All U.S. federal financial aid programs require that students be enrolled in programs leading to a degree or some other educational credential to be eligible for financial aid. Students enrolled solely in correspondence study courses are not eligible. Correspondence courses are not considered part of your course load for the purpose of determining eligibility for and amount of federal financial aid for Texas State students. However, Texas State students who think they qualify for aid should contact the Texas State Office of Financial Aid at 512.245.2315. Non-Texas State students should contact the financial aid office at their university.

 

Financial aid opportunities exist for active military personnel enrolled in correspondence courses. Texas State is one of the regionally accredited institutions offering collegiate-level correspondence courses through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. Several categories of military assistance are available under DANTES. Each branch of the service maintains its own payment policy. Students who want to learn more about the military’s financial assistance should contact an education officer or the nearest education center. Course and registration listings are available in the DANTES Independent Study Catalog.

 

Under the Hazlewood Act, certain Texas veterans are exempt from enrollment costs for college courses taken at any publicly funded higher education institution in Texas. The legislation allows payment exemption only if the courses apply toward the student’s approved degree plan, and the Texas Veterans’ Association has determined eligibility. To claim the Hazlewood exemption, the veteran must have been accepted by a degree-granting institution in Texas; have an approved, current degree plan on file; and have the courses taken via distance learning approved by the degree-granting Texas institution. For all students, the dean/advisor and the Office of Veterans Affairs at the student’s home university must sign a Hazlewood Verification of Eligibility and Course Acceptability form, which states that the student who wishes to enroll in a distance learning course has satisfied the above requirements. Students should present this form with their application and the $25 non-refundable administrative fee. To obtain a Hazlewood eligibility packet, call the Office of Correspondence Studies, or the Texas State Office of Veterans’ Affairs at 512.245.2641.

 

Many companies or agencies offer employee assistance for college courses. Employees should contact the appropriate Human Resources Department for information. Employees who work for a company or agency that has agreed to pay for enrollment in a correspondence course should present a letter, purchase order, or voucher from this employer stating that the company will cover the cost of enrollment. The Office of Correspondence Studies will invoice the company after the student enrolls.

 

If you are the beneficiary of a Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan contract, you may use these funds toward correspondence study. Be sure to submit a copy of your Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan ID card with your enrollment application, and the Office of Correspondence Studies will invoice the agency after you enroll.