. Applications for this Program generally must be submitted between April and July, and applicants must demonstrate that they are: (1) currently employed, (2) certified and teaching in a critical shortage area or in a shortage community, and (3) teaching full-time at the time of application and have taught full-time for a service period (nine months) during the current academic year (i.e. the academic year beginning with the fall semester prior to the application period). None of the proposed changes to this section represent a change in Coordinating Board practice or eligibility criteria for the Program.
Rule 23.34, Applicant Ranking Priorities, is amended to remove a redundant reference to the Program application deadline, further clarify how prioritization occurs, and replace the "financial need" priority factor in current Subsection (b)(5). Current Subsection (a) is redundant with rule §22.33(1), and is eliminated. Nonsubstantive edits to current Subsection (b) align the description of prioritization in other programs within the chapter and clarify potential ambiguities. The "financial need" factor in current Subsection (b)(5), however, is substantively changed from the applicant's adjusted gross income to his or her total education loan debt. This change still meets the requirements of Texas Education Code, §56.353(b), but obviates the need for applicants to provide, and the Coordinating Board to retain, sensitive income tax information.
Rule 23.35, Amount of Loan Repayment Assistance, is amended. Subsection (a) is modified with nonsubstantive edits that align with similar provisions in other programs in the chapter. Subsection (b) is added to codify existing Coordinating Board practice that in each of the five years a person may receive loan repayment assistance under the Program, the person may not receive more than one-fifth of the person's eligible loan balance as was determined when the person first demonstrated eligibility for the Program.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 56.3575, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Program.
The adopted amendments affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 23, Subchapter B.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600274
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
G.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 23, Subchapter G, §23.187 and §23.189, Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6618). The rules will not be republished.
This amendment replaces the existing prioritization provisions with one that is clearer and more efficiently administered.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §61.9828, to adopt rules relating to the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
Rule 23.187, Definitions, is amended by eliminating the definition for "Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies." The changes to rule §23.189 make this term unnecessary.
Rule 23.189, Applicant Ranking Priorities, is amended to replace the prioritization provisions for the program. The existing process relies on faculty vacancy data, but due to timing issues, the available data does not necessarily align with the application and awarding window for the program each year. Moreover, the existing rule does not include a provision to prioritize between two applicants who are employed by the same institution. These provisions are instead replaced with a new process by which renewal applications are prioritized first, which represents current practice, followed by applications from full-time faculty members. Any subsequent separations required would be made on the basis of total education loan debt, as a signifier of financial need.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.9828, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Program.
The adopted amendments affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 23, Subchapter G.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600276
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375
SUBCHAPTER
J.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts amendments to Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 23, Subchapter J, §23.289, Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Assistance Program, with changes to the proposed text as published in the October 10, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6619). The rule will be republished. Sections 23.287, and 23.288 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.
This amendment clarifies potentially ambiguous aspects of the rules and update prioritization provisions to align with similar rules in the chapter.
The Coordinating Board is authorized by Texas Education Code, §61.9840, to adopt rules relating to the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
Rule 23.287, Definitions, is amended to add a definition for "current academic year," a term introduced to further clarify the eligibility determination process in rule 23.288. The definition aligns with use of the term in similar provisions in the chapter and does not represent a change in Coordinating Board practice.
Rule 23.288, Applicant Eligibility, is amended to clarify the eligibility determination process for Program applicants. Reference to eligibility for those teaching under a probationary teaching certificate is added to paragraph (5) for statutory alignment with Texas Education Code, §61.9832(a)(5)(B), and paragraph (6) is amended to specify that an applicant's eligibility in a given year relates to the service period during the current academic year.
Rule 23.289, Application Ranking Priorities, is retitled to align with naming conventions for similar provisions throughout the chapter and amended to clarify the prioritization process. Changes to this section are largely nonsubstantive, aligning language with similar provisions in the chapter and providing additional detail regarding the Coordinating Board's existing process to prioritize applicants. Paragraph (5) is added, however, to align with processes in other loan repayment assistance programs and provide a final criterion that will definitively allow for all applicants to be ranked.
Subsequent to the posting of the rules in the Texas Register, the following changes are incorporated into the adopted rule.
Section 23.289 is amended to make a grammatical change to update the rule to the Texas Register guidelines.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.
The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, Section 61.9840, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Program.
The adopted amendments affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 23, Subchapter J.
§23.289.
(a) If there are not sufficient funds to offer loan repayment assistance to all eligible applicants, then applications shall be ranked using priority determinations in the following order:
(1) Renewal applications;
(2) Applications from teachers with the greatest number of mathematics and science courses completed, based on the Coordinating Board's review of the applicant's transcripts;
(3) Applications from teachers with the highest aggregate grade point average for the mathematics and science courses described by paragraph (2) of this subsection;
(4) Applications from teachers employed at schools with the highest percentages of students who are eligible for free or reduced cost lunches; and
(5) Applications from those with the greatest financial need based on the applicant's total education loan debt.
(b) Subsections (a)(4) and (5) of this section are applicable only as necessary to make priority determinations between applications for which the criteria listed in subsections (a)(2) and (3) of this section are identical.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2026.
TRD-202600278
Douglas Brock
General Counsel
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Effective date: February 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 10, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 427-6375