University of Texas expands free tuition program as local colleges adopt similar initiatives

The University of Texas is expanding its free tuition program, raising the income limit for eligibility from $65,000 to $100,000 next fall. This change aims to help more students afford college education. San Jacinto College offers a similar program with no income requirements, benefiting 8,500 students since its launch. Other local colleges have varying income thresholds for free tuition, with Rice University having the highest at $140,000. Apprenticeship programs are also gaining attention as an alternative to traditional college. These programs allow students to earn while they learn, with pay increases each semester based on skill development.