Program Purpose
To encourage persons employed as peace officers to take college courses designed to help them in their work.
Eligibility Requirements
- Employed as a Peace Officer by the state of Texas or by a political subdivision of Texas
- Enrolled as an undergraduate in an undergraduate program, including certificate, associate and baccalaureate degrees leading to a law enforcement-related or criminal justice certificate or degree. To access a list of Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice programs identified by each college or university, click Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Programs.
- Enroll in classes beginning fall 2011 or later
- 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)
- Making satisfactory academic progress toward the student’s degree as determined by the institution
- Apply for the exemption at least one week before the last date of the institution’s regular registration period for the applicable semester or other term
- Have not previously attempted a number of semester credit hours for courses taken at any Texas public institution of higher education while classified as a resident student for tuition purposes in excess of the maximum number specified in TEC Section 61.0595 (a) (30 hours beyond the degree requirement).
- To receive a continuation award, the police officer must meet the institution’s financial aid academic progress requirements.
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
Tuition and laboratory fees for courses offered as part of a law enforcement-related or criminal justice curriculum which pertain to the major requirements of the identified programs are eligible for reimbursement. Courses not directly related to law enforcement or criminal justice are not eligible for reimbursement even though they may be required for completion of the certificate or degree. No funds may be used to pay tuition for continuing education classes for which the college receives no state tax support.
Application Process
Provide the college registrar proof of employment as a paid police officer, and enroll in the courses of a law enforcement or criminal justice curriculum.
Additional Information
Contact your college for additional information.
- To read more about this program check out:
Texas Education Code 54.2081 and Texas Education Code 54.353
- Contact Us!
