Texas veteran education benefits
Stars rate how much each state offers veterans themselves for college, training and exam fees (family-only programs don't count): 5 = free public-college tuition for most resident veterans, no disability rating needed; 3 = partial grants or narrower eligibility; 1 = little or nothing beyond federal benefits. How we rate
150 free credit hours (tuition and most fees) at all public colleges, no rating needed, no discharge time limit.
Checked Oct 7, 2026. State benefits change often. Confirm the details with the state agency before you apply.
Verify on the official page means we could not fully confirm that detail on the agency's own page.
For veterans
Hazlewood Act (Tex. Educ. Code 54.341)
- What it covers
- Up to 150 credit hours tuition exemption, including most fees, at Texas public colleges and universities (undergrad and grad). Excludes books, supplies, living costs and student services fees. Continuing-ed (non-formula-funded) courses are optional per school.
- Who qualifies and limits
- Texas resident at entry, entered service in Texas, or Texas home of record. 181+ days active duty excluding initial training. Honorable or general discharge. Currently lives in Texas. Ch. 33/31 tuition is applied first if still available. Not in default on a Texas state student loan. Enrolled in a degree or certificate program; satisfactory progress.
For spouses and children
Hazlewood Legacy Act
- What it covers
- Veteran can pass unused hours (of the 150) to one child at a time
- Who qualifies and limits
- Child is a Texas resident, 25 or under (must stop at 26)
Hazlewood spouse/dependent (disability category)
- What it covers
- Each spouse or dependent gets their own 150 hours
- Who qualifies and limits
- Veteran meets the entry rule and is 100% P&T, IU, KIA, MIA or died of service; no age limit
Help with exam and license fees
State license application and exam fee waiver (Tex. Occ. Code 55.009)
- What it pays for
- State-agency license application and examination fees (state licenses only, not private IT certifications like Security+)
"Notwithstanding any other law, a state agency that issues a license shall waive the license application and examination fees paid to the state for an applicant who is: (1) a military service member or military veteran whose military service, training, or education substantially meets all of the requirements for the license..."
If you left the service 15 to 20 years ago
Excellent fit. No time limit after discharge. If Post-9/11 has expired (15-yr limit for pre-2013 separations), Hazlewood applies fully. Key barrier: must have entered service from Texas or listed Texas as home of record. Moving to Texas later doesn't qualify.
Who to contact
- State veterans agency
- Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
- Education office
- TVC Veterans Education (Hazlewood and SAA)
- State Approving Agency (approves schools and programs for the GI Bill)
- Texas Veterans Commission, Veterans Education (SAA)
Sources we checked
- tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/
- sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-meetings/statutory-citations/
- statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.55.htm
- nasaa-vetseducation.com/nasaa-contacts/
Federal benefits such as the GI Bill and VR&E are separate. See the FAQ and the GI Bill programs.