(a) An institution of higher education may charge a student 55 years of age or older tuition and fees at rates that are lower than the rates otherwise provided by this chapter, under the condition that a student under 55 years of age will not be precluded from enrolling in a course for credit toward a degree or certificate. The institution may set additional qualifications that a student must meet to qualify for tuition and fees at rates set under this section and may set different rates for different programs, campuses, or courses. The institution may set rates under this section for resident students, nonresident students, or both, and may set different rates for resident students and nonresident students.
(b) A tuition or fee rate set under this section must apply uniformly to each student that meets the applicable qualifications set by the institution to pay tuition or fees at that rate.

(c) The legislature in an appropriations act shall account for the rates authorized by Subsection (a) in a way that does not increase the general revenue appropriations to that institution.