Office of Financial Aid

The purpose of the Educational Aide Exemption Program is to encourage certain educational aides to complete full teacher certification by providing need-based exemptions from the payment of tuition and certain mandatory fees at Texas public institutions for higher education.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a Texas resident;
• Be registered for the Selective Service or be exempt for this requirement;
• Be employed in some capacity by a public school district in Texas during full term for which the student receives the award;
• Submit FAFSA/TASFA by first class day and show financial need;
• Have been employed by a public school district in TEXAS working full-time in a classroom directly with students in a teaching capacity as an educational aid for at least one school year or a substitute teacher for 180 days of the past five school years preceding the term or semester for which the student is awarded their initial exemption;
• Meet satisfactory academic progress policy (SAPP); and
• Be enrolled in courses required for teacher certification in one or more areas that the Texas Education Agency has determined to be experiencing a critical shortage of teachers at public schools in Texas in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, 21.1083 (6).

The Educational Aide Exemption Application should be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid before the twelve class day of the semester for which you are applying as this programs funding is limited. Please allow at least two weeks for processing. The deadline to submit the application is the last class day of the semester for which you are applying.

The Educational Aide Exemption Program, frequently asked questions.