College-bound Texans just got another pathway to an affordable degree. The University of North Texas has announced a new initiative that will cover full tuition and mandatory fees for thousands of qualifying students from families earning up to $100,000 annually.
The North Texas Promise Program, set to launch in Fall 2026, represents one of the most generous tuition-free initiatives in the state, targeting first-time Texas freshmen who meet academic and financial requirements. The program will cover costs for up to four years as students pursue their first bachelor’s degree at UNT, the university announced this week.
“As the largest university in North Texas, UNT has a special responsibility to expand access to transformative educational opportunities across our region and beyond,” said UNT President Harrison Keller, Ph.D. in a statement unveiling the program.
Who qualifies? Students must be Texas residents ranking in the top 25% of their high school class or qualifying for a Federal Pell Grant. They’ll need to be admitted to UNT for Fall 2026 and have a valid FAFSA on file by February 15, 2026, according to details released by the institution.
No Separate Application Required
One notable feature of the program is its streamlined approach — eligible students will be automatically considered without needing to complete a separate application. “This program is about making a UNT degree attainable for students who have worked hard and earned their place here, but may be uncertain about affordability,” explained Shannon Goodman, UNT’s vice president for enrollment.
The fine print matters, though. To maintain eligibility, students must submit FAFSA annually, maintain need-based criteria, enroll full-time, keep a 3.0 UNT GPA, complete 24 credit hours per year, and make satisfactory academic progress, according to the university’s financial aid office.
The promise covers only fall and spring semesters, with funding coming through a combination of federal, state, and institutional grants for up to eight semesters total. Books, housing, and other expenses aren’t included in the coverage.
Is this part of a larger trend? Absolutely. UNT joins a growing list of Texas institutions offering similar income-based tuition-free programs, including Angelo State University, multiple Texas A&M campuses, and several University of Texas locations, local media reports.
For thousands of future college students across North Texas, this announcement transforms what once seemed financially impossible into a realistic path to a four-year degree — provided they can meet and maintain the academic standards required.
