Peace Officers Enrolled in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice Courses

Provide tuition assistance to eligible employed peace officers in the state of Texas enrolled in undergraduate criminal justice or law enforcement courses.

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.

To qualify for this exemption, the applicant must:

• Be a peace officer employed by the state of Texas or by a political subdivision of the state of Texas;
• Be an undergraduate student enrolled in an eligible criminal justice or law enforcement-related degree or certificate program;
• Have filed a selective service statement of registration status; and
• Meet the institution’s financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirement.

To continue receiving an exemption after initially being awarded, the student must:

• Meet all program eligibility requirements;
• Meet the institution’s financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirement;
• Not have attempted an excessive number of semester credit hours as an undergraduate student (see Texas Education Code, Section 54.014).

Note: A student who does not meet the grade point average (GPA) requirement to satisfy the institution’s SAP or excessive hour restriction may qualify for a hardship exception to renew eligibility; contact your institution for more information.

Texas public colleges and universities that offer accredited peace officer programs.

This award exempts an eligible person from the payment of tuition and laboratory fees for specific criminal justice or law enforcement courses.

• Exemption from tuition and lab fees is only for courses in which the institution receives formula funding (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its costs).
• Courses not directly related to law enforcement or criminal justice are not eligible for reimbursement even though they may be required for completion of the certificate or degree.
Application Process

Contact your institution if you are interested in this exemption program. See the Office of the Registrar, the Admissions Office, or the Student Financial Aid Office.

• You must provide proof of your eligible status as a peace officer in the state of Texas to your institution.
• Apply for the exemption at least one week before the last date of the institution’s regular registration period for that semester.
Additional Information
• Contact your Texas public college or university if you have questions.
• Program statute—Texas Education Code, Section 54.3531
• Clarifying rules—19 TAC, Ch. 21, Subchapter Q: §21.518 - §21.526
• General questions? Call 888-311-8881
• Contact Us!