Hiring Our Heroes - Dallas
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Dallas-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Veteran Education Benefits in Texas
Texas veteran education benefits including the Hazelwood Act free tuition, GI Bill, Texas Veterans Commission education services, and veteran-friendly colleges across Texas.
Texas offers one of the most generous veteran education benefit packages in the nation, highlighted by the Hazelwood Act — which provides up to 150 hours of free tuition at any Texas public college or university. Combined with federal GI Bill benefits, VA vocational rehabilitation, and robust campus veteran support services, Texas veterans have unparalleled access to affordable, high-quality education and training.
This guide covers every education benefit available to Texas veterans, from the Hazelwood Act and its Legacy provisions to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, veteran-friendly institutions, and vocational training options across the state.
Hazelwood Act
Overview
The Hazelwood Act is Texas's signature veteran education benefit, providing up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at any Texas public institution of higher education — including universities, community colleges, and technical schools. This benefit covers tuition and most fees, making it one of the most generous state education benefits for veterans in the country.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Hazelwood Act, you must:
- Have entered military service as a Texas resident, or have been a Texas resident for at least 12 months before enrollment
- Have received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions
- Have exhausted all federal education benefits (GI Bill) or be ineligible for them
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or Texas guaranteed student loan
- Attempt at least one course per semester and maintain satisfactory academic progress
Important: Veterans must use federal GI Bill benefits first before accessing Hazelwood hours. Once GI Bill benefits are exhausted, Hazelwood covers remaining hours up to 150 total credit hours.
Hazelwood Act Legacy Program
Texas veterans who are eligible for the Hazelwood Act and have unused hours can transfer those benefits to their children through the Legacy Program. Eligible children must be under 25 years old (with extensions for military service) and must meet residency requirements. This allows veterans' children to attend Texas public colleges and universities with free tuition, making Texas one of the very few states offering transferable veteran education benefits.
Federal Education Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits including full tuition at public institutions, a monthly housing allowance based on the school's ZIP code, and a $1,000 annual book stipend. At Texas public universities, the GI Bill covers 100% of tuition and fees. Monthly housing allowances in Texas range from approximately $1,500 in rural areas to $2,200+ in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
Veterans who contributed $100/month during active duty receive up to 36 months of benefits at approximately $2,054 per month (2026 rate). This can be used for degree programs, certificates, flight training, apprenticeships, and correspondence courses at approved Texas institutions.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
Veterans with service-connected disabilities who need education or training for suitable employment may qualify for VR&E. The program covers tuition, books, supplies, and provides a subsistence allowance. Texas has VR&E offices at VA regional offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Waco.
Texas Veterans Commission Education Services
The TVC Education Program assists Texas veterans in navigating education benefits, including GI Bill certification, Hazelwood Act applications, and scholarship identification. TVC education advisors are available at major Texas colleges and universities to help veteran students maximize their benefits. Contact TVC Education Services at (512) 463-6564.
Veteran-Friendly Institutions
University of Texas System
UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT San Antonio, UT El Paso, and other UT system schools provide dedicated veteran services offices, priority registration, veteran-specific academic advising, and campus veteran resource centers. UT Austin's Student Veteran Services is among the top programs in the nation.
Texas A&M University System
Texas A&M has deep military roots and enrolls thousands of veteran students. The Veteran Resource & Support Center at College Station provides comprehensive support. Texas A&M also operates the Bush Combat Development Complex and numerous veteran research programs. All A&M system schools offer veteran priority registration and dedicated advisors.
Texas Community Colleges
Texas's extensive community college system — including Houston Community College, Dallas College, Alamo Colleges (San Antonio), Austin Community College, and Tarrant County College — provides affordable pathways to degrees and certifications. All have dedicated veteran services offices and accept Hazelwood Act benefits. Community colleges are ideal for veterans seeking quick certification programs or transfer pathways.
Vocational & Technical Training
Texas offers numerous GI Bill-approved vocational programs in high-demand fields including commercial driving (CDL), welding, HVAC, healthcare certification, information technology, oil and gas industry training, and aviation. The Texas Workforce Commission and TVC can help veterans identify approved programs. Many vocational programs in Texas accept Hazelwood Act benefits for tuition coverage.
Education Resources in Texas
El Paso Vet Center
TXCommunity-based VA Vet Center serving El Paso area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Dallas Public Housing Authority - Veteran Voucher Intake
TXPublic Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Dallas, TX administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Houston Veterans Treatment Court
TXVeterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Houston veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Killeen HUD-VASH Program
TXHUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Killeen veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Corpus Christi Public Housing Authority - Veteran Voucher Intake
TXPublic Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Corpus Christi, TX administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Dallas American Job Center - Veterans Services
TXDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Dallas veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
San Antonio VA Benefits Office Locator
TXVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in San Antonio, TX. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Houston Continuum of Care - Veteran Outreach
TXLocal HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Houston-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
San Antonio Veterans Legal Clinic
TXFree civil legal help for San Antonio-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
Fort Worth County Veterans Service Office
TXAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Fort Worth area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America - Fort Worth Chapter
TXStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Fort Worth area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
San Antonio HUD-VASH Program
TXHUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless San Antonio veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Houston County Veterans Service Office
TXAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Houston area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
2-1-1 Housing Help for Fort Worth Veterans
TXDial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Fort Worth-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
Hiring Our Heroes - San Antonio
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to San Antonio-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
San Antonio Continuum of Care - Veteran Outreach
TXLocal HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for San Antonio-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Killeen Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Killeen-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Austin
TXVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Austin veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
El Paso Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving El Paso-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Hazelwood Act in Texas?
- The Hazelwood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of free tuition at any Texas public college or university for eligible veterans. It covers tuition and most fees. Veterans must exhaust federal GI Bill benefits before using Hazelwood hours. It's one of the most generous state education benefits in the country.
- Can I transfer Hazelwood Act benefits to my children?
- Yes. Through the Hazelwood Act Legacy Program, eligible Texas veterans can transfer unused Hazelwood hours to their children. Children must be under 25 (with extensions for military service), meet residency requirements, and the veteran parent must be eligible for Hazelwood benefits.
- Do I have to use the GI Bill before the Hazelwood Act?
- Yes. Texas requires veterans to exhaust all federal education benefits (GI Bill) or demonstrate ineligibility before accessing Hazelwood Act hours. You can use the GI Bill first, then Hazelwood covers remaining hours up to the 150-hour maximum.
- Do veterans get in-state tuition in Texas?
- Yes. Under federal law and Texas policy, all veterans using GI Bill benefits receive in-state tuition at Texas public institutions regardless of residency status. Additionally, the Hazelwood Act provides free tuition for eligible Texas veteran residents.
- How much does the GI Bill housing allowance pay in Texas?
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance varies by location. In 2026, rates range from approximately $1,500 in rural Texas to $2,200+ in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. The amount is based on the DoD BAH rate for the school's ZIP code.
- What veteran support services do Texas colleges offer?
- Most Texas public universities and community colleges have dedicated veteran services offices providing GI Bill and Hazelwood certification, priority registration, academic advising, peer mentoring, tutoring, and campus veteran resource centers. Contact the school's veteran services office before enrolling.
- Can I use the Hazelwood Act at a community college in Texas?
- Yes. The Hazelwood Act covers tuition at all Texas public institutions of higher education including community colleges, technical schools, and state universities. Community colleges are a popular choice for veterans seeking quick certifications or planning to transfer to a four-year university.
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Recently verified education resources serving Texas, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America - Killeen Chapter
TXStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Killeen area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Killeen Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Killeen-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Killeen Community College Veterans Resource Center
TXVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Killeen area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Killeen
TXVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Killeen veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Hiring Our Heroes - Killeen
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Killeen-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Killeen American Job Center - Veterans Services
TXDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Killeen veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.