In addition to the words and terms defined in §13.1 of this chapter (relating to Definitions), the following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise or the relevant subchapter specifies a different definition:

1. (1) Cost of Attendance--An institution's estimate of the expenses incurred by a typical financial aid recipient in attending a particular institution of higher education. It includes direct educational costs (tuition and fees) as well as indirect costs (room and board, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and other allowable costs for financial aid purposes).
2. (2) Discretionary Exemption or Waiver--An exemption or waiver that an eligible institution, as specified in program rules, may choose to offer to an eligible student.
3. (3) Exemption--A program authorized by state statute that allows an eligible student enrolled in an institution of higher education to pay a reduced amount of tuition and/or fees, except that a waiver, as defined by this section, is not considered an exemption.
4. (4) Financial Need--The cost of attendance at a particular institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education less the Student Aid Index, as those terms are defined in this section.
5. (5) Full-time--For undergraduate students, the equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours per semester or as defined by the institution. For graduate students, the equivalent of at least 9 semester credit hours per semester or as defined by the institution.
6. (6) Laboratory Fees--Fees authorized by Texas Education Code, §54.501, that an institution of higher education collects to cover the general cost of laboratory materials and supplies used by a student.
7. (7) Mandatory Exemption or Waiver--An exemption or waiver that an eligible institution, as specified in program rules, is obligated to offer to an eligible student.
8. (8) Student Aid Index--A measure utilized to calculate a student's financial need as regulated and defined by the methodology used for federal student financial aid.
9. (9) Tuition--Includes statutory tuition, designated tuition, and governing board-authorized tuition.
10. (10) Waiver--A program authorized by state statute that allows a nonresident student enrolled in an institution of higher education who would otherwise be charged the nonresident tuition rate to pay the tuition rate charged to a similarly situated resident student.

Source Note:The provisions of this §13.460 adopted to be effective November 13, 2025, 50 TexReg 7253.