Program Purpose
Provide tuition assistance to eligible peace officers and firefighters permanently disabled due to injury suffered during the performance of duty.
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
To qualify for this exemption, the applicant must:
- Be a resident of the state of Texas who has resided in Texas for at least the 12 months immediately preceding the semester for which the exemption is sought;
- Be permanently disabled due to an injury suffered during the performance of a duty as either:
- A peace officer of Texas or of a political subdivision of Texas; OR
- A firefighter employed by Texas or by a political subdivision of Texas;
- Be unable to continue employment as a peace officer or firefighter because of the disability;
- Have filed a selective service statement of registration status and proof of status with their institution (not applicable if attending a public community college).
To continue receiving an exemption after initially being awarded, the student must:
- Meet all program eligibility requirements;
- Meet the institution’s financial aid GPA requirement;
- Not have attempted an excessive number of semester credit hours as an undergraduate student (see Texas Education Code, Section 54.014).
- Exemption from tuition is only for courses in which the institution receives formula funding (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its costs).
- This exemption may not exceed 12 semesters or sessions while the student is an undergraduate or attending only undergraduate courses.
- At the graduate level this exemption can be used toward the completion of one master’s degree and the completion of one doctoral degree.
- Your institution will determine the documentation you must submit to confirm proof of eligibility for this exemption.
- Contact your Texas public college or university if you have questions.
- Program statute—Texas Education Code, Section 54.352
- General questions? Call 888-311-8881
- Contact Us!
Note: A student who does not meet the GPA requirement or excessive hour restriction may qualify for a hardship exception; contact your institution for more information.
Eligible Institutions
All Texas public colleges and universities are required to participate in this program.
Award Amount
The award exempts an eligible person from the payment of tuition and fees for a course for which space is available.
Application Process
Contact your institution if you are interested in this exemption program. See the Office of the Registrar, the Admissions Office, or the Student Financial Aid Office.
Additional Information
