Choosing a Locked Rate or Variable Rate Tuition Plan

While we cannot tell you which choice is best for your situation, we can provide you with information to help you make an informed decision. We recommend that you discuss the choice with your parent or guardian.

Definitions of Locked Rate and Variable Rate Tuition Plans:

Locked Rate Tuition (TLR-Tuition Locked Rate) = a tuition plan that will lock in the amount of tuition and required fees at a per semester rate for 12 consecutive semesters, or 4 years, from the point of initial enrollment at any public or private institution after high school.

The Locked (Fixed) Rate allows families to plan for a fixed cost of tuition and required fees for the remainder of their initial enrollment period after high school.

Variable Rate Tuition (TVR-Tuition Variable Rate) =a tuition plan where the amount of tuition and required fees increases annually based on factors such as inflationary cost increases, new strategic initiatives, and the overall needs of the university.

The Variable Rate for the current academic year is lower than the Locked Rate; however, the rate increases annually. These increases to the Variable Rate could result in overall tuition and fee charges that are higher than the overall tuition and fee charges for the Locked Rate.

The choice is comparable to choosing between a fixed interest rate mortgage and a variable interest rate mortgage.

Questions to consider when making your choice:

•  Would I or my family benefit from having a fixed cost of tuition and required fees to pay over the course of my enrollment?
•  How many semesters do I plan to attend Texas A&M University?
•  How many semesters do I have remaining before I finish my undergraduate degree?
•  How confident am I in my ability to finish my undergraduate degree within that time frame?
•  Do I think that inflation could impact the Variable Rate while I'm attending Texas A&M University?

For additional information regarding tuition rate plans, please visit:

"What do the tuition rate code mean?" 

"Where can I view the cost difference between Locked Rate and Variable Rate tuition?"

"Locked Rate Variable Rate Tuition - Undergraduate Students"

Choosing either locked or variable rate codes will not affect military benefits, Hazlewood, or private and state 529 plans.