The bill, S.B. No. 1716, aims to enhance the enrollment of students with nontraditional secondary education backgrounds in public institutions of higher education in Texas. It amends Section 51.9241 of the Education Code to require institutions to assign a class rank to applicants who have completed nontraditional secondary education, using a method that involves calculating median scores on college entrance examinations. Additionally, institutions must post this median score information on their websites. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding financial assistance eligibility, allowing graduates of nontraditional secondary education to qualify for TEXAS grants and scholarships, provided they meet specific academic and residency requirements.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to disseminate information about financial assistance to high schools and to post relevant details on its website. It specifies that the changes will take effect for admissions and financial assistance awarded starting in the fall semester of 2026. The bill includes various insertions to clarify eligibility criteria for financial aid and scholarship programs, ensuring that students from nontraditional educational backgrounds are adequately supported in their pursuit of higher education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.9241, Education Code 56.013, Education Code 56.304, Education Code 56.3041, Education Code 56.308, Education Code 56.484 (Education Code 51, Education Code 56)