Navigating Washington University Employee Tuition Benefits

Washington University (WashU) and the University of Washington (UW) offer valuable tuition benefits to their employees, fostering continuing education and professional development. These benefits can significantly reduce the cost of furthering one's education, but understanding the specific program details and eligibility requirements is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these benefits, drawing on information from both universities to provide a broad understanding of employee tuition assistance in the Washington higher education landscape.

Washington State Employee Tuition Exemption Program at UW

The Washington State Employee Tuition Exemption Program is a significant benefit offered to eligible Washington State employees. It allows them to enroll in up to six credits of qualifying coursework per quarter on a space-available basis. It's important to note that UW Bothell and UW Tacoma have their own specific policies and procedures regarding tuition exemption, so employees should consult those campuses directly for details.

Eligibility for the UW Program

Not all employees are eligible for this program. Fixed duration classified staff project appointments are typically excluded, as are most hourly employees (though some exceptions may exist). Spouses and dependents of UW employees are also not eligible for this specific program. To confirm eligibility, employees should consult with their supervisor or human resources office. Proof of employment eligibility is required when submitting the Tuition Exemption form.

Enrollment Process at UW

The process for using the tuition exemption involves several steps:

Apply for Admission: The first step is to apply for admission to the University of Washington (Seattle), paying the required application fee. Application deadlines are the same as for other new students. Employees only need to apply once as long as they maintain continuous enrollment in the same student status.
Determine Student Status: Decide on the appropriate student status (undergraduate, graduate, or non-matriculated) and how to apply for that status.
- Undergraduate or Postbaccalaureate: Apply to a program through the UW Office of Admissions.
- Graduate Student: Contact the specific Graduate Program for advising and to determine if the program is eligible for tuition exemption. Continuous enrollment is crucial for graduate students to maintain their student status.
- Non-Matriculated (Not Seeking a Degree): Complete the Non-Matriculated Application for tuition exemption. This allows employees to take both undergraduate and graduate level courses.
- Returning Student: Employees who previously attended UW and are seeking to return to the same student status must complete the Returning Student Process.
Space Availability: Enrollment is on a space-available basis. This applies to both degree programs and individual courses. Fully enrolled programs may not have space to accommodate students using the tuition exemption.
Registration: Tuition-exempt students do not use the standard Non-Matriculated (NM) or Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) paper registration forms and do not need instructor signatures. Course enrollment is not permitted before the regular registration eligibility date.

Important Restrictions at UW

Certain programs and courses are not covered by tuition exemption:

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All fee-based sections, fee-based degree programs, and certificate programs offered through UW Professional and Continuing Education (PCE).
College of Education matriculated degree students (only College of Education GNMs and NMs can use the benefit).
Evans School of Public Policy and Governance matriculated students (only Evans School GNMs and NMs can use the benefit).

Fees and Services at UW

Tuition-exempt students who register for six credits or less do not pay the Student Services and Activities Fee (SAF) and are therefore not entitled to the services funded by those fees. However, if they register for more than six credits, they must pay the SAF and can access SAF-funded services. All tuition-exempt students can use the libraries with their Husky card. They are not automatically billed for the UPASS Program but are eligible to purchase one at the employee rate from the Transportation Services Office.

Tax Implications at UW

Student Fiscal Services monitors the tuition exemption total for each employee and calculates any applicable tax. According to UW policy, employees taking graduate-level, non-job-related classes are entitled to a tuition exemption of up to $5,250 per year without tax withholding, according to the Internal Revenue Code section 127 tax plan.

Washington University (WashU) Tuition Benefits

WashU offers a comprehensive suite of tuition benefits to its faculty, staff, and their families, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuing education. These benefits are designed to support employees' professional development and provide educational opportunities for their dependents.

Employee Tuition Assistance at WashU

WashU provides tuition assistance to foster continuing education for its faculty, staff, and their families. Contract employees who work full-time on WashU’s campuses are encouraged to take classes through WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) for free or at a reduced cost. To utilize this program for credit, an application must be completed.

WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS)

WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is designed to meet the educational needs of individuals seeking to expand their professional skills, earn a degree or certificate, or explore new fields of interest. CAPS provides access to a world-class education at an affordable cost.

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Tuition and Fees at WashU CAPS

Tuition rates for WashU Continuing & Professional Studies undergraduate and graduate courses can be found on the Paying for School webpage. Tuition varies depending on the specific course and program.

Refunds at WashU CAPS

Refunds are calculated from the date the student completes an online course change form. If the original payment was made by credit card, the refund will be applied to the credit card. Otherwise, students can receive refunds via direct deposit or check. Full refunds are granted to individuals called to active military duty.

Financial Aid at WashU CAPS

Financial assistance is available to part-time and full-time CAPS students in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, remission, and payment plans.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at WashU CAPS

Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated for all students at the end of the spring semester. Undergraduate students must maintain at least a C average (2.0 GPA) to be eligible for federal financial aid, although individual programs may require a higher GPA. Graduate students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must also complete their program within 150% of the published program length. To remain in good standing for SAP:

Undergraduate students must complete at least 67% of attempted coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Graduate students must complete at least 67% of attempted coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Students not meeting SAP standards may appeal based on documented extenuating circumstances.

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Other Financial Assistance Options at WashU

WashU Employees: Full-time WashU employees and their families are eligible for WashU Continuing & Professional Studies tuition remission.
Postdoctoral Appointees: Individuals appointed under the Postdoctoral Education Policy with the titles of Postdoctoral Research Associate and Postdoctoral Research Scholar are eligible for the Postdoctoral Tuition Plan. They receive tuition remission on up to 4 credits per semester of WashU Continuing & Professional Studies undergraduate for-credit coursework, taken for career development purposes. A passing grade is required to retain the tuition remission.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many companies in the St. Louis area offer tuition reimbursement plans. WashU allows students to defer tuition payment until the end of the semester if their employer has such a plan, requiring written verification at the time of registration. Payment is due approximately 30 days after the end of the semester.

Dependent Child Benefits at WashU

After seven years of full-time service (or its equivalent if one works part-time), eligible dependent children may receive up to eight semesters of tuition assistance for undergraduate studies. The level of benefit depends on the date of hire and employment status. Benefits are tax-free for birth, adopted, and stepchildren, but are taxable for children of domestic partners. Prior full-time service at another accredited university may count toward the service requirement. WashU offers both full and partial tuition remission benefits at WashU and other accredited institutions for dependent children of full-time and part-time employees, respectively.

Additional WashU Employee Benefits

WashU is known for its outstanding low-cost, high-value benefits, which often exceed those of other organizations. These include:

Family care resources and a dedicated family and child care facilitator.
Well-being resources designed to support employees throughout their career, including wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, access to wellness consultants, an intensive weight loss program, financial well-being resources, work-life support, engagement opportunities, career development, and more.

Note: These benefits are generally for full-time staff employment only. Separate faculty and post-doctoral benefits are available.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Many companies offer tuition benefits that cover all or part of their employee’s tuition. To utilize such a program, written verification is typically required at the time of registration. The student is responsible for remitting payment by the due date, regardless of whether they have been reimbursed by their employer. Failure to pay by the due date may result in a late payment fee and a hold on the student’s account.

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