Texas’ push to align higher education with workforce needs is getting a boost from federal policy. President Donald Trump’s recently signed “Big Beautiful Bill” expands Pell Grants to cover short-term job training programs, while capping federal loans for graduate and professional degrees, a change education advocates say could reshape career paths for thousands of Texans.
According to The Dallas Morning News, the new law allows Pell Grants, which provide up to $7,395 annually for low-income students, to fund 8- to 15-week programs aimed at high-demand, high-paying jobs. Supporters in Texas say this could help fill workforce gaps in sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and skilled trades.
However, the legislation also eliminates the federal Grad PLUS loan program, setting borrowing limits of $100,000 for graduate degrees and $200,000 for professional degrees. This could put medical and law school out of reach for many Texans, potentially narrowing the state’s talent pipeline in critical fields.
Proponents argue the changes will curb student debt and encourage faster entry into the job market. Critics warn the shift away from bachelor’s and advanced degrees may limit long-term earning potential and restrict access for low-income students.
Texas workforce leaders say the measure mirrors state initiatives that tie community college funding to job outcomes and expand oversight of universities. The Texas Workforce Commission projects more than 1.8 million annual job openings between 2022 and 2032, with many requiring postsecondary credentials.
“The pendulum is starting to swing,” Christina Etri of Dallas-based nonprofit ScholarShot, told The Dallas Morning News, noting a growing interest in vocational programs. Still, advocates caution it’s too soon to know whether this new emphasis will deliver lasting economic mobility.
