Fall 2026 Application Window

Applications are open May 15–July 15, 2026.

The Late window will open 16 July and will remain open until the semester closes or all semester funds have been expended.

Policy Update

Review the Applying for Aid tab below for updated application requirements and policy information.

State Tuition Assistance

Funded by Texas for Texans

What is State Tuition Assistance?

Funded by the State of Texas, the State Tuition Assistance program is an education benefit that provides funding for college tuition and mandatory fees to eligible members of the Texas Military Department who are pursuing educational, professional, and career goals.

Fall 2026 State Tuition Assistance application flyer

State Tuition Assistance Resources

View or download the institution presentation and Fall 2026 application flyer.

Fall 2026 Application Flyer , image file

WHO

WHO: State Tuition Assistance is offered to actively drilling members serving with any of the 3 following Texas components:

  • Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG)
  • Texas Air National Guard (TXANG)
  • Texas State Guard (TXSG) (per statute, 30 slots available each fall and spring semester)

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must have completed one of the following: Basic Training, BOLC, RBOT (for TXSG applicants), or MS2 with a valid GRFD number.
  • Be enrolled in an accredited non-profit Texas college or university (see our FAQs for a list of eligible Texas schools).
  • Be pursuing:
    • a trade, vocational, or academic certificate.
    • an undergraduate degree (associate or bachelor's).
    • a graduate or professional degree.
  • Not flagged by your unit.

HOW MUCH

HOW MUCH: Based on funding availability and demonstrated financial need,

  • Up to 12 hours of tuition and mandatory fees.
  • Up to 5 years or 10 academic semesters.

HOW THE AWARD IS CALCULATED

Under Texas Government Code § 437.226(i), your STA grant is based on the average award amount paid per student at a public institution for the same semester, not your full private-school tuition rate. Your award will also not exceed your actual eligible in-state tuition and mandatory fees and covers 3–12 credit hours per semester.

What this means for you: There may be a gap between your STA award and your school’s actual charges, and you are responsible for any remaining balance.

Please coordinate with your school’s business office and budget for any out-of-pocket costs.

For planning purposes, the estimated average public-school award for this semester is projected to fall between $3,734 (last semester’s average) and $5,366 (THECB average for all public universities).

This is an estimate only; your actual award will be the lesser of the applicable amount or your eligible charges and is subject to available funding and final verification.

WHEN

WHEN: The STA application is available only for the fall and spring semesters.

An application packet must be submitted to the State TA Office by the application deadline for each semester in which tuition assistance is requested.

I. The Application Packet

(forms will go live 15MAY26, and will close 15JUL26).

A complete State TA Application Packet includes the following:

1) Online Application (no CAC required) Click here for the online application form
2) Statement of Understanding  (this is your contract - please read carefully)
3) Third-Party Agreement Release Form.
4) A screenshot of your submitted FTA application.

II. Status Updates.

Status updates are sent to all applicants throughout the review process.  If you submit a request for aid, you should receive at least one status update by the end of the first month of classes. If you do not receive something by the end of the first full month of classes, contact our office to inquire about the status of your application.

III. The Application Process.

Phase 1: Apply for aid. A complete application packet includes: the Application, Statement of Understanding (SOU), Third-Party Agreement, and, if eligible, a screenshot of your submitted FTA application. This policy change doesn't apply to TXSG Service Members.  
Phase 2: Verifying military eligibility & Certify to schools. You will be contacted via email regarding your status. We encourage you to apply early.  
Phase 3: Calculate final award. After the school's Census Date, we will receive the accurate invoice for your eligible tuition & mandatory fees. 
Phase 4: Issuing award payments. STA will pay the school directly what is owed for your eligible charges upon receipt of their invoice. 
Phase 5: Submit your transcript to our STA mailbox at  ng.tx.txarng.mbx.trp@army.mil  .

Dates and Deadline Summary

State Tuition Assistance deadlines by semester
Requirement Fall Semester Spring Semester
Application submission period May 15–July 15 To be determined
Supporting documents due July 15 To be determined
Official transcript due January 11 To be determined

Important State Tuition Assistance Information

Review these application, transcript, sponsorship, payment, and award requirements before using State Tuition Assistance.

  1. Applicants will receive multiple email status updates throughout the semester.

    If you are not receiving updates, contact the Education Office to confirm that your application was received and is being processed.

  2. Official transcripts are required to confirm semester grades.

  3. Under Texas law, STA payments may be issued only to an eligible college or university located in Texas.

    Payments cannot be issued to out-of-state institutions or directly to individual Service Members or students.

  4. STA operates as a third-party sponsor. Schools place a sponsorship code or other account designation on eligible Service Member student accounts for up to 12 credit hours and eligible mandatory fees.

    After the school’s Census Date or final add/drop deadline, the school invoices STA for the eligible tuition and mandatory fees due. STA then processes the invoice and sends payment directly to the institution.

  5. STA sends each school one bulk payment covering all approved recipients at that institution.

    After the payment reaches the school’s accounting system, the institution may require several days or weeks to apply it to individual student accounts. Students should contact their school for the final payment status.

  6. If an STA payment creates a positive account balance, the school may issue an appropriate refund or use another institution-approved method to resolve the balance.

    Any refund must represent eligible student-paid funds or loan proceeds, not a direct refund of STA funds.

  7. Private and Non-Formula Institution Awards

    Under Texas Government Code § 437.226(i), an STA award for a student attending a private or non-formula institution is based on the average award amount paid per student at a Texas public institution for the same semester. It is not based on the full tuition rate charged by the private institution.

    The award cannot exceed the student’s actual eligible in-state tuition and mandatory fees and applies to enrollment of 3–12 credit hours per semester.

    What this means for you: There may be a difference between your STA award and your school’s actual charges. You are responsible for paying any remaining balance.

    Coordinate with your school’s business office and plan for possible out-of-pocket expenses.

    $3,734 Previous semester average
    $5,366 THECB public-university average

    For planning purposes, the estimated public-school award for the semester is projected to fall within this range.

    Review Texas tuition and fee data

    Estimate only: Your actual award will be the lesser of the applicable award amount or your verified eligible charges. Awards remain subject to available funding and final verification.

Mission

In alignment with the Texas Military Department Strategic Plan, the State Tuition Assistance Program supports TMD’s overarching goals of recruitment and retention, readiness and resiliency, and community support.

Program Goals

  1. Recruit and retain highly qualified Soldiers, Airmen, and Texas State Guard members.
  2. Increase the number of Texas Military Department members who complete an undergraduate degree.
  3. Promote postsecondary education that strengthens military readiness and resiliency while supporting personal and professional development.
  4. Improve and expand the quality of skills and services available to the state’s workforce and communities.
  5. Develop future leaders for Texas and the nation by supporting the completion of higher education.

Eligible Tuition and Fees

State Tuition Assistance pays eligible tuition and mandatory fees for accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities headquartered in Texas.

Fees STA May Cover

Mandatory or compulsory fees charged to all applicable enrolled students may be eligible.

  • Athletics fee
  • Building fee
  • Institutional services fee
  • Library fee
  • Medical services fee
  • Recreational sports fee
  • School shuttle fee
  • Student center fee
  • Student service fee

Fees STA Does Not Cover

Voluntary, optional, course-specific, or individually assessed fees are generally not eligible.

  • Athletic ticket fee
  • Books
  • Course-specific or instructional fees
  • Credit-card processing fee
  • Department or program fees
  • Distance-learning fee
  • Graduation application fee
  • Health insurance fee
  • Honors program fee
  • Housing fee
  • Laboratory fee
  • Late-payment fee
  • Learning-materials fee
  • Meal-plan fee
  • Out-of-district fee
  • Parking citations
  • Parking fee
  • Private-lessons fee
  • Property-deposit charge
  • Repeat classes
  • Subscription fee
  • Transcript fee

Fee Definitions

Compulsory fee
A fee charged to all students enrolled at the institution.
Voluntary fee
A fee charged only to students who use the service for which the fee was established.
View statutory information about student-service fees

The governing board of an institution of higher education may charge registered students fees to cover the cost of student services. The governing board determines whether those fees are voluntary or compulsory.

The total compulsory student-service fees collected from a student for one semester or summer session generally may not exceed $250, except at The University of Texas at Austin and component institutions of the University of Houston System.

At institutions other than public junior colleges, compulsory student-service fees must generally be assessed in proportion to the number of semester credit hours for which the student registers.

Compulsory student-service fees generally may not be used for parking facilities or services, except for related shuttle-bus services.

These provisions do not affect building-use fees or other special fees authorized by the Legislature to finance revenue-bond obligations.

Currently Under Construction

 

Name: Cindy Jezierski

Rank, Title: 1st Lieutenant, Medical Operations Officer

Component: TXARNG

Unit: HHC 3-141 IN, 72nd IBCT

How would you pay for your college tuition and mandatory fees if State Tuition Assistance was not available?

I would have to resort to taking out loans and paying out of pocket. 

How is State Tuition Assistance helping you advance your educational/career goals?

State Tuition Assistance is helping me achieve my goal of becoming a doctor by reducing the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on completing my prerequisites and excelling academically. This support makes it possible for me to pursue medical school and align my military service with my passion for serving my community and my country as a physician.

What advice would you give a Member who can’t find motivation to continue their education or complete their degree?

I’d tell them to take a step back and remember why they started in the first place—what goals or dreams inspired them to begin their education. Sometimes the bigger picture can feel overwhelming, so focus on small, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way. I’d also remind them that as a member of the Texas Army National Guard, they’ve already proven their dedication and resilience—qualities that can carry them through anything, including finishing their degree. Finally, I’d encourage them to seek out mentors or support systems, whether it’s fellow Guard members, family, or friends, because no one succeeds alone, and leaning on others can make all the difference.

What are 2 things you like about the State Tuition Assistance program? 

Two things I like about the State Tuition Assistance program are how it significantly reduces the financial burden of pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus on my academic and career goals, and how it supports Guard members in building a future that benefits both their personal growth and their ability to serve their community and country.

Student Stories

The State Tuition Assistance team works to help Service Members move from considering higher education to enrolling without taking on a significant financial burden.

Although the application process can be challenging, we continue to improve our procedures, communication, and support for Service Members and students.

We listen to concerns, critiques, and suggestions so we can strengthen the program, and we celebrate the educational and professional successes of our members.

July 2025

Technical Sergeant Joseph Perez

Joseph Perez

Rank
Technical Sergeant
Component
Texas Air National Guard

My Story

I’ve served in both the Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard for a combined 15 years. I work full time for the Texas Military Department’s Government Affairs Office as an Executive Assistant and Congressional Inquiries Analyst.

I’m currently using State Tuition Assistance to pursue an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration through the Bush School at Texas A&M University.

I’m committed to advancing my career in government so I can become a more impactful asset to the agency, especially through policy work that improves the lives of our Soldiers and Airmen.

My goal: To help shape initiatives that truly support those who serve.

January 2025

Mike Gonzales

Rank
Chief Warrant Officer 3
Component
Texas State Guard
Unit
4th Battalion, 6th Brigade

How is STA helping you achieve your educational and career goals?

Phenomenal care and concern from a dedicated State Tuition Assistance staff in every sense of the word. The team demonstrates excellent communication through emails and phone calls and shows genuine care.

What are two things you like about the STA program?

Precise communication from start to finish and a can-do attitude. The team works effectively through challenges with applicants and students.

How would you pay for tuition and mandatory fees if STA were not available?

State Tuition Assistance is a dream come true. Without it, earning a degree would be nearly impossible.

What advice would you give a Service Member who is struggling to continue their education?

Contact the State Tuition Assistance team immediately. You will not be disappointed by their passion to assist, guide, and mentor.

December 2024

First Lieutenant Cindy Jezierski

Cindy Jezierski

Rank and title
First Lieutenant, Medical Operations Officer
Component
Texas Army National Guard
Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-141 Infantry, 72nd IBCT

How would you pay for tuition and mandatory fees if STA were not available?

I would have to take out loans and pay the remaining costs out of pocket.

How is STA helping you advance your educational and career goals?

State Tuition Assistance is helping me achieve my goal of becoming a doctor by reducing the financial burden of tuition. This allows me to focus on completing my prerequisites and excelling academically.

The support makes it possible for me to pursue medical school and align my military service with my passion for serving my community and country as a physician.

What advice would you give a member who is struggling to continue their education or complete a degree?

Take a step back and remember why you started and what goals or dreams inspired you to begin your education. When the larger goal feels overwhelming, focus on small, manageable steps and celebrate your progress.

As a Texas Army National Guard member, you have already demonstrated dedication and resilience. Those qualities can help carry you through the challenges of completing a degree.

Seek mentors and support from fellow Guard members, family, and friends. No one succeeds alone, and relying on others can make a meaningful difference.

What are two things you like about the STA program?

STA significantly reduces the financial burden of higher education, allowing me to focus on my academic and career goals. It also helps Guard members build a future that supports their personal growth and their ability to serve their communities and country.

https://www.highered.texas.gov/recognition-of-accrediting-agencies/

STA policy has recently changed. Please stay tuned for details as they become available. If applying for the Fall 2026 Semester, please read the required SOU included under Applying for Aid on the STA page.

State Tuition Assistance Frequently Asked Questions

Review eligibility, funding, payment, transcript, course, and school requirements for the Texas Military Department State Tuition Assistance program.

Select a question to display its answer. Select it again to close the answer.

Who is eligible?
  • Actively drilling members in good standing with the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), Texas Air National Guard (TXANG), or Texas State Guard (TXSG).
  • Active Guard Reserve members are eligible.
  • Eligible ranks include enlisted members E-1 through E-9, officers O-1 through O-5, and warrant officers W-1 through W-3.
  • Applicants must be accepted and registered at a qualifying Texas college or university. Part-time and full-time students are eligible.
  • Before the semester begins, applicants must have completed Basic Training, the Basic Officer Leader Course, or Military Science II with a valid Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty number. TXSG members must have completed Basic Orientation Training, Regional Basic Orientation Training, or Advanced Individual Training.
  • Members must continue serving in their component through the end of the semester. The Service Member's Expiration of Term of Service or Mandatory Retirement Date must be after the official last day of class. TXSG members do not have a contractual ETS date but must serve through the end of the semester to receive payment.
  • Reserve Officers' Training Corps Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty and Dedicated Army National Guard cadets using the room-and-board scholarship option, as well as cadets with non-scholarship contracts, are eligible.
  • The applicant must attend a public or private college or university headquartered in Texas, as defined by Texas Education Code Section 61.003. For-profit schools are not eligible.
  • Applicants must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
  • Applicants must not be flagged by their unit.
How does funding work?
  • State Tuition Assistance is available only for the fall and spring academic semesters.
  • STA is a needs-based benefit funded by the Texas Legislature. During each biennial legislative session, the Legislature reviews the program's budget, need, utilization, and effectiveness.
  • Awards are available for tuition and mandatory fees for up to 12 credit hours per semester, 10 semesters, or five years.
  • Schools invoice tuition and mandatory fees after their Census Date. Because semester lengths vary, each school may have a different Census Date. STA pays eligible tuition and mandatory fees remaining after other applicable aid, based on the invoice received from the school.
  • To complete an STA application, an eligible Service Member must apply for Federal Tuition Assistance. A screenshot of the submitted FTA application, the Statement of Understanding, and the Third-Party Agreement must be submitted by email. The STA application itself is completed online.
  • STA cannot pay for a class already covered by another funding source, and refunds are not issued directly to students.
Can I receive STA while using Federal Tuition Assistance, ArmyIgnitED, Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33, or the Hazlewood Act?
  • Yes. STA applicants who are eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance must apply for it and submit proof of the completed application during the STA application window.
  • When other programs cover 100% of eligible tuition and fees, no remaining balance qualifies for an STA award.
  • STA may cover eligible tuition and mandatory fees that are not paid by other military tuition-assistance programs.
Can I receive STA while receiving Pell Grants, SEOG, a TEXAS Grant, or other scholarships?
  • Yes. Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, TEXAS Grants, and scholarships are considered when calculating an eligible award and may reduce the amount STA can pay. Applicants should still apply when unsure.
  • Student loans are not included when calculating the eligible award. STA may still cover qualifying tuition charges paid initially with loans when no other grant or scholarship covers those charges.
  • STA is not a student-loan repayment program and cannot be used to pay student loans directly. Accepting a loan does not, by itself, qualify a person for STA.
What happens if I do not report other tuition assistance, grants, or scholarships?

All financial aid must be reported.

When STA does not receive complete financial-aid information, the calculated award may exceed the amount the school is permitted to apply. The school may reject all or part of the STA payment.

Intentional failure to disclose tuition assistance, grants, or scholarships may result in denial, permanent disqualification from the program, and possible prosecution under the Texas Military Code of Justice.

Why is the Texas State Guard limited to 30 STA recipients per semester?
  • The statute establishing the program limits TXSG awards to 30 members per semester. Only the Texas Legislature can change this statutory limit.
  • The statute authorizes the Adjutant General to waive the limit for a semester and permit additional TXSG awards, but a report justifying the change is required.
  • TXSG leadership determines which 30 members receive STA each semester.
What are common reasons an applicant is not approved?
  • The most common reason is not meeting financial eligibility because other aid has already paid all qualifying tuition and fee charges.
  • Common sources applied before STA include Pell Grants, Federal Tuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments, Hazlewood benefits, and other tuition assistance.
  • Another common reason is failure to submit required documents. STA staff may contact applicants before canceling a request, so applicants should monitor their email and respond promptly.
Which Texas colleges and universities are eligible?

The Texas Comptroller, in partnership with the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, provides a directory of Texas colleges and universities.

View the Texas college and university directory.

Is there a service obligation?

There is no minimum length of service within a TMD component required to qualify for STA. Members must, however, remain in their component through the end of the funded semester.

Is STA a reimbursement program?

No. STA operates as a third-party sponsorship program. The school applies a sponsorship code to an eligible Service Member's account for up to 12 credit hours and mandatory fees.

After the school's Census Date or final add/drop date, the school invoices STA for the eligible amount due. STA then processes the invoice and sends the school one bulk payment covering all eligible Service Members enrolled at that institution.

What is the payment process?

After the school's Census Date or final add/drop date, the school submits an invoice for each enrolled Service Member's eligible tuition and mandatory fees that remain unpaid.

STA sends the school one bulk payment for all eligible Service Members and students enrolled at that institution. Refer to the STA Process Map for the complete application-to-payment workflow.

Can I use STA with a Minuteman Scholarship?

Yes. Although the Minuteman Scholarship can fund either room and board or tuition and fees, STA strongly encourages eligible cadets to use STA for tuition and mandatory fees.

Because STA does not cover room and board, other qualified funding, including the Minuteman Scholarship, may be more useful for living expenses.

Learn more about the Minuteman Scholarship.

Are unofficial transcripts accepted to verify semester grades?

No. STA cannot accept unofficial transcripts because of verification and fraud-prevention requirements stated in the signed Statement of Understanding.

An original, certified PDF sent directly to and downloaded by STA staff is preferred. A student may also email the certified PDF as an attachment to ng.tx.txarng.mbx.trp@army.mil.

Do not embed, paste, or drag an image of the transcript into the email. Hard-copy transcripts sent by mail are discouraged because delivery may delay processing.

The student is responsible for all fees associated with obtaining an official transcript.

What happens if I fail, receive an incomplete, or drop a course?
  • The student is financially responsible for an unsuccessful course receiving a failing grade or an incomplete.
  • A second attempt at the same course is an out-of-pocket expense for the Service Member.
  • A Service Member who withdraws for a non-military reason is financially responsible for charges previously covered by STA.
What is the difference between eligible and non-eligible fees?

Eligible fee: A mandatory or compulsory fee authorized by statute or an institution's governing board and charged to all enrolled students.

Non-eligible fee: A voluntary fee that is not charged to all students.

Examples of non-eligible fees include:

  • Discretionary or optional fees, such as parking, international-student, and credit-card processing fees.
  • Department or program fees charged only to students in a particular program.
  • Course-specific or instructional fees for laboratories, equipment, supplies, or course materials.

Compulsory fee: A fee charged to all students enrolled at an institution.

Voluntary fee: A fee charged only to students who use the service for which the fee was established.

The governing board of an institution of higher education may charge student-service fees and determine whether they are voluntary or compulsory. Applicable statutory limitations and exceptions govern the amount, assessment, and permitted use of those fees.

Why might STA no longer cover up to $10,000 at a private or non-formula school?

Because STA is funded by the Texas Legislature, available appropriations must be managed to support long-term program sustainability and to administer awards according to the governing statute.

Private and non-formula schools

Under Texas Government Code Section 437.226(i), an STA award for a private or non-formula school is based on the average amount paid per student at a Texas public institution for the same semester, rather than the private school's full tuition rate.

Awards cover eligible in-state tuition and mandatory fees for 3 to 12 credit hours and cannot exceed the student's actual eligible charges. The Service Member is responsible for any remaining balance and should coordinate with the school's business office.

For planning purposes, the estimated public-school average for the semester is projected to range from $3,734, the previous semester's average, to $5,366, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board average for public universities.

This range is an estimate only. The actual award will be the lesser of the applicable award amount or the student's eligible charges and remains subject to available funding and final verification.

Review Texas tuition and fee data.