Texas A&M System Commits Up to $90 Million to Strengthen Hazlewood Promise
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New initiative will help regional universities absorb unreimbursed tuition exemptions for Texas veterans
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Thursday committed up to $90 million over three years to help A&M System universities honor the state’s Hazlewood promise while protecting the financial strength of campuses that serve Texas veterans.
The new Hazlewood Veteran Initiative will provide up to $30 million annually from the Available University Fund beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The money will help member universities offset tuition and mandatory fee revenue they forego when educating eligible veterans.
The relief will be especially important for regional universities, where unreimbursed exemptions can consume a significant share of a smaller operating and tuition base.
“Texas made a promise to the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform, and we intend to keep it,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents. “But keeping that promise should not weaken the regional universities that serve so many veterans and military families. This initiative gives those campuses meaningful relief while protecting the education of every student who walks through their doors.”
The Hazlewood Act provides qualifying Texas veterans with up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition exemption, including most mandatory fees, at public colleges and universities. Eligible veterans may transfer unused hours to a qualifying child through the Hazlewood Legacy program. Benefits also are available to certain spouses and dependent children of veterans who are disabled, missing or killed as a result of military service.
“Texas lawmakers have made a substantial investment in Hazlewood, particularly through support for the Legacy program. The Board’s action builds on that commitment. The state and the A&M System are partners in this. Our goal is simple: honor veterans, keep college affordable and keep our regional universities strong.”
Based on fiscal 2025 data, state funding reimbursed approximately 67% of the cost of exemptions transferred to children through the Legacy program. Exemptions used directly by veterans were not reimbursed, leaving public universities to absorb those costs.
“Texas lawmakers have made a substantial investment in Hazlewood, particularly through support for the Legacy program,” Chancellor Glenn Hegar said. “The Board’s action builds on that commitment. The state and the A&M System are partners in this. Our goal is simple: honor veterans, keep college affordable and keep our regional universities strong.”
The initiative does not change Hazlewood eligibility or benefits. It provides institutional support so universities can serve eligible veterans without shifting the unreimbursed cost to other campus priorities.
The Board approved funding of up to $30 million per year for three years. The A&M System may continue the allocation beyond that initial period, subject to the performance of the Permanent University Fund and future decisions by the Board and chancellor.
