Hazelwood Exemption
Hazlewood Act (Texas Veterans)
The Hazlewood Act is a Texas state education benefit that provides qualified veterans, as well as certain spouses and dependent children, with an exemption from tuition and most institutional fees at Texas public colleges and universities. This benefit honors the service of Texas veterans by helping make higher education more accessible and affordable. While it does not cover books or living expenses, it can significantly reduce the overall cost of attending college.
What the Benefit Covers
- Tuition and most institutional fees
- Does not cover books, housing, or course-specific fees
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an honorably discharged or separated Texas veteran (or eligible dependent)
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Must meet Ranger College financial aid policies
- Legacy students are limited to the number of hours required for their program
Application Process
- Submit your Hazlewood application to the Financial Aid Office at Ranger College
- The initial application is submitted one time only upon first enrollment
- A Continued Enrollment Form must be submitted each academic year you use the benefit
- All required documentation must be included to verify eligibility
Important: If transferring Legacy benefits to a different dependent, a Revocation of Benefits Form must be completed and notarized.
Required Documentation
- Hazlewood Application
- DD-214 (and DD-215 if applicable)
- VA Certificate of Eligibility (if served after 9/11/2001)
- Hazlewood Application
- Veteran’s DD-214
- Proof of dependency (birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption documentation, or IRS tax transcript)
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Hazlewood Application
- DD Form 1300 (if applicable)
- Veteran’s DD-214
- VA Certificate of Eligibility
- Supporting documentation (VA letters, disability rating, etc.)
Additional Requirements
- Proof of Dependency: May require birth certificates, marriage licenses, or tax documentation
- VA Benefits Letter: Required for service after September 11, 2001
- Hazlewood Hours Log: Tracks benefit usage through the Texas Veterans Commission
- Annual Documentation: Some students must resubmit documents each year to verify continued eligibility
Important Notes
- Only one dependent at a time may use Legacy benefits
- Some documents (such as revocation forms) must be notarized
- DD-214 records can be requested through the National Archives
- Additional residency documentation may be required to verify Texas eligibility