Houston, Texas veteran education benefits: GI Bill, state tuition waivers, and free academic counseling for veterans and dependents.
Houston (population 2,304,580) is one of the larger metros in Texas, and several local and statewide programs serve veterans here. Most VA-administered care for Houston is delivered through Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. This page lists verified education resources filtered to Houston, plus the broader Texas guide for help that is available statewide.
Veterans in crisis: dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net (24/7).
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.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Houston area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Houston-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Houston area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Houston veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Houston-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Houston veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
These Texas programs are not based in Houston but accept residents.
Department 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.
Department 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.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the El Paso area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Vocational 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.
Student 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.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the San Antonio area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving San Antonio-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Employment and training services for Texas veterans including job placement and career counseling.
