Military: Honorably Discharged, Separated or Retired Veterans who Move to Texas

Program Purpose

To provide an immediate waiver of nonresident tuition to the veteran, spouse and dependent children who move to Texas upon separation from the military.

NOTE: This webpage is intended to provide basic information for the public by highlighting requirements that appear in the Texas Education Code (TEC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC). When reviewing eligibility requirements this exemption program, you should always refer to the relevant statutes and rules. The information on this webpage is to be used solely as a resource and does not override the statute or rules for this exemption program. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, legal advice.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals who:

  • Are former members of the U.S. Armed Forces or former Commissioned Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service;
  • Are retired or have been honorably discharged;
  • Have enrolled in a Texas public college or university for any term or semester at a state institution of higher education that begins before the first anniversary of the member's separation; and
  • Have met the following requirements :
    • At least one year preceding the first day of the term or semester executed a document with the applicable service branch that is in effect on the first day of the term or semester that (a) indicates the member's permanent residence address is in Texas and (b) designates Texas as the member's place of legal residence for income tax purposes;
    • Registers to vote in Texas for the entire year preceding the first day of the term or semester; and
    • Satisfies at least one of the following:
      • for the entire year preceding the first day of the term or semester has owned real property in Texas and in that time has not been delinquent in the payment of any taxes on the property;
      • Has had an automobile registered in Texas for the entire year preceding the first day of the term or semester; or
      • At least one year preceding the first day of the term or semester executed a will that has not been revoked or superseded indicating that the member is a resident of this state and deposited the will with the county clerk of the county of the member's residence under Section 71, Texas Probate Code.

Eligible Institutions

Limited to Texas public colleges and universities.

Award Amount

This program permits nonresident students to pay tuition and fees at the resident rate.

Application Process

The Office of the Registrar at each college normally processes waivers. If they do not process waivers, they should be able to refer you to the proper office on campus.

Additional Information

  • Generally, student eligibility for a waiver must be established prior to or at the time of enrollment. Contact your college for additional information.

  • To read more about this program check out:

    Texas Education Code 54.241(i)

  • Contact Us!

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