Education Benefits for Military-Connected Students: GI Bill® and other VA Benefits, Hazlewood Act Exemption, and Tuition Assistance
Veterans and military-connected students have access to several educational benefits, including the GI Bill®, Hazlewood Act, and Military Tuition Assistance, to help cover the cost of their education. Veterans and their families who are attending the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center may be eligible for one or more of the following benefit programs.
The GI Bill® is a federal benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), who offers a variety of education benefits to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. For more information, visit the official VA website.
The Hazlewood Act, a state benefit available in Texas, provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at public institutions of higher education in Texas, though it does not cover living expenses, books, or certain fees.
Additionally, military students planning to utilize Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance must consult with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their service before enrolling at TTUHSC. TTUHSC will assist with providing necessary enrollment, grade, and billing information to the appropriate education offices as required by military regulations. To learn more and how to apply for each benefit, read below.
GI Bill Benefits: Coverage for Tests, Training, and Credit Review for VA Students
Reimbursement for Tests & Trainings
The GI Bill covers more than just tuition. You can use part of your entitlement to cover the cost of certain tests and or training courses. Visit VA Benefits to find out what types of tests can be reimbursed. You can also call Veterans Affairs at 888.442.4551.
Credit for Previous Training for Students Receiving VA Benefits
(Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations 21.4253(d)(3) and 21.4254(c)(4))
Students receiving VA education benefits are required to have all prior credit reviewed by the school, with credit awarded where applicable. This review includes all credits from military service as well as all post-secondary institutions previously attended.
The school is responsible for obtaining copies of all post-secondary and military transcripts for all veteran students receiving or requesting to receive VA education benefits. This requirement applies to all approved programs of study offered by the school.
Important Note: All students, even if they are not requesting VA benefits, should have all official transcripts sent to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) for evaluation.
Official transcripts can be requested to be electronically delivered to TTUHSC for free on the Joint Services Transcript website or Community College of the Air Force website.
GI Bill® & other VA benefits
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official VA website, with links to each benefit below:
Ch. 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
Ch. 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Ch. 35 Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA)
Ch. 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
How to Request VA Benefits each semester, after registration.
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- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less). For Post-9/11 GI Bill® a screenshot of Statement of Benefits can be retrieved from va.gov. If using Ch. 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), a valid Tungsten PO Authorization must be submitted by the VR&E counselor.
- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy) (if applicable)
- Military Transcript(s) (if applicable) - Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force
- Students covered less than 100% by a benefit or combination of benefits, can complete and submit a Tuition Deferment Request.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a VA Certification Form on the HSC benefits portal.
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- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less), or screenshot of Statement of Benefits from va.gov if using Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
- Students covered less than 100% by a benefit or combination of benefits, can complete and submit a Tuition Deferment Request.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a VA Certification Form on the HSC benefits portal.
Important: Isakson & Roe Act Section 1018 Requirements
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, requires that educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide students with certain financial information and other requirements.
The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and will apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation. Schools were required to satisfy the requirement of Section 1018 by August 1, 2021. Please see the TTUHSC College Financing Plan guide to help you understand education costs and options to fund your education.
Hazlewood Exemption
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books and supply fees, Student Services fees, or Student Health Insurance fees.
How to Request the Hazlewood Exemption
Students will submit either: Hazlewood Initial Exemption Application (if using exemption for the first time at TTUHSC or after a break in enrollment). Beyond the first semester, students will submit a Continuous Exemption Application. Submit any supporting documentation via HSC benefits portal every semester, after registration. Terms will be available in the portal by the first week of registration.
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- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy).
- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less) for Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, if veteran served after 9/10/2001. Student must apply at va.gov.
- Proof of Hazlewood Online Database registration
- Copy of utility bill, less than 30 days old, with veteran's name and address, proving veteran's Texas residency. If not utility bill, then two other documents showing veteran's name and address.
- Military Transcript(s) from Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a Hazlewood Initial Application on the HSC benefits portal.
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- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy).
- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less) for Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, if veteran served after 9/10/2001. If Legacy using veterans Hazlewood, provide a current COE if veteran served after 8/1/2009. Student must apply at va.gov. COE must be for student, not veteran.
- Proof of Hazlewood Online Database registration, for both student and veteran.
- Copy of utility bill, less than 30 days old, with veteran's name and address, proving veteran's Texas residency. If not utility bill, then two other documents showing veteran's name and address.
- Proof of relationship/dependency to veteran, in the form of Child's Birth Certificate listing veteran as parent (along with Marriage Certificate for step-child), OR the most recent IRS Tax Transcript for veteran listing dependent child, OR court ordered document listing veteran as guardian of child.
- Copy of Revocation of Previously Assigned Hours (to Institution where other Legacy student is currently using hours) (if applicable).
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a Hazlewood Initial Application on the HSC benefits portal.
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- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy).
- If veteran served after 8/1/2009. Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less) for Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Ch. 35 Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA). Student must apply at va.gov. COE must be for student, not veteran.
- Proof of Hazlewood Online Database registration.
- 100% Disabled - Current VA rating letter, from va.gov stating veteran is 100% totally and permanently disabled.
- KIA or MIA - DD Form 1300.
- Children - Proof of relationship/dependency to veteran, in the form of Child's Birth Certificate listing veteran as parent (with Marriage Certificate for step-child), OR the most recent IRS Tax Transcript for veteran listing dependent child, OR court ordered document listing veteran as guardian of child.
- Spouse - Marriage License
- Selective Service Registration - A legal requirement for all male U.S. citizens ages 18-25. Must be completed before Hazlewood may be received.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a Hazlewood Initial Application on the HSC benefits portal.
General Disclosures
- The Hazlewood Exemptions a student receives must be included in his/her financial aid package. If our office is notified of a student's participation in the Hazlewood Act after financial aid has already been packaged, the student's aid may be adjusted accordingly.
- For students living in housing located on a military base or housing for which they receive a military housing allowance (Basic Allowance for Housing "BAH"), the room and board Cost of Attendance component shall include an allowance for board only. This applies to:
independent students who receive, or whose spouse receives, a military housing allowance (BAH) or who lives on a military base; and
dependent students who are living with parents who are receiving a military housing allowance (BAH) or who live on a military base.
- Students must be in compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to be eligible for certain benefits.
Scholarships
Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for military-connected students to receive financial support for their education. Throughout the academic year, additional scholarship information and opportunities may be shared via email and social media, ensuring that veterans and their families stay informed about available funding options. Be sure to check your inbox and follow us on social media to stay updated on new scholarships and application deadlines.
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TTUHSC Financial Aid website contains TTUHSC internal and other external scholarship opportunities.
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External scholarships are offered by various organizations and foundations, providing additional financial support to help cover education costs.
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The MyCAA Scholarship helps you be successful on your path with:
- An individualized coaching session with a SECO career coach
- An Education and Training Plan
- Up to $4,000 of tuition assistance
- Valuable SECO tools, such as the Traitify Personality Assessment
Your My Career Advancement Account and My Spouse Education and Career Opportunities account work together to help you meet your education and career goals. The MyCAA Scholarship application process leverages your MySECO profile and connects you to a career coach to help you make smart educational decisions and prepare you for a career that works with your military family’s mobile life.
Student's will fill out the required Education and Training Plan with your Program Advisor and SBS for tuition and fees.
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TTU Army ROTC and TTUHSC School of Nursing
When wanting to pursue a nursing undergraduate degree, students may be eligible for getting 100% tuition and fees OR room and board paid for, while enrolled in Army ROTC. -
The Texas Armed Services Scholarship (TASSP) has been created to assist promising students from the State of Texas who are committed to education and service. It encourages young leaders to participate in the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Merchant Marine, or to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States. Annually, the governor and the lieutenant governor may each appoint two students, and each state senator and each state representative may appoint one student to receive a conditional TASSP award.
Scholarship award amounts will be determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in mid-September of each academic year. The amount of this scholarship may not exceed the difference between the cost of attendance and other forms of student assistance for which the student may be eligible.
For more information please visit hhloans.com.
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VA offers scholarships to student who work in a VA healthcare facility serving veterans. They cover many degrees and certifications and are also often tax-exempt. Find more information about the different programs on the VA's website.
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U.S. Air Force Health Professions
Contact
Anthony L. Gaiera, TSgt, USAF
Health Professions Recruiter
5350 S. Roslyn St., Ste. 150
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Cell: 720.402.7973U.S. Army
U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program
The U.S. Army can help pay for your advanced medical degree with one of the most comprehensive scholarships available in the health care field, The F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program.Qualifications:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Have a 3.2 GPA
- MCAT/DAT scores received
Benefits:
- 100% tuition paid
- $2,466 Monthly Stipend
- $20k Signing Bonus
- Books and Fees Covered
- Commission as a Captain upon Graduation
Contact
Marcus McRae
Phone: 352.222.4352U.S. Navy Health Care
Nurse Candidate Program (NCP)
US Navy Health Care Team
What is the Navy recruiting for? The U.S. Navy Health Care Team hires for all medical fields. Our focus at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing is the Nurse Candidate Program (NCP, for short), which if accepted into the program will pay you a sign on bonus of $10,000 and you will earn a living stipend of $1,000 a month while finishing your Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
Nurse Candidate Program
The Nurse Candidate Program is designed to provide a financial incentive for students enrolled full-time or accepted into a Nursing Program that confers a Baccalaureate Degree accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
Program Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Must be enrolled in or accepted into a Nursing Program that confers a BSN accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Must complete studies/training as a full-time student attending all normal school sessions (2 Semesters or 3 Quarters) and must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above after selection.
- Graduation Date Requirements: Must graduate with your BSN between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2023.
- Meet eligibility criteria for appointment as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy.
- Degree requirements must be fulfilled within 24 months.
Service Requirements After BSN Completion
- Nurse Corps (NC) minimum obligation is four years on Active Duty (full-time Navy Nurse).
- If you enter the NCP program during your third year – or receive >12 months of living stipend, you will serve five years on Active Duty (full-time Navy Nurse).
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program
US Navy Health Care Team
What is the Navy recruiting for? The U.S. Navy Health Care Team hires for all medical fields. Our focus at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center however is the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP, for short), which pays full tuition, books, equipment, and all fees to optometry, dental and medical schools. In addition, the HPSP pays students a monthly $2,466 stipend.
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program
The Navy offers one of the most generous and comprehensive scholarships in the health care field with its HPSP. If you qualify, you could earn a full-tuition scholarship, plus a monthly allowance through the Navy's HPSP.
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and a minimum MCAT score of 500
- Be applying to, enrolled in or have a letter of acceptance to an accredited graduate program in the United States or Puerto Rico.
- Meet eligibility criteria for appointment as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
- Maintain full-time student status during the entire length of the program.
Contact
Tucker Bell
Phone: 469.584.7340
Email: Robert.T.Bell52.mil@us.navy.mil
Military Tuition Assistance (TA)
Active Duty military students planning to use DoD Tuition Assistance should visit with their Educational Services Officer (ESO), or counselor within their military service, prior to enrolling at TTUHSC.
State Tuition Assistance for Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), Texas Air National Guard (TXANG), and Texas State Guard (TXSG) can find more info on the Texas Military Department website.
Course Enrollment Information. TTUHSC will provide course enrollment, course withdrawal, course cancellation, course completion or failure, grade, verification of degree completion, and billing information to the TA issuing Service's education office, as outlined in the Service's regulations and instructions.
Student Business Services
Phone: 806.743.7867
Website: https://www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/studentbusserv/
Email: 3rdPartySBS@ttuhsc.edu
How to Request Military Tuition Assistance (TA)
Students should submit the following:
- Completed Tuition Assistance Authorization Form to Student Business Services (SBS) at 3rdPartySBS@ttuhsc.edu prior to the bill due date. Bill due dates can be found on the SBS website.
- FERPA Authorization to Release Education Records release form authorizing TTUHSC to release and forward course enrollment information described above to DoD.
- Students covered less than 100% by a benefit or combination of benefits, can complete and submit a Tuition Deferment request.
- Students wishing to use GI Bill benefits to supplement TA should ensure the "Check if VA Top-Up will be used" box is checked on their TA form prior to submitting to SBS. All documentation for VA benefits must be submitted through the HSC benefits portal as well.
