Texas Child Support for College Students

Yes, Support Can Continue Through College

Texas law allows child support to extend beyond age 18 if the child is enrolled full-time in an accredited degree/certificate program.

Eligibility Criteria (Texas Family Code §154.001–.002)

1. Age: Under 19, or 19+ if continuously enrolled full-time since high school graduation.
2. Academic Progress: Satisfactory progress toward degree/certificate (passing grades, normal course load).
3. Financial Need: Child's expenses (tuition, fees, books, housing) exceed resources.
4. Parent's Ability to Pay: Court considers obligor's income, obligations, other dependents.

How It's Established

• Court order (original divorce/modification) specifying college support.
• Written agreement between parents, approved by court.
• Can be direct payments to school or to child/custodial parent.

Modification & Termination

• Automatic termination if child drops below full-time, graduates, marries, or turns 23 (statutory cap in some orders).
• Either parent can petition for modification based on changed circumstances (income, enrollment, needs).

Key Distinction

No automatic obligation. Unlike some states, Texas doesn't mandate college support by default—it must be ordered or agreed upon. Many divorce decrees address it explicitly.

Practical Advice

1. Include college support terms in original divorce decree.
2. Define "full-time," "accredited," "satisfactory progress," and cap (e.g., 4 years, in-state tuition).
3. Use 529 plans or direct tuition payments for clarity.
4. Consult a family law attorney—college support is highly fact-specific.