Texas College Costs & 529 Plan Guide

Average tuition, fees, room & board for Texas colleges in 2026-2027. Compare costs and plan your 529 savings.

🎓 Texas College Cost Overview

PUBLIC IN-STATE (ANNUAL)

$21,400

$85,600 for 4 years

PUBLIC OUT-OF-STATE (ANNUAL)

$39,200

$156,800 for 4 years

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

$29,800

$119,200 for 4 years

PROJECTED IN 10 YEARS (5% INFLATION)

$139,433

$34,858/yr in 2035

💰 Texas 529 Plan Tax Benefits

STATE TAX DEDUCTION

None

No state income tax

FEDERAL TAX BENEFIT

Tax-Free Growth

All 529 earnings grow and are withdrawn tax-free for education

Texas does not offer a state income tax deduction for 529 plan contributions. However, you still benefit from federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

Calculate Your Savings Plan →

College Savings Strategies for Texas Families

To cover the full 4-year in-state cost at today's prices ($85,600), a Texas family starting at birth would need to save approximately $396/month. Factoring in 5% annual cost inflation and 7% investment returns in a 529 plan, the recommended monthly savings increases to approximately $478.

Monthly Savings Targets for Texas In-State

Starting Age	Monthly Savings Needed	Total Contributed	Est. 529 Growth
Age 0 (18 years)	$478/mo	$103,309	+$102,697
Age 5 (13 years)	$637/mo	$99,397	+$62,015
Age 10 (8 years)	$987/mo	$94,706	+$31,765
Age 13 (5 years)	$1,526/mo	$91,559	+$17,691