UT System increases funding for Promise Plus program

September 6, 2026

The Promise Plus program began in 2019 with a $167 million endowment intended to fund tuition assistance across institutions in the University of Texas System. A second endowment of $300 million followed in 2022, and an additional $35 million was added last year, bringing more resources to the initiative.

At UT Austin the program is known as the Texas Advance Commitment. When it launched, families with income at or below $65,000 qualified for full tuition support. The eligibility threshold was later raised, so families with incomes up to $100,000 now receive full tuition coverage, while those with incomes up to $125,000 qualify for tuition support.

Promise Plus operates systemwide, which means the increased funding also applies to campuses beyond UT Austin. Member institutions include UT Arlington, UT Dallas, UT El Paso, UT Permian Basin, UT Rio Grande Valley, UT San Antonio, UT Tyler, and Stephen F. Austin State University, which joined the UT System in 2023.

University revenue growth contributed to the additional allocations. Systemwide revenue is projected at about $9 billion for 2026 and about $9.7 billion for 2027, while UT Austin's revenue is listed at roughly $4.6 billion for 2026 and about $5.1 billion for 2027. The larger budgets increase the pool available for scholarships and programs like Promise Plus.

Program eligibility at UT Austin requires Texas residency, enrollment at the university, and meeting the income thresholds. The funding additions are intended to support students who meet those criteria and to sustain the program as more students qualify under the higher income limits.

Similar initiatives exist at other Texas public universities. For example, Texas A&M expanded its Aggie Assurance program in February 2026 so families making up to $100,000 are eligible for free tuition. Both programs require typical application steps such as submitting financial aid forms, but they differ on renewal standards. A&M requires a minimum 2.5 grade point requirement for renewal, while UT Austin requires a 2.0 GPA. A&M also provides tuition support to families with income and assets up to $130,000.

The added endowments and budget increases aim to maintain the program as demand grows, ensuring eligible students continue to receive tuition assistance.