The Board of Regents of The Texas State University System voted today to direct four-year institutions in the system to develop optional fixed-rate tuition plans. These plans would provide parents and students with more predictability when it comes to paying for college. A special meeting was called today for the board to vote on the proposal; they approved it unanimously.

This decision requires all senior institutions, that are members of The Texas State University System, to develop fixed-rate tuition plans as an option for students who enroll in college starting fall 2014.

Institutions must submit their four-year proposals. for consideration, to the Board of Regents during the boards meeting in November.

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Perry Moore would like to implement an academic progress requirement to ensure that students have an incentive to complete their degrees on time.

These optional plans will assist students and their families in financial planning and will also encourage more timely graduation within the four years of fixed tuition, said Moore.

The best part about this proposal is that students may participate in the fixed-rate tuition, but they are not required to do so. Students have the option of paying standard tuition, which variations from institution to institution.

The Texas State University System’s four senior institutions are: Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University and Texas State University.