Texas Yellow Ribbon Schools: Complete 2025 Guide
Texas has over 100 schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, from elite private universities to public institutions. This guide compares the best options based on Yellow Ribbon contributions, graduation rates, and veteran support.
Top Texas Schools for Veterans
| School | YR Contribution | Student Cap | Type | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | Full tuition | Unlimited | Private | 93% |
| SMU | Varies by school | Limited | Private | 82% |
| Baylor University | Full gap (undergrad) | 325 students | Private | 78% |
| TCU | $10,000+ | Varies | Private | 80% |
| UT Austin | $5,000 | 25 students | Public | 88% |
| Texas A&M | N/A (Public) | N/A | Public | 83% |
Note: Public Texas schools (UT, Texas A&M) typically don’t need Yellow Ribbon for in-state students because GI Bill covers full tuition. Yellow Ribbon is most valuable at private schools where tuition exceeds the GI Bill cap.
Private Universities: Yellow Ribbon Essential
1. Rice University – Houston
| Yellow Ribbon | Full tuition coverage |
| Tuition (2024-25) | $58,128 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% (College Scorecard) |
| Veteran Contact | Rice Office of the Registrar – Veterans |
Why Rice: Rice offers the best combination of academic prestige, outcomes, and Yellow Ribbon support in Texas. The Military Scholars Program provides full MBA tuition for eligible veterans.
2. Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas
| Yellow Ribbon | Varies by school (up to full gap) |
| Tuition (2024-25) | $62,598 |
| Graduation Rate | 82% |
| Veteran Contact | SMU Veterans Services |
Why SMU: Strong Dallas business connections. The Cox School of Business has specific veteran initiatives and high MBA employment rates.
3. Baylor University – Waco
| Yellow Ribbon | Full gap (undergrad only) |
| Student Cap | 325 students |
| Tuition (2024-25) | $56,304 |
| Veteran Contact | Baylor VA Benefits |
Why Baylor: Generous 325-slot cap means most qualifying veterans are accepted. Strong nursing, business, and pre-law programs. Note: No graduate Yellow Ribbon.
Public Universities: GI Bill Often Covers Full Cost
University of Texas at Austin
| In-State Tuition | $11,998/year (fully covered by GI Bill) |
| Out-of-State | $41,070 (Yellow Ribbon helps) |
| Yellow Ribbon | $5,000 (25 slots, first-come first-served) |
| Graduation Rate | 88% |
| Veteran Contact | UT Austin Veterans Benefits |
Texas A&M University – College Station
| In-State Tuition | $12,742/year (fully covered by GI Bill) |
| Graduation Rate | 83% |
| Veteran Population | 2,500+ (one of largest in nation) |
| Veteran Contact | Texas A&M Veteran Resource Center |
Why Texas A&M: Largest veteran population of any Texas school. Strong military culture and Corps of Cadets integration. The Veteran Resource and Support Center is nationally recognized.
Hazlewood Act: Texas-Only Veteran Benefit
Texas veterans may have access to an even better benefit than the GI Bill. The Hazlewood Act provides:
| Benefit | GI Bill | Hazlewood Act |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Coverage | Up to $29,920/year | 150 credit hours FREE at Texas public schools |
| Schools Covered | All accredited schools nationwide | Texas public schools only |
| Fees Covered | Yes | Most fees exempt |
| Housing Allowance | Yes (BAH rate) | No |
| Transferable to Dependents | Yes | Yes (Hazlewood Legacy Act) |
Strategic approach: Many Texas veterans use Hazlewood for undergraduate at a public school (saving their GI Bill), then use the GI Bill for graduate school at a private university with Yellow Ribbon.
Housing Allowance by Texas City (2024)
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) rates based on E-5 with dependents BAH (DoD BAH Calculator):
| City/School | Monthly BAH | Annual (9 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Austin (UT) | $2,100 | $18,900 |
| Dallas (SMU) | $2,000 | $18,000 |
| Houston (Rice) | $1,950 | $17,550 |
| Fort Worth (TCU) | $1,900 | $17,100 |
| Waco (Baylor) | $1,500 | $13,500 |
| College Station (A&M) | $1,450 | $13,050 |
Note: Rates are approximate and change annually. Verify current rates at DoD BAH Calculator.
How to Choose
Choose Rice if:
- You want the highest prestige and outcomes in Texas
- You’re pursuing engineering, business, or pre-med
- You prefer a smaller campus (4,000 undergrads)
Choose UT Austin if:
- You want to save GI Bill for graduate school
- You want Austin’s tech industry connections
- You’re comfortable with a large campus (40,000+ students)
Choose Texas A&M if:
- You want the largest veteran community in Texas
- You value military culture and traditions
- You’re pursuing engineering or agriculture
Next Steps
- Find Yellow Ribbon schools: VA Yellow Ribbon Search
- Check Hazlewood eligibility: Texas Veterans Commission
- Compare schools: College Scorecard
- Get free application help: Service to School
Sources
- VA Yellow Ribbon Participating Schools
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
- Texas Veterans Commission – Hazlewood Act
- UT Austin Veterans Benefits
- Texas A&M Veteran Resource Center
Information is current as of the 2024-2025 academic year. Yellow Ribbon contributions and policies change annually; verify with each school before applying.
