Combat Exemption for Children of Military Service Members
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Free tuition at Texas public colleges for dependent children of U.S. service members during any term the parent is deployed on combat duty.
- How much
- tuition (not fees) for each term the parent is deployed in combat, up to 150 credit hours
- Who qualifies
- Dependent child (incl. step/adopted) of a U.S. armed forces member deployed on combat duty outside the U.S.
- Texas resident or entitled to pay resident tuition; claimed as a tax dependent; GPA and hour limits apply for continuation.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Claimed per term while the parent is deployed.
- How to apply
- Contact your Texas public college's financial aid office and provide proof of the parent's deployment for that term (orders, unit pay records, etc.)
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (statutes.capitol.texas.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Texas public colleges exempt tuition (not fees) for a dependent child or stepchild of a U.S. armed forces member for any term during which the parent is deployed on active duty in a combative military operation outside the U.S. Student must be a Texas resident or entitled to resident tuition. Cumulative cap of 150 semester credit hours; not available if in default on a Texas-guaranteed student loan. Funded by appropriation -- if money is short, THECB prorates and schools must exempt only to the extent funds are available.
More money from Texas
- Dell Scholars Program$20,000 flexible scholarship + laptop, book credits, emergency funds, teletherapy
- TEXAS Grant (Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success)up to $5,399 per semester (2026-27 max; up to $16,197/yr with summer); target $2,500 per semester
- Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)up to $2,134/semester (community colleges), $3,896/semester (technical institutes), $1,840/semester (state colleges) in 2026-27
- Texas First Scholarship$10,798 (graduate 2+ semesters early) or $5,399 (less than 2 semesters early), 2026-27
- Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)up to $4,270 per year; up to $6,405 per year for undergraduates with exceptional need (2026-27)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.