The University of North Texas is expanding access to higher education with a new initiative that will allow more North Texas students to attend college tuition-free beginning in Fall 2026.

Through the North Texas Promise program, eligible first-time freshmen pursuing their first bachelor’s degree will have their tuition and mandatory fees fully covered for up to four years, or eight consecutive semesters. The program aims to remove financial obstacles that often prevent students from continuing their education after high school.

Who Is Eligible

The program is open to Texas residents who graduate from Texas high schools and come from families with a total annual income of $100,000 or less. Students must either rank in the top 25% of their graduating class with demonstrated financial need or qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. To be considered, students must be admitted to UNT for Fall 2026 and submit a valid FAFSA by Feb. 15, 2026. No separate application is required, as eligible students will be automatically reviewed for the program.

Expanding Access to Opportunity

University leaders say the initiative reflects UNT’s responsibility as the region’s largest university to make higher education more accessible. “With the North Texas Promise, we’re opening doors for students who may have thought college was financially out of reach,” said UNT President Harrison Keller, Ph.D. “This program supports our mission to create lasting value for families and communities across Texas.” UNT has already earned national recognition for its commitment to student success, ranking No. 34 on U.S. News & World Report’s Top Performers on Social Mobility, a measure of how effectively universities help students move into higher income brackets.

What Students Should Do Next

Prospective students are encouraged to apply to UNT and complete their FAFSA by January 2026 to allow time for processing before the February 15 deadline. University officials say early action will help ensure students can take full advantage of the new tuition-free opportunity.

The North Texas Promise represents a major step in making a four-year degree more attainable for families across the region, reinforcing UNT’s role as a leader in affordability and access to higher education.