7. Texas Tuition Exemption Programs

Don't want to pay tuition? Maybe you qualify!

Texas tuition exemption programs exempt a student from paying tuition and on occasion fees. These are not need-based programs and, as a result, are often not awarded through a school’s financial aid office. For application instructions, contact your college’s financial aid office.

Exemptions are a type of financial assistance allowing some Texas residents to attend a public college or university in Texas without paying tuition or, in some cases, tuition and fees.

Listed below are the exemption programs available to Texas residents.

• Adopted Students formerly under the Conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)

• Blind/Deaf Student Exemption Program

• Children of Disabled or Deceased Firemen, Peace Officers, Game Wardens, and Employees of Correctional Institutions

• Combat Exemption for Children of Military Service Members

• Concurrent Enrollment Waiver

• Educational Aide Exemption

• Highest Ranking High School Graduates

• Students Enrolled in Courses for Dual High School and College-Level Credit

• Surviving Spouse and Minor Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants (Employees)

• Irrelevant Fees

• Out-of-District Fees for Certain Students Living Outside a Public Community/Junior College's Taxing District

• Children of Professional Nursing Program Faculty and Staff

• Clinical Preceptors and Their Children

• Fee Proration for Students Enrolled in Shorter than Average Terms

• Firefighters Taking Fire Science Courses

• Hazlewood Exemption (for Texas Veterans)

• Military:

  • Children of U.S. Military who are Missing in Action or Prisoners of War (MIA/POWs)

  • Orphans of Texas Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard

  • Texas National Guard Tuition Assistance Program

• TANF Exemption Program

• TAPS for Tuition Program

• Current or Former Foster Care Students under the Conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)

• Students Taking More than 15 Hours

For availability as well as application instructions, check with your college's financial aid office.