Beaumont, TX – Today, the Texas State University System joined Representative Dade Phelan and Speaker Dennis Bonnen to announce that effective immediately, the three Lamar State Colleges have reduced tuition and fees by an average of 25 percent.
"The Lamar State Colleges have a long and successful history of preparing Southeast Texas residents for jobs in our local economy,” said Representative Phelan (R-Beaumont). “This tuition cut will save the average student hundreds of dollars each semester, making it easier for them to earn a 2-year degree and improve their quality of life. I applaud the efforts of the Texas State University System Regents, and Chancellor Brian McCall for their leadership and dedication to this area of the state."
This announcement comes after the 86th Texas Legislature approved the state budget that provides an additional $17.3 million to buy down tuition and fees at the Lamar State Colleges. The Texas State University System Board of Regents used this new money to reduce tuition and fees to $1,995 per semester.
“I would like to thank Speaker Bonnen for his leadership and my colleagues in the Texas legislature for approving additional resources for the Lamar State Colleges,” said Representative Phelan. “This significant tuition cut will allow students to take more courses and reduce their time to get a degree, and graduate with little or no student debt.”
Representative Phelan is serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives. He proudly serves House District 21, representing both Jefferson and Orange Counties. He serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on State Affairs.