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House Bill 8: A New Way of Funding Texas Community Colleges

What is HB 8?

In 2023, the 88th Texas Legislature unanimously approved historic legislation that transforms how Texas funds its 50 community college districts. House Bill 8 replaces a static funding model based on the number of courses and credit hours offered with a dynamic, performance-based model tied to specific outcomes.

Instead of competing against one another for state dollars, each community college is now challenging itself to earn additional funding by educating more students and awarding credentials of value that align with Texas’s workforce needs today and tomorrow.

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What are the Outcomes?

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Credentials of value awarded, including badges, certificates, and degrees
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Credentials of value in high-demand fields
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Student transfers to four-year universities
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Student completion dual credit courses, which are offered to high schoolers

Additional Resources

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board maintains a page of questions and answers regarding the formula funding provisions of House Bill (HB) 8. It will be updated as additional questions are received.   

HB8 Frequently Asked Questions

Read the text of the HB8 legislation on the Texas Legislature Online. All of the various reports, anlysis, and summaries are also contained here.

'Building Talent Strong Texas,' is a detailed, insightful publication by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that outlines the key strategies and goals for enhancing Texas's educational and workforce development.

Read the State's Higher Education Strategic Plan

Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST)

The Financial Aid for Swift Transfer program (FAST) pays colleges to provide dual credit courses at no cost to high school students on free and reduced-price lunches. It reimburses colleges today and sets them up for the future when those students complete their dual credit courses, transfer, or earn credentials of value 

Base Tier Funding
Base Tier Funding

Most Community Colleges will pay for their Instruction and Operations (I&O) entirely through property taxes and tuition. But for districts that can’t meet those needs through local revenue alone, the state will provide Base Tier Funding.

Performance Tier Funding
Performance Tier Funding

95% of dollars distributed to Community Colleges through new state formulas are based on measurable outcomes. All colleges are eligible for these performance-based funds — earning specific dollar amounts for specific outcomes, with extra weight for serving students who are academically disadvantaged, economically disadvantaged, or adult learners (25 years or older). 

Credentials of Value
Credentials of Value

Credentials of value equip students for strong career trajectories, improve their earning potential, and align with high-demand jobs offered by Texas employers. A credential of value empowers a student to earn enough within 10 years to pay for the cost of their education and surpass the earnings of a typical high school graduate. 

Standing Advisory Committee
Standing Advisory Committee

The Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) is made up of community college leaders representing a diverse mix of different-sized colleges from around the state. Its role is to consult with and provide guidance to THECB as it develops rules and policies related to HB 8. 

Contact Information

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