Employer Tuition Assistance Programs
An Employer Tuition Assistance Program may cover the cost of your degree. Use this checklist to clarify financial, grade, and commitment requirements with your HR team before you start.
Eligibility and Program Scope
- Do I meet the minimum eligibility requirements? (e.g., specific employment status, duration of service, full-time/part-time)
- What is the maximum annual reimbursement limit (dollar amount or credit hour limit)?
- Does the course/degree/program need to be job-related? If so, what is the required level of relevance or course alignment?
- Are there any limits on which institutions/programs are eligible? (e.g., must be accredited)
- Is there a waiting period before I can apply for reimbursement for a new semester?
Application, Deadlines, and Approval
- What specific documentation (e.g., forms, course descriptions, cost breakdown) must I submit before the term begins?
- What are the necessary deadlines for paperwork and required approvals?
- Who is the final approving authority (e.g., HR, Department Head)? How many people need to sign off?
- How long does the approval process typically take?
Financial, Payment, and Grading Requirements
- What is the minimum required grade (e.g., B, 3.0 GPA) to qualify for reimbursement?
- How does reimbursement happen? Is it paid directly to the University (upfront) or as a reimbursement to me (after the fact)?
- Does this policy cover fees, books, or only tuition? (Specify if it covers technology fees or lab fees.)
- What happens if I withdraw from a course or fail to meet the minimum grade requirement?
Commitment and Workload Impact
- Is there a mandatory post-graduation service agreement (a period of time I must remain employed after completing my degree)?
- Will coursework impact my ability to fulfill my job requirements? (Ask about scheduling flexibility.)
- Are there specific federal, state, or agency regulations that override the standard HR policy?
Tax and Financial Aid Impact
- Tax Implications: Does the amount reimbursed exceed the $5,250 annual tax-exempt limit set by the IRS, which might result in the excess being taxed as income?
- Impact on Financial Aid: Will I need to report this reimbursement when completing my FAFSA or other aid applications, and how might it impact my eligibility for other grants or scholarships?
- Are there discounts or fee waivers available directly through our agency/nonprofit for this specific program?