Education & Training for Veterans in Texas
Table of Content:
- Texas Veteran Education Benefits
- Hazlewood Act in Texas - 150 Hours of Tuition Exemption
- Veteran Jobs in Texas
- Veteran Scholarships in Texas
- Texas Trade Schools for Veterans
- Checklist: Check GI Bill & Hazlewood Eligibility Instantly
Education and training are crucial for Texas Veterans transitioning to civilian life. The state offers support, including tuition exemptions, scholarships and vocational programs, to help build successful post-service careers. This guide highlights key benefits and job opportunities, along with how to access them.
Texas Veteran Education Benefits
Texas provides a variety of educational benefits for Veterans. Texas Veteran Education Benefits are offered through state programs, including the Hazlewood Act and various federal VA programs, including the GI Bill.
Tuition Assistance
Texas provides tuition assistance via the Hazlewood Act, exempting eligible individuals from tuition at public colleges, in addition to federal VA benefits like the GI Bill.
Scholarships
In Texas, Veterans can access scholarships to help cover educational costs beyond federal benefits. These scholarships and programs include:
- The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)
- Honored Service Scholarship
- National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) Educational Foundation Scholarship
You can reach out to the Texas Veterans Commission about education opportunities that are uniquely available to you. While they don’t offer scholarships directly, they can provide resources and links to various scholarship opportunities on their website.
Vocational Training
Texas provides various vocational training options for Veterans through federal and state programs, focusing on high-demand fields.
- Federal Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)(Chapter 31) – This resource helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities impacting their work by providing support for training, education, employment accommodations, business startup and independent living.
- On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships – These resources provide Veterans with paid, hands-on training in trades like plumbing, electrical work, law enforcement, firefighting, ironworking and computer network engineering. Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits for a tax-free monthly stipend during training.
- Non-College Degree Programs – Veterans can use GI Bill benefits at approved Texas trade schools for certifications and licenses. The VA website has a list of approved programs.
State of Texas “College Credit for Heroes Program” – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers “College Credit for Heroes,” a program that helps Veterans turn military training into college credits, accelerating degree completion in fields such as engineering, computer science, nursing and criminal justice.
GI Bill in Texas
The GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to military personnel. To qualify for the GI Bill, you need 90 days of military service after September 11, 2001, or 30 days if discharged due to a service-connected disability.
Hazlewood Act in Texas - 150 Hours of Tuition Exemption
The Hazelwood Act provides qualified Veterans, their spouses and dependent children with up to 150 hours of tuition exemptions at public colleges.
How Do I Qualify for the Hazlewood Act in Texas?
Eligibility for the Hazlewood Act is based on being a Veteran, a dependent under the Legacy Act, or a spouse or child of a totally disabled or deceased Veteran.
The application steps for a Veteran to use the Hazlewood Act are as follows:
- Be accepted to a Texas public college or university
- Register with the Hazlewood Online Database through the Texas Veterans Commission website
- Complete the Hazlewood Exemption Application form
Submit your application and documents to the financial aid or Veterans services office at your college. The deadline is usually the last day of classes for the semester.
What Are the Required Documents To Determine Hazlewood Act Eligibility as a Veteran?
Veterans must gather the following documents to determine their Hazlewood Act eligibility:
- Your completed Hazlewood Exemption Application
- A copy of your DD-214 showing character of service
- Your VA Certificate of Eligibility for federal GI Bill benefits
- A copy of your Hazlewood Online Database registration
- A valid Texas driver’s license or ID
For some universities, you may need to provide additional documents.
What Are the Renewal Procedures To Maintain Hazlewood Act Eligibility?
To remain eligible to use the Hazlewood Act, you need to renew your application. To renew, you must:
- Complete the Hazlewood Renewal Application every semester
- Submit your renewal and updated documents to your Hazlewood administrator.
- Ensure you are still registered in the Hazlewood Online Database
- Check the Hazlewood Hours Database to track your remaining eligibility hours.
How Does My Spouse or Dependent Child Qualify for the Hazlewood Act in Texas?
There are two main ways your spouse or dependent child can qualify for the Hazlewood Act. The first is the Legacy Act, which lets children of qualifying Veterans use their leftover hours.
The second is if the spouse or dependent is a family member of a 100% disabled or deceased Veteran.
The spouse or child must be a Texas resident, not in default on state student loans, lack sufficient federal education benefits for tuition and fees and meet academic progress requirements.
The Hazlewood Legacy Act (for Children)
To use Hazlewood Act benefits, a child must be 25 or younger on the semester’s first day, and both the Veteran and child must register in the TVC Hazlewood database.
Hours can be transferred to another child, but only one child may use these benefits at a time. Spouses cannot use transferred hours, and the Veteran must live in Texas while the child uses the Legacy Act benefits.
Dependents need to provide documents that prove their relationship to the Veteran. They must also have a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214.
Hazlewood Spouse Eligibility
A spouse of a 100% disabled or deceased Veteran may qualify for 150 credit hours if the Veteran’s condition is service-related, or if they are missing in action, killed in action or died from a service-related injury or illness.
There is no age limit for spouses in this program, and the Veteran doesn’t need to live in Texas for the spouse to participate.
Spouses of disabled or deceased Veterans need a current VA rating letter showing 100% disability or a DD Form 1300 (notification of death). For Veterans who served after September 11, 2001, a Certificate of Eligibility for federal GI Bill benefits is also required.
Veteran Jobs in Texas
Texan employers deeply appreciate the immense service and sacrifices Veterans have made for our country, recognizing the unique skills and steadfast commitment they contribute to the civilian workforce.
There are many ways to find great jobs for Veterans in Texas. You have access to extensive resources through a partnership between the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Both organizations can assist you in your job search.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) & Workforce Solutions
The TWC and local workforce solutions offices statewide provide Veterans priority access to services, including job search assistance, career development and training programs.
WorkInTexas.com can help you find rewarding jobs for Veterans in Texas and offers job postings specifically targeted to Veterans.
Veterans can leverage their skills from active duty in civilian jobs. Using “military to civilian occupation translator” tools like Texas Skills To Work and Career One Stop are excellent ways to start exploring your options.
Texas Veterans Commission
The Texas Veterans Commission supports Texas Veterans and their families by ensuring they receive their benefits. One of their main services is helping Veterans find meaningful, long-term employment.
The TVC’s Veterans Employment Services (VES) department works in close coordination with local Workforce Solutions offices to provide job coaching, resume development and interview skills training.
Additionally, you can find a comprehensive resource for information on various Veteran benefits, including employment, through the Texas Veterans Portal.
Veteran Job Fairs in Texas
Job fairs for Veterans focus on their unique needs and connect them with employers who value military experience. Some job fairs available to Veterans in Texas include:
These fairs have specialized staff to help you present your military skills in a way that civilian employers understand, along with a supportive environment for networking with peers and mentors to ease your transition to civilian work.
Texas Veteran Employment Agencies
Another resource you can use to find jobs for Veterans in Texas is through Texas Veteran employment agencies. These agencies can provide you with job-seeking assistance and connect you with employers looking for qualified Veteran talent. The Texas Veterans Leadership Program is one of these Texas Veteran employment agencies. This agency is a resource and referral network of Veterans who help their peers connect to a variety of employment and training opportunities, as well as other resources.
You can reach out and find assistance through the Texas Veterans Leadership Program and through this tool from the Texas Workforce Commission to find a Workforce Solutions office near you.
Veteran Scholarships in Texas
There are multiple opportunities for Veterans in Texas to apply for scholarships and grants designated to help you reach your education goals. These active duty and Veteran scholarships in Texas vary by eligibility requirements, deadlines and award amounts. If you have questions on how to apply for these scholarships, contact the Texas Veterans Commission. The Texas Veterans Commission has education information specialists who can provide you with guidance on how to find and apply for scholarships you are eligible for.
To help you get started, here is a list of active duty and Veteran scholarships you can apply for in Texas:
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)
The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) is a conditional scholarship created to encourage students to earn a bachelor’s degree and become commissioned officers in the military. To qualify, you need a nomination from an authorized official and must meet certain academic requirements. Nominations are due by September 30 each year.
Honored Service Scholarship
The Honored Service Scholarship is for Texas Veterans who are disabled (under Chapter 31) and are enrolled in a Texas college or university. While the deadline is not specifically posted on their website, you can reach out to them for additional information.
American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Department of Texas Scholarship
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Texas Scholarship is available to residents of Texas who are the child or grandchild of a Veteran who served in the armed services during the eligible service dates. The application deadline is March 3, 2026.
Casey Laine Armed Services Scholarship
This scholarship, provided by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, is available to graduating seniors from any local high school. Eligible applicants include JROTC participants, future ROTC students, members of the Texas National Guard and active duty or honorably discharged Veterans. The application is open each year from December 15 through March 1.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Military Scholarship
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Military Scholarship offers up to $20,000 for Texas high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a non-profit college or university in Texas. Eligible applicants include dependents of active duty service members, reserves, National Guard, or honorably discharged Veterans. Check their website for the application deadline.
This is not a complete list of available Veteran scholarships in Texas, but they are among the most well-known ones available. You can also reach out to the Texas Veterans Commission for education information regarding additional grant and scholarship opportunities.
Texas Trade Schools for Veterans
Trade schools provide Texas Veterans a quicker route to rewarding careers compared to traditional four-year colleges, offering hands-on training and the chance to utilize their service-earned skills. Trade schools also allow you the opportunity to apply your Texas Veteran educational benefits towards receiving your credentials and certifications.
What Are Some of the Best Trade Schools in Texas for Veterans
Many trade schools in Texas are committed to supporting active-duty service members, reservists, Veterans and their dependents. These accredited schools are approved for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and often have staff trained to help Veterans navigate their benefits.
Here are a few trade schools in Texas that are Veteran-friendly:
- South Texas Vocational Technical Institute – Offers resources for military Veterans, including help with using benefits like the GI Bill in Texas and applying it towards enrollment.
- CCI Training Center – Provides flexible online career training in high-demand fields like business, healthcare and IT. They are approved by the TVC to accept VA benefits and also provide scholarships for eligible Veterans.
- Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Has a dedicated Veterans Affairs office to help Veterans apply their VA and state education benefits and assistance with registration.
Universal Technical Institute offers dedicated services for military and Veterans, helping them use GI Bill benefits for programs in high-demand fields like automotive, welding and HVAC.
Apprenticeship Opportunities & Certification Support
Veterans transitioning out of the military also have access to apprenticeship opportunities and certification support through many federal and state programs. Many of these can be funded by using your GI Bill benefits.
You can explore registered apprenticeship opportunities by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s official website to use their job finder. You can explore nearly 26,000 programs in various industries, from manufacturing and construction to healthcare and IT.
To check if the apprenticeship program is “VA-approved” for education benefits, visit the VA’s website or contact the TVC for assistance.
In partnership with the TVC, CALVARY offers programs to educate Veterans about apprenticeship benefits and assist them with the enrollment process.
Checklist: Check GI Bill & Hazlewood Eligibility Instantly
The following are checklists to help you quickly check whether you qualify for the GI Bill or the Hazlewood Act. It includes the requirements, required documents and where you can apply for certificates of eligibility.
Federal GI Bill
To qualify for the GI Bill in Texas, you must have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, and have been honorably discharged.
The information you need to gather before applying includes:
- Your social security number
- Completed DD214 showing honorable discharge
- No defaults on prior student loans or educational benefits
For dependents to use the GI bill benefits, they must have verification of the Veteran’s eligibility status and relationship. To apply for your education benefits and receive a Certificate of Eligibility, visit VA.gov.
The Hazlewood Act
To be eligible for Hazlewood Act benefits, you must have proof of Texas residency at the time of service entry or discharge. The documents you need on hand to apply include:
- A completed DD214 showing honorable discharge
- Enrollment in an approved Texas public college or university
- No default on prior student loans or educational benefits
For the Hazlewood Act, you must have no remaining federal education benefits, or the amount you have left must be less than the Hazlewood amount for that term. Dependents must also have proof of relationship to the Veteran.
The Hazlewood Act is a state exemption, and you must apply for it at the Texas public college or university you plan to attend. First, create a user account and register on the Texas Veterans Commission Hazlewood Database. Then submit your completed application form and all supporting documents to your school’s financial aid or Veteran service office. Visit the Texas Veterans Commission for more information on how to apply.
Secure Your Future by Taking Advantage of Your Texas Veteran Education Benefits
Texas leads the nation in providing Veterans with education support and opportunities to enjoy a rewarding career after the military. By taking advantage of these programs and combining your federal and Texas Veteran education benefits, you can receive the maximum educational value for yourself or your dependents. By investing in education, you are taking a strong step to secure your long-term stability and enjoy personal fulfillment after military service.
Explore other texas veteran resources
Below you’ll find a complete breakdown of Texas veteran benefits and support programs available in 2026. These categories cover everything from VA compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment, to financial assistance, legal help, family benefits, and exclusive veteran discounts. Each section links to detailed guides designed to help veterans, service members, and families understand eligibility, application steps, and how to access the support they’ve earned.
