SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine to reduce tuition rates

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 1563, authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, on May 19 to allow the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe to receive state formula funding. SB 1563, according to the Texas Legislature Online, makes the college eligible for the funding granted through the health-related institution and operation formula.

The big picture

According to a news release May 31, SHSU's Conroe campus is the first new college of osteopathic medicine to be established with legislative support since 1977. The new law eliminates the disparities that exist between SHSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine tuition and tuition costs of all other Texas public medical schools and private schools.

• The average in-state tuition and fees at a Texas public medical school is $23,800.
• Previous in-state tuition and fees at SHSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine was $59,100.
• New tuition and program fees after state funding will be $26,500.
• Changes will go into effect starting in the fall 2024 semester.

Quote of note

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Abbott, Sen. Brandon Creighton, Representative Will Metcalf, the legislature, the leadership of the university and the Texas State University System, and all those who have supported our journey,” said Thomas Mohr, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, in the news release. “The success of this initiative was due to our mission and the early successes of our student doctors, faculty and staff.”

The background

SHSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine is the seventh public college of osteopathic medicine in the country and one of three in the state, according to the news release.

• The college was established in 2019.
• The first cohort of physicians will graduate in May 2024 from the Conroe campus.
• More than 96% of SHSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine students are Texans who plan to remain in state to set up practice.
• Students in the inaugural class have a 100% pass rate on the national board examination,
• 97.1% pass the exam on the first attempt.