Texas's Gift to Veterans
The Hazlewood Act is one of the most generous state veteran education benefits in the country—providing up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities.
For families considering military-focused higher education, this benefit can cover the full cost of programs like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, making an elite military experience accessible at no tuition cost.
What the Hazlewood Act Provides
For Eligible Veterans:
- Up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption
- Covers tuition and most fees at public Texas institutions
- No expiration date on eligibility
- Can be used for undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs
For Eligible Dependents (Legacy Program):
- Unused Hazlewood hours can be transferred to children
- Same 150-hour maximum (minus hours used by veteran)
- Must be used before age 25 (with some exceptions)
Veteran Eligibility
To qualify, the veteran must:
- Be a Texas resident at time of entry into service, OR
- Have designated Texas as Home of Record, OR
- Have been a Texas resident for at least 12 months before enrollment
AND meet one of these service requirements:
- Served at least 181 days of active duty
- Was discharged due to service-connected disability after any length of service
- Received an honorable or general discharge
Dependent (Legacy) Eligibility
Children of eligible veterans can use transferred hours if they:
- Are biological children, stepchildren, or adopted children
- Are Texas residents
- Have not yet received a bachelor's degree
- Are under age 25 (extensions available for military service)
The veteran must have unused hours to transfer.
Military Programs Covered
The Hazlewood Act covers tuition at all Texas public institutions, including:
Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
- One of the largest and most prestigious military programs outside service academies
- Produces more officers than any school except the academies
- Full Hazlewood coverage for tuition
Other Military-Friendly Texas Public Institutions:
- Texas State University (Army ROTC)
- University of Texas at Austin (All ROTC branches)
- University of North Texas (All ROTC branches)
- Texas Tech University (Army, Air Force ROTC)
What's NOT Covered
The Hazlewood Act does not cover:
- Room and board — Must pay separately
- Private institutions — Only public schools qualify
- Out-of-state schools — Texas institutions only
- Marine Military Academy — Private institution, not covered
For private military schools like Marine Military Academy, consider combining federal benefits (GI Bill) with school financial aid.
Hazlewood vs. GI Bill: Which to Use First
General Strategy: Many advisors recommend using Hazlewood first and saving GI Bill benefits because:
- GI Bill provides housing allowance; Hazlewood doesn't
- GI Bill can be used anywhere; Hazlewood is Texas-only
- GI Bill has time limits; Hazlewood doesn't expire
However, this depends on your situation:
- If staying in Texas, Hazlewood maximizes total benefits
- If child may attend out-of-state, preserve GI Bill for that
- If housing allowance is critical, GI Bill may be better
Consult a veterans education counselor to plan your specific strategy.
How to Apply
Step 1: Gather Documentation
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Proof of Texas residency
- For dependents: birth certificate or adoption papers
Step 2: Apply to the Institution Complete standard college admissions process.
Step 3: Submit Hazlewood Application Each Texas public institution has its own Hazlewood office. Submit:
- Hazlewood Act Exemption Application
- DD-214
- Residency documentation
- Legacy Act forms (if dependent)
Step 4: Verification The institution verifies eligibility with the Texas Veterans Commission.
For Military School Families
If considering Texas A&M Corps of Cadets:
- Hazlewood covers tuition fully
- Corps fees are generally covered
- Room and board in Corps housing is separate cost
- Uniforms and equipment may have additional costs
If considering Marine Military Academy (high school):
- Hazlewood does NOT apply (private institution)
- Consider Texas 529 plans for K-12 tuition
- Federal programs may help with post-secondary education
Dual-Enrollment Opportunity
Some Texas military high schools offer dual-enrollment college credits. Students can potentially:
- Earn college credits during high school
- Transfer to Texas public university
- Use Hazlewood for remaining hours
This maximizes the value of the 150-hour exemption.
Important Deadlines and Limits
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit hour limit | 150 hours total (veteran + dependents combined) |
| Age limit for dependents | Generally 25, with military service extensions |
| Application deadline | Varies by institution; apply early |
| Concurrent enrollment | Can use Hazlewood and GI Bill separately for different terms |
Stacking Benefits
Texas allows strategic combination of benefits:
- Hazlewood for tuition + GI Bill for housing (different semesters)
- Hazlewood for undergraduate + GI Bill for graduate
- 529 Plan for room and board + Hazlewood for tuition
Resources
- Texas Veterans Commission — Official Hazlewood information
- Texas A&M Corps of Cadets — Program information
- Your institution's Veterans Services Office — Application assistance
Key Takeaways
- Hazlewood provides up to 150 hours of free tuition at Texas public institutions
- Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is fully covered under Hazlewood
- Veterans can transfer unused hours to children (Legacy Program)
- Private military schools like Marine Military Academy are NOT covered
- Strategic planning between Hazlewood and GI Bill maximizes total benefits
Next Steps
Learn about the service academy pathway as an alternative. Explore military school costs and funding for private school options.