(a) In this section:
(1) “Interinstitutional academic program” means a program under which a student may, in accordance with a written agreement between an institution of higher education and one or more other institutions of higher education or private or independent institutions of higher education, take courses at each institution that is a party to the agreement as necessary to fulfill the program’s degree or certificate requirements.
(2) “Private or independent institution of higher education” has the meaning assigned by § 61.003.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the governing board of an institution of higher education may exempt from the payment of tuition and required fees authorized by this chapter a student who is taking a course, including an interdisciplinary course, at the institution under an interinstitutional academic program agreement but who is enrolled primarily at another institution of higher education or at a private or independent institution of higher education that is a party to the agreement and to which the student is responsible for the payment of tuition and fees.