Bill > SB1716

This bill modifies Texas education laws to support the enrollment and financial assistance of students with nontraditional secondary education backgrounds. The bill requires public higher education institutions to assign a class rank to students with nontraditional education by calculating the median scores of college entrance examinations for each class rank and placing the nontraditional student in the highest rank where their exam scores meet or exceed the median. Institutions must also publicly post these median scores on their websites. Additionally, the bill expands eligibility for financial assistance programs like the TEXAS grant and Top 10% Scholarship to include students who can demonstrate successful completion of a nontraditional secondary education, ensuring they are treated similarly to traditional high school graduates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is required to disseminate information about financial assistance more broadly, including posting details online and recommending methods to reach parents and students. These changes will take effect for admissions and financial assistance starting with the fall 2026 semester, providing time for institutions to implement the new requirements. The bill aims to create more inclusive pathways for students with diverse educational backgrounds to access higher education and financial support.