AUSTIN — Your high school student could graduate early and save thousands on college tuition thanks to a new Texas law that’s making it easier for teens to earn college credits while still in high school.
House Bill 120, which took effect this year, dramatically expands programs that let students take college courses for free and get hands-on career training — with a special focus on helping kids in rural communities who often have fewer opportunities.
What This Means for Your Family
If you have a high school student, here’s what could change:
Free College Classes: Your teenager can now take college courses at no cost to your family. Previously, many families had to pay hundreds of dollars per course. Now the state picks up the tab for students who qualify.
Graduate Early: Students who take enough college courses while in high school can potentially graduate early and head to college with a head start — or even finish their associate degree before their friends graduate high school.
Better Career Guidance: Every high school now gets trained advisors to help students plan their futures, whether that’s college, trade school, or jumping straight into a career.
Real Examples of How It Works
Take Sarah, a junior at a rural high school outside Houston. Under the new law, she can take welding classes at the local community college for free, earning both high school and college credit. By graduation, she’ll have industry certifications and college credits worth thousands of dollars.
Or consider Marcus, who’s interested in nursing. He can now take college-level science courses while finishing high school, potentially entering nursing school a full year ahead of schedule.
Who Qualifies
The program especially targets students who:
- Come from low-income families
- Live in rural areas with limited educational options
- Want to pursue technical careers like welding, automotive repair, or healthcare
- Are ready for college-level work but want to stay close to home
The Money Factor
Here’s where it gets interesting for your wallet: College courses that typically cost $400-800 each are now free for qualifying students. A student who takes just four college courses could save $3,200 or more.
“The benefits generated by dual credit education greatly exceeded the cost of its delivery,” according to research on similar programs, meaning students who participate tend to do better in college and earn more money later.
What Students Are Saying
Early participants report feeling more confident about their futures. They’re graduating with real job skills, college credits, and often job offers waiting for them.
The program is especially popular in rural communities where students previously had to choose between staying close to home or getting advanced training.
Potential Concerns
Not everyone is convinced the changes are perfect. Some parents worry about:
- Whether their teenager is really ready for college-level work
- Missing out on traditional high school experiences
- The pressure to make career decisions at a young age
Education experts say proper counseling and gradual introduction to college courses can address most of these concerns.
What You Need to Do
If you’re interested in these opportunities for your student:
- Talk to your high school counselor about what programs are available at your school
- Ask about dual credit courses at nearby community colleges
- Look into career and technical education programs that might fit your student’s interests
- Don’t wait — some programs fill up quickly
The Bigger Picture
This law represents Texas betting big on the idea that not every successful career requires a four-year degree. By giving students more pathways to success — whether that’s college, trade school, or direct entry into skilled careers — the state hopes to build a stronger workforce and give families more options.
For rural communities especially, this could be a game-changer. Students who previously had limited choices now have access to the same opportunities as their peers in big cities.
Bottom Line
If you have a high school student, this law could mean real money in your pocket and better career prospects for your teenager. The key is knowing what’s available and taking advantage of it.
Contact your local high school or community college to learn more about what specific programs are offered in your area. With the right planning, your student could graduate with valuable skills, college credits, and a clear path to their future — all while saving your family thousands of dollars.
