Lawmakers also approved direct pay for student athletes and sought better pathways from college to the workforce.

More than a year after Texas’ House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped students’ credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.

One in four Texas students is raising a child while getting a college degree. For Isabella Mapes, it has meant little sleep and, at times, a lonely journey.

Many rural Texans in the region say they lack quality information on the skills required to get good jobs and build a lasting career.

Black and Hispanic high schoolers who have to drive more than 30 minutes to a community college are less likely to pursue a degree, the report found.

More than 250 Texas prisoners are on the waitlist to join the Lee College reentry class. Programs like these prepare students to find jobs and help lower recidivism.

Short-term certificates can only take a few weeks to get but don’t always lead to better earnings or higher degrees.

Residents of a rural Texas school district decide in November whether to expand Austin Community College’s reach.

Despite the group’s strong participation, Hispanic students graduate college at a lower rate than peers in the program, according to a report.

Thousands of Texas transfer students each year don’t get credit for some community college courses. The partnership seeks to address that.

The wind industry promises attractive salaries. But a lack of training programs and waning political support make it difficult to find new recruits.

Community college leaders hope free tuition programs will help change the conversation about the affordability of higher education amid a growing skepticism over the value of a college degree.

Black students and students over 24 are less likely to get their bachelor’s degree after transferring, the report found.

Texas borrowers enrolled in the SAVE loan repayment program will have their debt canceled if they took out $12,000 or less and have been repaying for at least 10 years.

A historic $683 million investment in community colleges rewards schools for getting students to complete a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year university or participate in college courses as early as high school.

To survive, Texas community colleges have to prove their worth. But residents of this rural north Texas town are questioning what's right for them.

The uptick comes after community colleges saw enrollment drop by about 80,000 students between 2019 and 2021.

Texans who aren’t sure about college have several pathways to well-paying jobs. Here’s how those programs prepare people for careers when a four-year degree may not fit.

Students with disabilities can find success in college, live independently and get jobs with the right kind of help. Here are college programs that provide support.

Students with disabilities can succeed in college with the right kind of help. There are programs that can support them. The programs help them live on their own, find jobs, and make a difference where they live.

Many Texas residents can opt for a variety of different educational programs that are shorter, more appropriate to their needs and often cost less than a bachelor’s degree.

Supporters of the measure said it will help the colleges better prepare students for the workforce.

Under this new model, community colleges would receive state funds based on the number of graduates who earn certificates or degrees and the number of students who transfer to four-year universities.

During a Texas Tribune event on higher education, panelists also spoke about using the state’s historic surplus to improve the affordability of universities and keep rising costs down.

State higher education leaders are pushing for the changes as community colleges face greater workforce demands and financial pressures. The commission’s report now goes to lawmakers, who are expected to file legislation on the matter next session.

A commission tasked by the Texas Legislature to recommend new ways to fund community colleges is suggesting the state fund schools based on how successful students are at completing programs in high-demand fields and transferring to universities to continue their education.

College leaders blame strict requirements initially handed down by the state. “It was like we were on a hunt for a unicorn,” one spokesperson said.

Most of the money will be used to help Texas colleges and universities expand or add new programs in areas with employment shortages and provide additional aid to students.

HOUSTON KPRC 2 is giving students a clearer picture of the changes that are happening at local community colleges this semester amid the coronavirus pandemic. Lone Star CollegeLSC officials said they are moving forward with their plans to host students and faculty for the fall semester. When classes begin Aug. 25, about 25% will be face-to-face instruction and 50% will be online and 25% will be hybrid. Alvin Community CollegeAlvin Community College will also kick off its fall semester on Aug. 24. The reopening plans for the remaining local community colleges are still being hammered out.