HAZLEWOOD ACT BENEFITS
Proud to be located in “Military City, USA,” UTSA appreciates the increased Hazlewood support provided during the 88th legislature. UTSA requests that the support be made permanent, and additional funding is provided to fully meet the growing financial obligation.
Overview
The Hazlewood Act provides qualified veterans, spouses and dependent children with a generous tuition and fees exemption at any public college or university in Texas. UTSA is consistently ranked among the top Military Friendly Schools in the nation and the largest provider of education to military families. As the demand to pursue an exceptional education by military families at UTSA grows, so too does the cost associated with tuition and fee exemptions. The financial support from the state consistently falls short and requires UTSA to subsidize these students, which constrains the university’s ability to make strategic investments in infrastructure, student resources and employees.
The Challenge
With the passage of SB 93 in 2009, UTSA continues to experience an enormous growth of students utilizing Hazlewood exemptions. The additional support provided through the 88th legislative session reduced—but did not come close to eliminating—the financial obligations. In FY 2024 UTSA waived $21.9 million in tuition and fees, while state support for these exemptions totaled only $8.5 million. This left a funding gap of $13.4 million in unreimbursed costs. The funding gap is projected to reach $14.7 million by the end of FY 2025, and over $17 million by the end of FY 2026.
For More Information
Jason Hassay
UTSA Government Relations
o: 210.458.5102
m: 512.413.9598
jason.hassay@utsa.edu
Albert Carrisalez
The Impact
Since FY 2009, UTSA has exempted over $208 million in tuition and fees as a result of the Hazlewood Act, only $22.8 million of which is reimbursed through state support. Hazlewood’s financial impact affects the delivery of classes, hiring of faculty, investment in infrastructure, and prolongs deferred maintenance.
Takeaway
UTSA Government Relations
o: 210.458.5138
m: 210.452.7557
albert.carrisalez@utsa.edu
Updated January 13, 2025
Unreimbursed Hazlewood exemptions are indirectly absorbed by all UTSA students, making it increasingly difficult for the university to provide them with the highest level of service.