Texas Tech University

Third Attempt Rule

Additional tuition of $100 per credit hour is charged for courses a student attempts three or more times. The fee is subject to change each year upon action of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The Texas Legislature eliminated formula funding for students who have exceeded the maximum repeated hours for an attempted course. Texas Administrative Code

State regulation allows an institution of higher education to be compensated for this loss by charging a higher tuition rate to a student whose hours can no longer be submitted for state funding.

Beginning Fall 2017, if a student receives exemptions they will no longer be applied to a course repeated 3 or more times and the student will need to be prepared to pay these additional charges.

When does the third attempt rule apply?

  • When taking the same or substantially similar course content
  • Attempting a course more than twice
  • When students are graded (A, B, C, D, F, and in some instances NC or CR) and/or dropping courses after census (I, W)

Courses exempted from funding limitations include:

  • Audit
  • Developmental
  • Community and Industry Education
  • Repeatable courses (Indicated within individual course description)
  • Required courses for degree during final semester before graduation (Students should complete the Third Attempt Rule Exemption Form and return to Student Business Services.)

Student Business Services