TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

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.

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