Gov. Rick Perry of Texas today proposed freezing college tuition for four years at the rate an entering freshman pays, the Houston Chronicle reported.

“This will help Texas families plan while giving students another incentive to finish on time,” he told lawmakers in his annual State of the State address.

The cost of attending Texas colleges has risen sharply since 2003, when tuition was deregulated.

Some educators, however, question how colleges that are not allowed to raise tuition will be able to make up the resulting shortfall unless the state provides more money — which is doubtful given its fiscal constraints.

Mr. Perry, a Republican, also expressed support for a proposal to extend in-state tuition rates to all military veterans, regardless of where they live. Doing so would show the state’s appreciation for their service, he said, and would enrich the experiences of their fellow students as well. —Katherine Mangan