At a Glance
- University of North Texas will cover full tuition and fees for eligible students starting fall 2026
- Families earning $100,000 or less qualify if student ranks in top 25% of graduating class
- No separate application required-students are automatically considered if admitted and FAFSA is filed by February 15
- Why it matters: The North Texas Promise removes cost barriers for thousands of Texas families seeking a four-year degree
The University of North Texas is launching a sweeping financial-aid program that will eliminate tuition and mandatory fees for thousands of Texas students. The initiative, called the North Texas Promise, takes effect for the fall 2026 semester and guarantees up to four years of tuition-free education for qualifying first-time freshmen.
Who Qualifies
To receive the benefit, students must meet all of the following:
- Be a Texas resident graduating from a Texas high school
- Come from a family with total income of $100,000 or less
- Rank in the top 25% of their graduating class
- Demonstrate financial need or be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
- Be admitted to UNT for fall 2026
- Have a valid FAFSA on file with the university by February 15, 2026
Students who satisfy these requirements will be automatically considered; no additional application is necessary.
Program Details
The North Texas Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight consecutive semesters, allowing most students to complete a bachelor’s degree without paying the core instructional costs. The guarantee is limited to first-time freshmen pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
“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 Harrison Keller, Ph.D., UNT president. “With the North Texas Promise, more outstanding Texas students will be able to access a college education that prepares them to unlock their full potential.”
Timeline and Next Steps
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| FAFSA submission recommended | January 2026 |
| FAFSA deadline | February 15, 2026 |
| First semester of coverage | Fall 2026 |
UNT urges prospective students to apply for admission and submit the FAFSA by January 2026 to ensure adequate processing time before the February deadline.
Broader Impact
The university frames the program as part of its mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education. UNT recently climbed to No. 34 on U.S. News & World Report’s “Top Performers on Social Mobility” list, a jump the school attributes to ongoing efforts to lower financial barriers.
“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,” said Shannon Goodman, UNT’s vice president for enrollment. “The North Texas Promise gives families clarity and confidence that cost will not stand in the way of a college education.”
Key Takeaways
- Tuition and mandatory fees are fully covered for eligible students
- Family income cap of $100,000 targets middle-income households
- Academic requirement of top 25% class rank maintains merit standards
- Automatic consideration streamlines the aid process
- Program launches with the fall 2026 entering class
For additional details, families can visit the university’s North Texas Promise information page.
