Program Purpose
To encourage senior citizens to continue their education and keep involved with local colleges and universities.
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
- Texas residents, nonresidents or foreign students
- Enroll at a college or university whose governing board has chosen to offer this program
- Enroll in a class that is not already filled with students who are paying full price for the courses. (If the class is too small to accommodate both regular students and senior citizens, the regular students must be given priority.)
- Enroll in classes for which the college receives tax support (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its costs)
FYI: colleges or universities are not required to offer this program. Each school’s governing board has to choose to do so in order for the college to allow senior citizens to audit classes for free.
New Requirements Fall, 2014 Senate Bill 1210 (83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session) adds a Grade Point Average requirement for persons to receive continuation awards through the program. The Bill also establishes a Limit to the Total Number of Hours, cumulative, that a student may take and continue to receive awards through this program. These changes go into effect in fall, 2014. Contact your institution for more information.
Eligible Institutions
Available only for use at a Texas public college or university.
To access listings of Texas public colleges and universities, follow the links to Texas Public Institutions.
Award Amount
The maximum award is tuition and fees for the number of hours audited in a semester. No funds may be used to pay tuition for continuing education classes for which the college receives no state tax support.
Application Process
Contact the college registrar to find out if the college or university offers this program. Then, provide proof of eligibility.
Additional Information
Contact your college for additional information.
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