Exemption for Firefighters Enrolled in Fire Science Courses
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Free tuition and lab fees for fire science courses at Texas public colleges for paid Texas firefighters and qualifying volunteer firefighters.
- How much
- tuition and laboratory fees for fire science courses
- Who qualifies
- Paid firefighter employed by a Texas political subdivision, or certified volunteer firefighter (1+ yr active)
- Only fire science curriculum courses; SAP and excessive-hours rules apply.
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For fire science, emergency medicine, emergency management students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Claimed each term.
- How to apply
- Contact the registrar, admissions or financial aid office at your Texas public college offering an accredited fire science program
- It sets the documentation needed
- What you'll need
- membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (statutes.capitol.texas.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Exempts tuition and laboratory fees for courses in a fire science curriculum (fire service, emergency medicine, emergency management or public administration per the Texas Commission on Fire Protection) for firefighters employed by a Texas political subdivision, or volunteer firefighters active 1+ year in a department in the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (or local fire fighters' retirement system) who hold Accredited Advanced (SFFMA) or Phase V/Firefighter II (TCFP) certification. Must maintain SAP to continue.
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.