Bordering States Waiver

To provide a waiver of nonresident tuition for students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico or Oklahoma enrolled in certain public institutions in Texas.

NOTE: This webpage is intended to provide basic information for the public by highlighting requirements that appear in the Texas Education Code (TEC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC). When reviewing eligibility requirements this exemption program, you should always refer to the relevant statutes and rules. The information on this webpage is to be used solely as a resource and does not override the statute or rules for this exemption program. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, legal advice.

Are students from neighboring states (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico). Students may be from any part of the neighboring state; however, the institution must have an agreement with a similar institution in the student's home state, to allow Texas residents attending the other state's institution to pay a reduced tuition rate.

New Requirements Fall, 2014

Senate Bill 1210 (83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session) adds a Grade Point Average requirement for persons to receive continuation awards through the program. This change goes into effect in fall, 2014. Contact your institution for more information.

Limited to two-year institutions in the Lamar University System or any public community or technical college located in a county immediately adjacent to the state in which the non-resident student resides. The relevant states and institutions are:

• Arkansas-Texarkana College
• Louisiana-TSTC-Marshall, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and Panola College
• New Mexico-El Paso Community College and
• Oklahoma-Vernon Regional Junior College, Grayson County College, North Central Texas Community College District, and Paris Junior College.

The tuition rate charged students participating in this program is based on the rate similar institutions in the students' home state charge Texas residents to attend.

The process for applying for a tuition waiver varies from college to college. Normally, the office of the registrar processes tuition waivers. However, waivers may also be processed by the admissions office and/or financial aid.

• Generally, student eligibility for a waiver must be established prior to or at the time of enrollment. Contact your college for additional information.

• To read more about this program check out:

   Texas Education Code, 54.231(g) or Coordinating Board Rule, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, Section 29 (Pertaining to Exceptions).

• Contact Us!