Texas GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Texas GI Bill Tuition Rates

Changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill are making state residency a major factor in the tuition benefits veterans can receive. As of August 1, 2011, the Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition award amount is limited to in-state tuition at a public institution or up to $17,500 for a private school.

Military personnel who want to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill in Texas are in luck. The Texas Higher Education Code states that individuals are entitled to in-state student rates at Texas colleges if they reside in Texas and are eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you are not yet eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which requires 36 months of service for full benefits, you may want to establish Texas residency anyway to get lower tuition rates.

Texas Residency Requirements

All Texas public institutions of higher education follow guidelines set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Although standard residency requirements include proof of legal domicile in Texas for twelve months prior to enrollment, a number of residency exemptions exist for military personnel.

Active duty. In view of the transitory nature of military assignment and deployment, the Texas legislature waives the 12-month continuous residency requirement for active-duty military under certain conditions:

• Assigned to duty in Texas. Military personnel stationed in Texas by military order may register as a resident for tuition purposes regardless of the duration of their residence in the state.
• Assigned to duty outside of Texas. If your home of record is Texas, you can continue taking classes at the resident rate from anywhere.
• After assignment in Texas. A military spouse or child may retain residency even if the service person is transferred to another station or deployed, as long as the family member resides continuously in Texas.
• Continuous enrollment in Texas. Members and family who are residents at the time of enrollment maintain their resident status throughout the program, provided they remain continuously enrolled.

These exceptions apply to active-duty military who are members of Texas military units including Texas Army and National Guard. A list and description of these residency waivers may be found on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board site.

Veterans. Veterans and their spouse or dependents qualify for residency if they enroll in a higher education institution within one year of their honorable discharge. Additionally, you must have taken action at least one year prior to the start of classes to establish Texas as your permanent residence. Qualifying actions may include making Texas their military home of record or registering to vote in Texas.

Survivors. A military spouse or child may secure residency if the service person dies or is killed, provided the survivor establishes residency in Texas within 60 days of the death.

How to Apply for Residency

Each higher education institution manages its own residency application and review process. Most institutions require a military home of record form or a leave and earnings statement showing a Texas permanent address. Military personnel stationed out of state may need to file an Intent to Establish Residency TEC form.

In addition to this and other supporting documentation, students must complete an institutional application such as the Core Residency Question Form.

Additional Texas Education Benefits

In addition to generous residency policies for military personnel, Texas is among the few states that waive tuition for veterans attending public colleges and universities. The Texas Hazlewood Act of 2010 exempts veterans from tuition and some fees provided the student has served at least 180 days of duty and was a Texas resident at the time of enrollment in military service.

Dependent children and spouses of military personnel, including Texas National Guard members, who died or were disabled due to military service may also be eligible for Hazlewood Act benefits. The THECB has additional eligibility details for the Hazlewood Act.

GIBill.com has done its best to ensure that the above information is accurate. However, GIBill.com cannot guarantee its accuracy and encourages you to check with your school for its residency requirements to qualify for in-state tuition.