Are you a Texas veteran or a family member aiming for a debt-free college experience?
The Texas Hazlewood Act for tuition support might be just what you need. Offering up to 150 credit hours of waived tuition and many mandatory fees at Texas public schools, this benefit exists to reward the sacrifices service members and their families have made.
Whether you’re an active learner, a spouse hoping to jumpstart your career, or a child ready to take on higher education, Hazlewood paves the way.
In this guide, we’ll explore eligibility, application steps, and tips to make the most of this opportunity.
If you’re a Texas veteran or a family member of one, the Texas Hazlewood Act for tuition support could be your ticket to a fully funded college education at a public institution. This powerful state benefit offers up to 150 credit hours of free tuition and most fees at Texas public colleges, universities, and technical schools.
Whether you’re a first-time student, looking to finish an unfinished degree, or hoping to pass on this benefit to your children, read on. This guide will break down eligibility, explain how much you can save, show you how to apply, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
View the Hazlewood Official Application
In this Article
What Is the Texas Hazlewood Act?
The Texas Hazlewood Act is a state-level education benefit that waives tuition and most fees for up to 150 credit hours at Texas public institutions for eligible veterans, spouses, and children.
Established in 1929 and updated several times since, the Hazlewood Act reflects Texas’ commitment to honor those who served. Named after Senator Grady Hazlewood—a veteran and strong military advocate—this benefit is often seen as a game-changer for Texas veterans and their families. Unlike the federal GI Bill, which has time-sensitive usage and might include housing and book allowances, the Hazlewood Act focuses specifically on tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges, universities, and technical schools in Texas.
Key Takeaways:
- Up to 150 credit hours of tuition and fee exemptions (does not include books, housing, or optional fees).
- Only applies to Texas public institutions (no private schools).
- No repayment obligation—this is an outright exemption for those who qualify.
For more detailed information, visit the Texas Veterans Commission Hazlewood webpage.
Who Qualifies for Hazlewood Tuition Support?
Eligible groups include Texas veterans with an honorable discharge, their spouses under specific conditions, and their children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren) who meet residency and service requirements.
While the Texas Hazlewood Act for tuition support is generous, you must meet several conditions:
- Veterans:
- Received an honorable discharge (anything below “honorable” generally disqualifies you).
- Served at least 180 days of active duty (training days don’t count).
- Must currently reside in Texas and/or have enlisted in Texas.
- Have exhausted any overlapping federal education benefits (e.g., GI Bill).
- Spouses:
- The veteran died from service-connected causes or is declared 100% disabled because of their service.
- Must meet the same residency requirements (living in Texas now or considered a Texas resident at enlistment).
- Children:
- Must be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of an eligible veteran.
- The veteran’s service meets the discharge and residency criteria.
- Child must also be a Texas resident at the time of enrollment.
What Does the Hazlewood Act Cover?
It covers up to 150 credit hours of tuition and most mandatory fees at Texas public schools, but not books, housing, or meal plans.
The Texas Hazlewood Act for tuition support is all about cutting the cost of attending a public institution in Texas:
- Tuition: Full exemption for eligible courses up to 150 credit hours.
- Most Mandatory Fees: Lab fees, student activity fees, etc. Parking permits, optional sports fees, and other non-mandatory charges typically aren’t covered.
- Not Covered: Books, dorm fees, meal plans, or additional charges that aren’t deemed mandatory by the institution.
For instance, if you enroll at Texas A&M, you’ll see tuition and the bulk of standard fees waived, but you’ll still need to budget for textbooks, campus parking, and any extra fees for specialized programs or labs.
Hazlewood vs. Legacy: What’s the Difference?
- Standard Hazlewood: The veteran uses up to 150 credit hours personally.
- Hazlewood Legacy: The veteran can transfer any unused hours to one child.
The Hazlewood Act has two main paths:
- Standard Hazlewood
- For the veteran’s own education.
- Offers 150 credit hours.
- Non-transferable once fully or partially used.
- Hazlewood Legacy
- Allows a veteran to pass their unused hours to one child.
- If the veteran used 50 hours, they can transfer the remaining 100, etc.
- Only one child can use Legacy at a time.
Real-World Example: A veteran who has used 30 hours for an associate’s degree can transfer the remaining 120 hours to a child for a bachelor’s degree at a Texas public university.
Hazlewood Benefits Table
| Type | Who Uses It? | Hours Covered | Transferable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Veteran | 150 | No |
| Legacy | Child | 150 | Yes (to 1 child) |
How to Apply
Gather your proof of eligibility (DD-214, residency documents, etc.), complete the Hazlewood application, and submit it to your chosen Texas public school’s VA certifying official each semester.
- Confirm Eligibility: Check discharge status, Texas residency, and federal benefit usage.
- Gather Documents:
- DD-214 (showing honorable discharge and at least 180 days of active duty).
- Proof of Residency (Texas driver’s license, voter registration, etc.).
- Birth or Marriage Certificate (for dependents).
- Fill Out Forms:
- Veterans: Hazlewood Application (available from Texas Veterans Commission).
- Dependents: Dependent Application form.
- Submit to School: Turn in all materials to your school’s VA certifying official.
- Wait for Processing: It may take days or weeks for final approval.
- Renew Each Semester: You’ll often submit a renewal or verification form each term.
What Schools Accept Hazlewood?
Short Answer:
All public community colleges, universities, and technical schools in Texas accept Hazlewood. Private institutions do not.
In-Depth Explanation:
Whether you want a four-year university or a two-year community college, Hazlewood applies so long as it’s a public institution in Texas. Examples include:
- University of Texas (UT) System
- Texas A&M System
- Texas Tech University System
- Community Colleges (e.g., ACC, HCC, Lone Star)
- Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
Private schools like Baylor or Rice do not accept Hazlewood. Always verify with your institution’s financial aid or veterans’ affairs office to ensure proper enrollment and document submission.
How Much Can You Save?
Savings can range from around $7,500 at community colleges up to $40,000 or more at four-year universities.
Public tuition costs in Texas vary by institution, but using Hazlewood to waive 150 credit hours can lead to significant savings. For example:
- Community Colleges: Approximately $2,500 per year, so a two- or three-year program might total \$7,500 to \$10,000 in waived fees.
- Four-Year Universities: Tuition can range from \$10,000 to \$11,000 yearly, leading to \$40,000+ in total savings over four years.
Savings Example Table
| School Type | Annual Tuition | 150 Hours Total | Hazlewood Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College | $2,500 | $7,500 (approx.) | $7,500+ |
| State University | $11,000 | $33,000 (approx.) | $33,000+ |
Note: Actual tuition rates and fees may vary. Consult your school’s official website or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for updated figures.
Hazlewood vs. GI Bill: Which Should You Use?
Use your GI Bill first if you can (because it expires), then use Hazlewood afterward since it has no time limit and can extend your total education benefit coverage.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill typically covers tuition, fees, and may include a housing allowance and book stipend for up to 36 months. However, it expires 15 years after separation for many veterans. In contrast, the Hazlewood Act:
- Has no expiration
- Covers only tuition and certain fees
- Is limited to Texas public institutions
Example: A veteran might use the GI Bill for undergraduate studies (including housing allowance) at any U.S. university, then later utilize Hazlewood at a public school in Texas for graduate work.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
Other options include federal VA programs like Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance), state grants, and scholarships from veterans’ organizations or local community groups.
If you discover you’re not eligible for the Texas Hazlewood Act for tuition support, consider these alternatives:
- Chapter 35 (DEA): Provides a monthly stipend of up to \$1,671 for spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans.
- Texas Tuition Promise Fund: A prepaid tuition plan that can help reduce costs for qualifying families.
- Veteran-Specific Scholarships: Offered by AMVETS, VFW, and other military-focused organizations.
- State Financial Aid: Grants like the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) or the TEXAS Grant.
Speak with your school’s financial aid office or check the Texas Veterans Commission for additional help.
Tips to Maximize Hazlewood Benefits
Be strategic by attending community college first, going full-time when possible, and pairing Hazlewood with other financial aid.
- Start at Community College: Save money on books and fees by completing core requirements at a lower cost.
- Transfer to a Four-Year School: Continue using remaining Hazlewood hours toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Go Full-Time: Finish faster and use fewer total semesters of your 150-hour allotment.
- Combine with Financial Aid: Pell Grants, scholarships, and other assistance can help cover books, housing, and meal plans.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your used hours to avoid running out unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who’s eligible for Hazlewood benefits?
Texas veterans who served at least 180 days, received an honorable discharge, and have exhausted federal education benefits, plus their spouses and children (under certain conditions).
2. What does Hazlewood cover?
Tuition and most mandatory fees at Texas public schools—up to 150 hours, but not books or housing.
3. Can I use it with the GI Bill?
Typically, you must first exhaust your GI Bill benefits. Hazlewood doesn’t overlap federal aid for the same credit hours.
4. How many hours do I get?
Up to 150 credit hours—enough for a bachelor’s degree or more.
5. Can kids use it?
Yes, via Legacy. The veteran can transfer unused hours to one child.
6. Does it apply if I moved to Texas later?
You generally must have been a Texas resident at the time of enlistment and reside in Texas now. Check with your local VA office for specifics.
7. Does it expire?
No, there is no time limit on Hazlewood benefits.
8. How long does approval take?
It varies by institution. Processing can take a few days to several weeks, so apply early.
9. Can I use it for grad school?
Yes, as long as you stay within the 150-hour limit and enroll in a public Texas institution.
10. What if my veteran parent died?
Spouses and children may qualify if the death was service-connected and other conditions are met.
Your Next Move
You’ve served your country—now let the Texas Hazlewood Act for tuition support serve you. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather Documents: DD-214, proof of residency, birth/marriage certificates for dependents.
- Visit the Texas Veterans Commission Website: Official Hazlewood Page for applications and FAQs.
- Choose Your Public Texas Institution: Contact the veterans’ affairs or financial aid office to confirm deadlines and forms.
- Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in your application.
- Plan Ahead: Decide if you’ll use Hazlewood for undergrad, grad, or transfer hours via Legacy.
If you have questions, call the Texas Veterans Commission at 877-898-3833 or consult your school’s VA office. By leveraging Hazlewood, you can secure a valuable education for yourself or your family—tuition-free. You’ve earned it.
