As parents and students struggle to find ways to pay for the ever-rising costs of higher education, there seem to be fewer and fewer options to student loans. There is, however, help for families of  Texas veterans that many veterans may not know about it.

Texas veterans or their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Texas public colleges and universities. The Hazelwood Exemption (Hazelwood Act) provides an education benefit to honorably discharged or separated Texas veterans, and to eligible dependent children and spouses of Texas veterans for up to 150 semester credit hours. That is enough hours to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Eligible veterans, their children and spouses may receive an exemption from the payment of all tuition, dues, fees, and other required charges, including fees for correspondence courses, but excluding deposit fees, student service fees, and any fees or charges for books, lodging, board or clothing.

Who’s eligible?

Veterans:

• Who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces:
• Are Texas residents;
• Designated Texas as Home of
• Record; or
• Entered the service in Texas;
• Have served at least 181 days of active military duty excluding training, as indicated as “net active service” (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d)) on the DD214);
• Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions.

Children and Spouses

• Of veterans who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces:
• Are Texas residents;
• Designated Texas as Home of Record; or
• Entered the service in Texas.

The program also has a legacy program which allows a veteran with unused credit hours to transfer the credit hours to his or her child. The hours can even be divided among multiple children.

The program has specific requirements and stipulations, but it does work. Several sites, including, Texas.gov, can guide you through the process. The Hazelwood Exemption just may be the help you need to make your child’s education a reality.

education, scholarships