Tuition Waiver

The waiver is for tuition and tuition-based fees at public colleges, universities, and technical schools in Texas that use public funds. It does not cover room and board, books, or supplies.

Public institutions of higher education in Texas that receive state funding, also called formula funding, may waive tuition. Private or for-profit schools are not required to waive tuition. The College for All Texans website has a list of public schools.

You will need to check with the college or university department to ask how the online or continuing education course is funded. If it is funded only by local taxes and course fees, the CODTW will not cover the cost. If the institution is public and the department receives state funding for that course, also called formula funding, the CODTW will cover the cost.

You cannot use the waiver to earn high school credits because state law requires you to have a high school diploma or equivalent to use the waiver.

For students in Texas to get their tuition waived, they need to meet several requirements according to the Texas Education Code. These include having:

• a Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver
• a written statement of purpose
• a high school diploma or equivalent
• a letter of recommendation
• proof that the person meets all other entrance requirements of the school

The school should give you detailed instructions on what documents you need to provide.

Always check with the school to understand their specific requirements for waiving tuition and their reasons for not waiving tuition. Below are some reasons why a school may not accept the CODTW:

1. Lack of High School Diploma or GED:
   • A high school diploma or equivalent is required for the school to waive your tuition.
2. Residency or Entry Requirement Issues:
   • You must meet the school's residency and other entry requirements for your tuition to be waived.
3. Missing Documentation:
   • If you do not submit necessary documents to the school with your tuition waiver request, the school might not approve the waiver. They may require a written statement of purpose showing which certificate, degree program, or professional enhancement you are pursuing. They may also require a letter of recommendation from a responsible person who knows you and who can serve as a reference.
4. Low Cumulative GPA:
   • If your cumulative GPA falls below the minimum required by the school, they may not grant a tuition waiver. Appeals for this can be submitted to the school and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
5. Excessive Hours:
   • If you have attempted more than the allowable number of hours for your undergraduate degree program, known as "excessive hours," the school may not waive your tuition. You reach excessive hours when you attempt 15 hours beyond the number required for your associate degree or 30 hours beyond the number required for your bachelor’s degree. This is only applicable to undergraduate students, and appeals can be submitted to the school for consideration on a case-by-case basis. 
6. Non-Formula Funded Program:
   • The tuition waiver applies only to programs or courses that receive state funding, called formula funding. If your chosen program or course does not fall into this category, the waiver may not be granted.

Remember, schools may have different policies and criteria, so you are encouraged to communicate directly with the school to understand their specific requirements for tuition waivers.

There is no specific requirement for a minimum or maximum number of hours that students must take per semester. However, if undergraduate students exceed a certain number of hours over the course of their education, their tuition may not be waived. The limits for excessive hours vary based on the type of degree:

• For associate degrees, the limit is 15 hours beyond the number required for their degree or certificate program.
• For bachelor’s degrees, the limit is 30 hours beyond the number required for their degree.

It is important to note that there might be exceptions to this rule, and students can contact their school to find out if their tuition waiver will still be accepted. Appeals can be submitted to the school for consideration on a case-by-case basis.

There is no limit on the level of education. If you qualify, you can use the CODTW for post-secondary education, whether it is for an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees.

No. The school waives tuition and tuition-based fees, per the Texas Education Code 54.364, and is not reimbursed by any entity.

You can either email or mail the application and audiology documentation to the following addresses:

Email: 
dhhs.tuitionwaivers@hhs.texas.gov

Mail: 
HHSC DHHS 
Attn: CODTW
P.O. Box 12904 
Austin, TX 78711

Yes. You may use any of these options to sign the application:

• Use a digital ID or electronic signature (not typed) and email to DHHS Tuition Waivers.
• Print, sign, scan, and email to DHHS Tuition Waivers.
• Print, sign, and send through the mail to the address listed on the application.

Please allow 30 days from the date the application arrives at DHHS.

Yes, you can use an older audiogram for the tuition waiver application if the audiogram reflects your current hearing status. There is no specific requirement regarding the age of the audiogram.

No, you do not have to prove eligibility for all options listed on the tuition waiver application. You must provide audiology documentation to prove you meet at least one of the first three options (A, B, or C). However, if you are applying under Option D, DHHS asks that you first submit audiology documentation to show you do not qualify under Options A, B, or C.

Your CODTW does not expire. DHHS keeps records for five years. If you need a CODTW after five years and no longer have a copy, you will need to reapply. Be sure to keep electronic and/or hard copies for future needs.

No, your CODTW is valid for the entirety of your program. Schools may ask for another copy of your CODTW if you change your major or focus of study or if you change your name.

If you no longer have a copy of your CODTW, you may send an email request to DHHS Tuition Waivers. DHHS keeps records for five years. If you need a CODTW after five years, you will need to reapply.

To request a CODTW with your new name, you can either email or mail the request to the following addresses:

Email:
dhhs.tuitionwaivers@hhs.texas.gov

Mail:
HHSC DHHS
Attn: CODTW
P.O. Box 12904
Austin, TX 78711

Include a copy of one of the following as proof of the name change:

• marriage certificate
• divorce decree
• legal name change document

Please keep in mind that DHHS keeps CODTW records for five years. If it has been longer than that since you first applied, your original CODTW would no longer be in the system, and you would need to reapply.

If your name did not change, you do not need to update the address.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a CODTW. To have your tuition waived by the school, you need to fulfill the residency requirements for the school where you plan to enroll. The specific residency requirements can be found in the Texas Education Code 54.052.

The Texas Education Code addresses the tuition waiver:

TEC, Section 54.364 — Blind, Deaf Students 
TEC, Section 61.003(8) — Institution of Higher Education 
TEC, Section 54.2001 — Continued Receipt of Exemptions or Waivers 
TEC, Section 54.014 — Tuition for Repeated or Excessive Undergraduate Hours