Bordering States Waiver

Program Purpose

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.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must be 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) added a GPA requirement for persons to receive continuation awards through the program. This change went into effect in fall 2014. Contact your institution for more information.

Eligible Institutions

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 nonresident student resides. The relevant states and institutions are:

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

Award Amount

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

Application Process

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.

Additional Information

  • 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 TEC Section 54.231(g).
  • Online Inquiries: Contact Us (select “Financial Aid Question” as the subject under Contact Reason)