Sec. 7.040.  POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.  (a)  The agency shall prepare information comparing institutions of higher education in this state and post the information on the agency's Internet website.  Information prepared under this section shall be made publicly available in a manner that is accessible to any public or private school student seeking the information.  The information shall:
(1)  identify postsecondary education and career opportunities, including information that states the benefits of four-year and two-year higher education programs, postsecondary technical education, skilled workforce careers, and career education programs;
(2)  assist prospective postsecondary students in assessing the value of a certificate program, associate or baccalaureate degree program, or other credential program offered by an institution of higher education by comparing each institution with other institutions using information included in the electronic tools or platforms developed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Section 61.09022(a);
(3)  identify the state's future workforce needs, as projected by the Texas Workforce Commission;
(4)  include annual starting wage information and educational requirements for the top 25 highest demand jobs in this state, as identified by the Texas Workforce Commission;
(5)  identify the 40 baccalaureate degree programs with the highest average annual wages following graduation; and
(6)  identify the 20 associate degree or certificate programs with the highest average annual wages following graduation.
(b)  The agency shall collaborate with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission to obtain the information required under Subsection (a).  The agency shall incorporate the use of existing materials and develop new materials to be provided to counselors, students, and parents regarding institutions of higher education.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 299 (H.B. 1296), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Amended by: 
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 378 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1011 (H.B. 2920), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2023.