18 verified resources.
18 Resources
1. FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid — Free
Required application for Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year), federal loans, and work-study, plus most Texas state financial aid programs. Free to complete at studentaid.gov — takes approximately 30 minutes. File as early as October 1st for the following academic year. Fathers returning to school should file even if unsure about eligibility. Bring your Social Security number, tax returns, and bank statements. The FAFSA is also required for TEXAS Grants and institutional scholarships.
(800) 433-3243 · Website 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET · Visit Website
2. TEXAS Grant Program (THECB) — Free
State-funded need-based grant for financially needy Texas residents at public universities and certain private colleges. Automatically determined when you file your FAFSA — no separate application needed. Award amounts vary by school and financial need. Must be enrolled at least half-time. Requires remaining enrolled in a degree program with satisfactory academic progress. Contact your school's financial aid office for specific award details and renewal requirements at your Texas institution.
(800) 242-3062 · TX Higher Education Coordinating Board, PO Box 12788, Austin, TX 78711 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
3. Texas GED / High School Equivalency (TEA) — Free
GED program for adults who didn't complete high school. Free or subsidized test fees available through the HSE Subsidy Program for adults 21 and older. Call 800-441-7323 to find free local prep classes near you. GED preparation classes are available through adult education centers across all Texas regions. The GED credential is recognized by Texas employers and colleges. Fathers improving their education can better support their children's educational goals long-term.
(512) 463-9292 · 1701 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
4. TWC — Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) — Free
Free reading, writing, math, English skills, GED prep, and adult high school completion courses through local providers statewide. Call 800-441-7323 to find a class near you. Classes are available in-person and online at community colleges, workforce centers, and libraries across Texas. No cost to participants. Flexible scheduling available to accommodate working adults and fathers. Completion of adult education programs can improve employment prospects and earning potential statewide.
(800) 441-7323 · 101 E 15th St, Austin, TX 78778 · Phone Mon-Fri 8-5; class times vary · Visit Website
5. Texas Workforce Commission — Career & Skills Training — Free
Career training through Workforce Solutions offices across Texas. Free career coaching, resume help, and funding for short-term industry certifications in high-demand fields. Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) may fund approved programs at community colleges and training providers. Call your nearest Workforce Solutions office or visit workintexas.com. Fathers returning to the workforce can access training in healthcare, construction, IT, and skilled trades at little or no cost.
(512) 936-3100 · 101 E 15th St, Austin, TX 78778 · Workforce Solutions Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
6. Texas Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — Free
Texas Vocational Rehabilitation helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services may include college tuition assistance, job training, assistive technology, and career counseling. Contact TWC Vocational Rehabilitation at (800) 628-5115 or visit your nearest Workforce Solutions office to apply. Bring documentation of your disability from a doctor. Eligible fathers with disabilities can receive substantial financial support for education and training to improve career prospects.
(800) 628-5115 · 101 E 15th St, Austin, TX 78778 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
7. Austin Community College (ACC) — Paid
Open-admission community college with affordable degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways across multiple Austin-area campuses. Financial aid including Pell Grants and TEXAS Grants available for eligible students. Tuition is significantly lower than 4-year universities. Apply online at austincc.edu. Fathers returning to school can find flexible evening and online course options. Call or visit a campus for admissions and financial aid assistance to begin your educational journey.
(512) 223-4636 · 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX 78752 · Mon-Fri 8-5; online 24/7 · Visit Website
8. Houston Community College (HCC) — Paid
Open-admission community college with 21 campuses across greater Houston. Associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs in healthcare, technology, trades, and business. Federal and state financial aid available. Apply online at hccs.edu. Fathers returning to school find evening, weekend, and online classes that fit around work and parenting schedules. Call or visit a campus for admissions, financial aid, and academic advising. Tuition is among the most affordable in Houston.
(713) 718-2000 · 3100 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 · Mon-Thu 8-7; Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
9. Dallas College — Paid
Seven-campus community college system serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Open-admission degrees, certificates, and university transfer pathways. Federal financial aid and TEXAS Grant available for eligible students. Apply online at dallascollege.edu. Flexible evening, weekend, and online courses available for working fathers. Dallas College offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in North Texas. Call or visit a campus for admissions and financial aid assistance.
(972) 669-6400 · 1601 S State St, Garland, TX 75040 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
10. GI Bill Education Benefits (VA) — Free
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 100% of in-state tuition at Texas public universities plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend. Apply at va.gov/education. Veterans with 90+ days of post-9/11 service may be eligible. Benefits can be transferred to dependents in some cases. Texas veterans can also combine GI Bill with the Texas Hazlewood Act for maximum benefit coverage. Call the VA Education hotline at 1-888-442-4551 for questions about your specific eligibility.
(888) 442-4551 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm CT; online 24/7 · Visit Website
11. Texas Hazlewood Act (TVC) — Free
Up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at public Texas colleges and universities for eligible Texas veterans, their spouses, and children. One of the most generous state veteran education benefits in the nation. Unused hours can be transferred to dependents. Apply through the Texas Veterans Commission or your school's veterans affairs office. Bring your DD-214 and proof of Texas residency. Can be combined with the GI Bill for comprehensive tuition coverage at Texas public institutions.
(888) 838-8391 · TX Veterans Commission, PO Box 12277, Austin, TX 78711 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
12. Texas College Savings Plan (529) — Paid
Tax-advantaged 529 account for future education expenses at any accredited US school. Contributions grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Texas offers two plans: LoneStar 529 (investment-based) and Texas Tuition Promise Fund (prepaid plan). Fathers can start an account for children of any age with as little as 5. Visit texascollegesavings.com to compare plans and open an account. Grandparents and relatives can also contribute to a child's 529 account.
(800) 445-4723 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
13. San Antonio College (Alamo Colleges District) — Paid
Open-admission community college in the Alamo Colleges District with affordable tuition, workforce certificates, and transfer pathways. AlamoPROMISE covers tuition for eligible Bexar County high school graduates. Apply online at alamo.edu. Flexible evening and online courses available for working fathers. Multiple campuses across San Antonio. Financial aid including Pell Grants available for qualifying students. Call or visit the admissions office to learn about enrollment and financial aid options.
(210) 486-0000 · 1819 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
14. Tarrant County College (Fort Worth) — Paid
Multi-campus community college serving Tarrant County in the Fort Worth area. Open-admission degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs. Financial aid including Pell Grants and TEXAS Grants available for qualifying students. Apply online at tccd.edu. Flexible evening and online course options for working parents and fathers. Call or visit a campus for admissions, financial aid, and advising. TCC offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the Fort Worth metro area.
(817) 515-8223 · 300 Trinity Campus Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76102 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
15. El Paso Community College — Paid
Open-admission community college serving El Paso County with affordable degrees, certificates, and bilingual English/Spanish workforce training across five campuses. Financial aid including Pell Grants available for qualifying students. Apply online at epcc.edu. El Paso County residents pay in-district tuition rates. Flexible evening and online courses for working fathers. Call or visit a campus for admissions and financial aid assistance. EPCC is one of the most affordable colleges in West Texas.
(915) 831-2000 · 9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
16. ApplyTexas — College Application Portal — Free
Free, single portal to apply to any Texas public university or community college. Also links to scholarship databases and financial aid information at applytexas.org. Fathers returning to education can use one application to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously. The portal also includes search tools for state and institutional scholarships. No application fee for most participating institutions. A helpful resource for any Texas resident planning to start or return to college.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
17. Texas OnCourse — College & Career Planning — Free
Free tools and resources helping Texans explore college and career options at texasoncourse.org. Includes a course planner, financial aid guide, and career exploration tools for high schoolers through adults. Fathers can use the platform to plan their own education path or help their children plan for college. Resources cover the full pipeline from high school endorsements through college completion. Available in English and Spanish. No account required to browse most resources.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
18. Khan Academy — Free Online Learning — Free
100% free online courses in math, science, computing, economics, test prep for SAT and GED, and more at khanacademy.org. Self-paced with practice exercises and instant feedback. Great for GED prep and college readiness at any age. Fathers can use Khan Academy to brush up on skills before returning to school or help children with homework. No account required to access most content. Available in Spanish. Works on any device including smartphones and tablets.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website