Free College Education in Texas for Military?

Hey all! I live in Texas, and I'm considering joining the military after high school. My cousin mentioned something about Texas offering free college for military folks. Is this true? If yes, could someone please explain it a bit for me?

Hello! Your cousin is probably referring to the Hazlewood Act. This Texas-specific benefit provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

You'd have to meet some requirements to be eligible for the Hazlewood Act. The qualified veteran must:

- Have entered the service at a location in Texas, declared Texas as Home of Record, or was a Texas resident;

- Have received an honorable discharge or separation, or a general discharge under honorable conditions;

- Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas.

Dependents of veterans may also qualify, under specific conditions. It's a wonderful program that aims to assist veterans, and their dependents, to receive a higher education without immediate financial burden.

Now, it's important to note that other federal programs, like the Post 9/11 GI Bill, may also provide significant educational benefits for service members. It's making sure to explore those options too.

Lastly, the application procedures can be a bit specific and each college might handle it differently, so it's recommended to reach out to the financial aid office or a veteran services office at the college you're interested in.

To sum up, yes, Texas offers significant college tuition benefits to those who have served in the military. But, like anything, it's essential to do your research and understand the specifics of the program to ensure it's aligned with your goals. Good luck!