Coastal Bend College (CBC) is breaking barriers by offering free tuition for its dual credit students as the rising cost of higher education has made college seem unattainable for many. However, this transformative initiative, made possible by funding adjustments to House Bill 8, is already opening new doors for students and their families.
A Bold Step Toward Accessibility
After analyzing the financial implications, CBC’s leadership acted decisively.
“We were able to mine the data and determine that we could afford to go zero tuition and a zero-dollar charge for fees,” said Dr. Justin Hoggard, President of Coastal Bend College. This decision removes a significant financial burden for local independent school districts (ISDs). Previously, some ISDs, such as Beeville ISD, paid their students to take dual credit courses, costing approximately $55 per credit hour.
Dr. Hoggard explained the financial impact: “If you do the math—six times 55 times an average of 200 students—that’s a lot of money and savings for the school.”
Empowering Students and Schools
The new program is especially beneficial for low-income families.
“Many of our families are low socio-economic, which provides them free college access,” noted Dr. Travis Fanning, Superintendent of Schools for Beeville ISD. Fanning said the district can invest in additional programs to benefit younger students with the funds saved from tuition.
“We’re always looking to enhance and provide new opportunities in our elementary and middle schools, as well as innovative career, technology, and education programs,” Fanning added.
Setting Students on a Path to Success
CBC is not only waiving tuition but also committed to ensuring students complete at least 15 credit hours.
“There’s data that suggests once a student gets to 15 hours, they are much more likely to complete their associate’s degree,” Dr. Hoggard said. By placing students on structured pathways—career-focused or academic transfer tracks—CBC gives them a clearer route to success.
More Than Just Academics
This initiative is about more than fulfilling academic requirements for CBC and Beeville ISD.
“This is about creating a sense of belonging,” Hoggard explained. “Students can see their progress and check off milestones as they work toward their ultimate goals.”
Dr. Fanning emphasized the broader impact: “What we’re doing here isn’t happening across Texas. While others allocate funds differently, we believe this is the right way to leave a lasting mark on our community.”
A Stronger Coastal Bend, A Stronger Texas
The free tuition program, effective this spring semester, is expected to create a ripple effect across South Texas.
“What we would like to see more than anything is to keep our local talent here in our rural communities,” Hoggard said. “This will create a stronger Coastal Bend, a stronger South Texas region, and ultimately benefit Texas as a whole.”
While CBC covers tuition costs, Beeville ISD will continue to fund learning materials, ensuring students have the resources needed to thrive.