15 Military Friendly Colleges in Texas

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Military Friendly Colleges in Texas

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Texas

There are many military friendly colleges in Texas. According to the VA, in 2022, 675 Texas schools were paid Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 72,500 students totaling over $452 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

The most used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Texas colleges, 76% of the beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2023 veterans eaRNING aid at Texas colleges
Post 9 / 1146,361
MGIB – AD1,904
MIGB – SR1,550
REAP0
DEA29,710
VEAP0
TOTAL79,525

 

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Texas for 2024

These 15 military friendly colleges in Texas are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2022 / 2023 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1The University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle | San Antonio, TX 78249


The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) stands out as the first military-friendly college in Texas on our list, catering to over 1,600 students receiving GI Bill benefits. UTSA offers valuable resources such as the VetSuccess on Campus program, a collaborative initiative between UTSA and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aimed at supporting student veterans. Joining the Student Veterans Association (SVA) could be a beneficial move, as it is a volunteer organization led by student veteran leaders advocating for student veterans and their families.

Veterans at UTSA can leverage transfer credits for military training. The college boasts an impressive 85% retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits, while part-time students maintain a solid 81% retention rate.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,026
Grad: $8,194

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,550
Grad: 224

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 85%
Part Time: 81%

2 Texas A & M University-College Station
JKW Administration Building, Suite 200 | College Station, TX 77843


Texas A&M University College Station (TAMU) has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1876 as a military academy, and has been supporting student veterans since 1919. The Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC) is a valuable hub connecting veterans and military-affiliated students with campus and community networks.

TAMU actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering substantial support to 25 undergraduate students, providing up to $10,000 each per year. Veterans at TAMU can benefit from transfer credits for military training. The university maintains a robust 87% retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits and an exceptional 100% rate for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,574
Grad: $14,166

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 995
Grad: 312

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 100%

3Texas Christian University
2800 S University Dr | Fort Worth, TX 76129


Texas Christian University (TCU) is dedicated to assisting veterans and their dependents in pursuing higher education. TCU Veterans Services plays a crucial role in guiding military and veteran students through the admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes.

In line with its commitment, TCU actively engages in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending support to an unlimited number of undergraduate students with an unrestricted maximum contribution per year. Graduate students also benefit from various awards based on division/school.

Veterans at TCU enjoy the advantage of transfer credits for military training, and the university boasts an impressive 86% retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $35,937
Grad: $22,933

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 284
Grad: 64

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: N/A

4 Baylor University
Waco, TX 76798


Baylor University stands as a pillar of support for military-connected students embarking on new journeys in servant leadership. The institution boasts a designated point of contact, ensuring comprehensive support services for veterans, service members, and their families. Additionally, Baylor hosts a recognized student veteran organization on its campus.

Demonstrating its commitment, Baylor actively engages in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending valuable support to 325 undergraduate students with an unrestricted maximum contribution per year.

Veterans at Baylor also enjoy the opportunity for transfer credits based on their military training, and the university maintains a commendable 84% retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $24,370
Grad: $16,676

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 449
Grad: 231

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: N/A

5 University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway St | San Antonio, TX 78209


University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 87%. And, the rate for part time students is 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $13,492
Grad: $11,953

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 457
Grad: 215

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 67%

6 Texas State University
601 University Dr | San Marcos, TX 78666


Texas State University prioritizes the success of veteran students, evident in its dedicated support through the Veteran Academic Success Center (VASC). This center serves as a valuable resource hub for military-connected students, providing access to resources and a peer support program.

At Texas State University, veterans benefit from eligibility for transfer credits based on their military training. The institution boasts an impressive 89% retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits, with a 36% rate for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,912
Grad: $6,331

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,173
Grad: 148

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 36%

7 University of North Texas
1501 W. Chestnut Ave | Denton, TX 76203


University of North Texas (UNT) was designated as a Purple Heart University on May 3, 2018. The Student Veteran’s Association (SVA) of UNT may be a great group to join. It helps veterans, active duty, reserve, National Guard, Coast Guard and dependents transition to college. And, UNT participates in Green Zone training.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 78%. And, the rate for part time students is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,965
Grad: $7,107

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 925
Grad: 135

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 50%

8 The University of Texas at Arlington
701 S. Nedderman Drive | Arlington, TX 76013


The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is designated as a Purple Heart University. The school participates in the VetSuccess on Campus and the Veterans Upward Bound programs. And, it’s home to a Student Veteran Organization (SVO), MavVets. This group gives veterans a way to build camaraderie and get involved.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 80%. And, the rate for part time students is 89%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,874
Grad: $7,450

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 799
Grad: 190

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 89%

9 University of Houston
212 E. Cullen Building | Houston, TX 77204


University of Houston (UH) is another military friendly college in Texas. Veteran Services (VS) provides academic support and guidance. Plus, there’s a casual and safe space for students to study, relax, and network with their peers.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 81%. And, the rate for part time students is 75%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,299
Grad: $17,301

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 509
Grad: 76

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 81%
Part Time: 75%

10 The University of Texas at Austin
110 Inner Campus Drive | Austin, TX 78705


The University of Texas at Austin (UT) provides a special orientation for incoming student veterans. Plus, the Student Veteran Association (SVA) offers support. It works to help veterans adjust to life on campus.

UT Austin participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 25 undergrad students up to $5,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 84%. And, the rate for part time students is 83%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,653
Grad: $25,444

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 425
Grad: 143

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 83%

 

11 Wayland Baptist University
1900 W 7th St., Plainview, Texas 79072


Wayland University is a Christian college founded in 1908 by a pioneer physician. The school commits to supporting U.S. military service members.

 There is a Veteran’s Relations Manager at the Office of Veteran Services you could contact as well as various programs in place that may offer help. For e.g., Wayland San Antonio provides veteran students with VA claim assistance by partnering with the Disabled American Veterans Alamo Chapter 5 DAVA Unit 5 every first Thursday of the month on the main campus.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,052
Grad: $6,426

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 386
Grad: 215

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 72%

12 The University of Texas at El Paso
500 W University Ave | El Paso, TX 79968


The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is home to the Military Student Success Center (MSSC). The MSSC supports student success from admissions to graduation. It offers help with academic, social, and professional development.

UTEP participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 50 students up to $2,645 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 92%. And, the rate for part time students is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,794
Grad: $5,110

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 913
Grad: 86

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 92%
Part Time: 50%

13 Central Texas College
6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, Texas 76549-4199


Central Texas College is a public open admission school that offers associate degrees and certificate programs. These are available in academic, professional and technical trade fields.

CTC also offers online programs and has about 100 locations on or near military installations. The college’s history includes service to military students, veterans and family members since being founded in 1967. Being close to Fort Hood, Texas, also contributes to diversity on the campus in Killeen. 

As a military learner, the school aims to help you receive maximum credit for military education and training and helps you to achieve residency through online courses. You could also get an instant estimate of how far your military training and experience could take you towards a degree through a digital tool on the school’s website.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,455
Grad: N/A

# of Students

Undergrad: 1,808
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 64%
Part Time: 59%

14 Texas Tech University
Broadway and University Ave | Lubbock, TX 79409


Texas Tech University (TTU) has a vision to be the school of choice for military members, veterans, and their families. Its Military & Veterans Programs (MVP) help students pursue academic, personal, and professional success. And, the TTU Veterans Association offers friendship and community outreach.

TTU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 500 students up to $5,020 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 77%. And, the rate for part time students is 33%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,094
Grad: $10,703

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 554
Grad: 103

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 33%

15 The University of Texas at Dallas
800 W Campbell Rd | Richardson, TX 75080


The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is invested in the success of student veterans and military affiliated students. One great resource may be the UT Dallas Military and Veteran Center (MVC). The MVC provides resources and support for military connected students. Plus, you could join Veterans of UT Dallas, the Student Veterans Association (SVA) on campus. Finally, the school participates in Green Zone training.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 76%. And, the rate for part time students is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,746
Grad: $12,981

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 280
Grad: 100

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 76%
Part Time: 50%

Do military kids get free college in Texas?

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 at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

Are military colleges prestigious?

These schools, while extremely rigorous, hold prestige. The combination of free tuition, stellar academics, and a monthly stipend creates a competitive entrance. In addition to standard college application requirements, applicants must undergo a medical and fitness exam.

Is it challenging to get into a military college?

Yes, the five United States military academies prepare students to become officers while offering a free undergraduate degree in exchange for military service. The admissions process for these academies is extensive and highly competitive.

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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