Legislation
Texas Education Code Section 54.241 Paragraph K, line 1 provides a person (veteran, spouse, or dependent) who is eligible for benefits under the federal Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or any other federal law authorizing veteran educational benefits. The person must file with the institution they intend to register a letter of intent to establish residence in this state and resides in this state while enrolled in the institution.
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
On January 26, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that the requirement that Veterans must have entered service in Texas in order to be eligible to receive the Texas Hazlewood exemption of tuition and fees at public schools (the fixed point residency requirement) was unconstitutional. The office of the Attorney General is currently reviewing the decision and may appeal the ruling. In the interim, current Hazlewood eligibility requirements remain unchanged, except for the individual specifically named in the lawsuit.
For more information on the Hazelwood Act, visit the Texas Veterans Commission page.
Tuition Waivers for Texas Veterans:
Exemption for payment of tuition and some fees at public colleges and universities. Tuition exemptions from charges for continuing education courses are optional on the part of the institution.
Eligibility: Veterans honorably discharged who served at least 181 days of active duty military service, who were Texas residents at time of entry into service and are current residents for tuition purposes. All Federal educational benefits must be exhausted.
Texas National Guard Tuition Program:
100% tuition reimbursement up to 12 semester hours for a maximum of 10 semesters or 5 academic years. Additionally, 15 educational grants maximum $6,000 annually. Tuition may be used for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, or technical courses.
Eligibility: Army National Guard service member must be enlisted, WO1-CW3, or 2nd Lt.-Capt.
Texas Veterans Commission
P.O. Box 12277
Austin, TX 78711-2277
Phone: 512-463-3168 / Toll Free: 877-898-3833
Fax: 512-463-3932
Sources: Student Veterans of America, American Legion