The list of high-demand fields for FY 25 is based on a new methodology that better represents the variety of occupations in our complex economy and the specific needs of each unique region.
It begins by ranking groups of occupations (defined at the four-digit SOC level) by the total statewide number of new jobs projected over the next ten years by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This total generally includes only the occupations within the group where entry requires education, training, or certain types of licensure after high school but less than a bachelor’s degree. All occupations within the top ten occupation groups that meet the education/training criteria are statewide high-demand occupations.
The method then does the same ranking for each of Texas’ twelve economic regions (as defined by the Texas Comptroller). All qualifying occupations within the top five occupation groups on a region’s list after excluding the groups that appear on the statewide top-ten list are the high-demand occupations for that region.
An institution’s region is determined by the Comptroller region where it is located. Starting in FY2025, an institution may request to switch to a neighboring region that overlaps with its service area by emailing CCFinance@highered.texas.gov. Once reassigned, an institution must remain within that region for at least four years.
Each college’s high-demand occupations consist of the high-demand occupations from the statewide list and from the list for the region where its main campus is located. A “SOC-CIP crosswalk,” created jointly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Education, provides a list of all the academic fields that prepare students for each occupation. If an academic field prepares students for a high-demand occupation according to this crosswalk, then it is a high-demand field, and credentials conferred in that field are eligible for the high-demand fields funding rate.
FY25 funding for credentials in high-demand fields will consider credentials conferred in FY23, FY24, and FY25. Initial funding amounts will be based on credentials awarded in FY23 and trendline projection amounts for FY24 and FY25, and funding amounts will be adjusted through the settle-up process as FY24 and FY25 credential data becomes available.
The preliminary list of high-demand fields for credentials conferred in FY23 is located here: CCFF FY23 High-Demand Fields for FY25 Funding.xlsx.
The Board will consider this list, as well as an updated list for credentials conferred in FY24 and FY25, at the July 2024 Board meeting.
An institution’s region is determined by the Comptroller region where it is located. Starting in FY2025, an institution may request to switch to a neighboring region that overlaps with its service area by emailing CCFinance@highered.texas.gov. Once reassigned, an institution must remain within that region for at least four years.
Pending Board approval, there are separate processes by which Emerging Occupations and Essential Occupations can be identified and approved. More details will be added after the Board approves the FY25 rules at its meeting on April 25, 2024.