Combat Exemption for Children of Military Service Members
Program PurposeImportant Notice!
Funding to reimburse institutions for awards made through the Combat Exemptions is not available. Institutions may elect to grant these exemptions for eligible students, but are not required to do so. Click on Military in Texas for information on other student financial assistance for military members and their families.
The purpose of this program is to provide an education benefit to a child, or stepchild, of a member of the Armed Forces who is deployed to active duty in a combat zone outside the United States.
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.
Eligibility RequirementsDependent child or stepchild who:
- Is a Texas resident or is entitled to pay resident tuition,
- Has a parent who is a member of the U. S. Armed Forces, and
- Is enrolled for any semester or other academic term during which the service member of the armed forces is deployed on active duty for the engaging in a combative military operation outside the United States.
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. The Bill also establishes a Limit to the Total Number of Hours, cumulative, that a student may take and continue to receive awards through this program. These changes go into effect in fall, 2014. Contact your institution for more information.
The awards are available only for use at a Texas public college or university.
To access listings of Texas public colleges and universities, follow this link to Texas Institutions of Higher Education and select any of the schools listed under the Texas Public Institutions.
**Note: The schools listed under Independent Institutions do NOT qualify for this exemption.
Award AmountThe exemption covers the student's tuition only--fees are not covered.
Application ProcessContact the financial aid office at the Texas public college or university you are/will be attending for information on claiming this exemption. Students must be able to provide proof of meeting the program’s eligibility requirements, as outlined above.
Child must provide proof (ex- military orders, pay records from service member’s unit to which he/she is assigned, etc.) of service member’s deployment from the Department of Defense for the relevant semester or academic term. If additional documentation is needed, students may wish to contact the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800 or by writing:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
Contact the financial aid office or the registrar's office at the college for additional information or assistance with this program.
To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code, 54.2031- Contact Us!
