Lone Star College Approves Tuition Exemption for Students 65 and Older

HOUSTON, TX – The Lone Star College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a tuition exemption for seniors 65 years of age or older. The vote took place during the November board meeting.

“This exemption was a direct result of a citizen who spoke before the board and requested we take this action,” said Dr. Stephen C. Head, LSC chancellor. “I am grateful to the board for approving this worthwhile benefit to the citizens in our community.”

William Bailey, a LSC-CyFair adjunct professor who also lives in the Lone Star College System area, spoke during the public comment portion of the June 2016 board meeting requesting that board members consider this exemption.

With this tuition exemption approval, senior citizens who are 65 and older will be allowed to take up to 6 credit hours of courses per semester tuition-free.

They must satisfy both grade-point average and cumulative hour requirements for continued exemption eligibility. This exemption will not apply to nominal fees charged for the courses.

“It is our hope that approval of this exemption will encourage senior citizens to continue their education and stay involved with Lone Star College,” said Head.

LSC Board members also voted last year to maintain existing tax exemption allowances and tax freezes for disabled residents and residents age 65 and older for 2017. That means all residents who live in the LSC taxing jurisdiction and who are homeowners continue to be eligible for a $5,000 homestead exemption allowance (or 1 percent, whichever is greater.)

Disabled residents and those over 65 years of age residing in the LSC service area are also eligible for the system’s $75,000 property tax exemption and tax freeze. Taxpayers who are eligible will also automatically qualify for the tax freeze, where the actual dollar amount owed is frozen as of the date the taxpayer qualifies for the exemption – even if the property value increases.

The tuition exemption for seniors that was approved last month is in place just in time for the spring 2017 semester. Registration for spring 2017 classes is now open for all students interested in furthering their education. Visit LoneStar.edu to learn more.

Image: Eric Chan via Flickr