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Empower EDU: Higher Education Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement

Higher Education Opportunities

By working for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), employees can take advantage of various educational opportunities and programs offered within the agency. From lower tuition rates to tuition reimbursement, TDCJ supports students in pursuing their educational goals while working.

Frequently Asked Questions


Tuition Reimbursement

TDCJ is offering a tuition reimbursement program to full-time employees with the goal of improving job-related skills, work-related capabilities, and competency, as well as prepare employees for changes in job duties resulting from technological or procedural improvements. The amount of reimbursement for tuition expenses approved for an employee shall not exceed $5,000 per fiscal year.

Application Period
Application Acceptance Period Corresponding Semester
October 1 – November 15 Courses Beginning January 15 – May 15
February 1 – March 15 Courses Beginning May 16 – August 15
May 1 – June 15 Courses Beginning August 16 – November 15
August 1 – September 15 Courses Beginning November 16 – January 14

Applications will open on the first business day of the application period.

Eligibility Criteria (AD-11.78)

  • Full-time employment with TDCJ for at least 12 continuous months.
  • Meets standards on annual performance evaluation.
  • Not on disciplinary probation or a return-to-work retiree.

How to Apply

  • Submission of request form 60 days before course enrollment deadline.
  • Explanation of relevance, course-to-degree connection, and institution details.

Employee Obligations

  • Remain employed during the semester and for a specified period after course completion.
  • Failure to fulfill obligations may require repayment.

If you would like more information on tuition reimbursement, e-mail your request to TuitionReimbursement@tdcj.texas.gov.



Get More with Preferred Schools

The TDCJ is collaborating with colleges and universities across the state and beyond to offer additional benefits to agency employees including reduced tuition. This reduced tuition rate will help employees pay for their tuition and gain a professional advantage while building a stable financial foundation for their futures.

If an institution would like more information on partnering with TDCJ, please e-mail your request to EmpowerEDU@tdcj.texas.gov.

Institutions requesting employment verification should e-mail requests to employee.services@tdcj.texas.gov.

Preferred Schools

Preferred Schools
Institution Name Available for
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition Discount Degrees
Awarded
100%
On-Line
Credit for Work Experience/Training
Abilene Christian University   Bachelor
Master
Doctorate
 
Alvin Community College   Associate  
Coastal Bend College Associate
Faulkner University    Associate
Bachelor
Master
Doctorate
Purdue Global   Associate
Bachelor
Master
 
Trinity Valley Community College Associate