Tuition reimbursement for employees to be limited to ISU courses

Editor's note: On July 28, university human resources announced a temporary modification to changes outlined in this story: Program participants who, in the last year, took courses for credit at universities and colleges other than Iowa State may apply for tuition reimbursement for courses at those schools for two more semesters: fall 2020 and spring 2021. The extension is intended to give past participants more time to identify other financial resources if they opt to continue in their current academic programs.

Beginning fall semester and thereafter, the university's employee tuition reimbursement program will be limited to Iowa State courses. Non-ISU courses no longer will be reimbursed. Reimbursement applications for courses taken this spring or summer are not impacted. 

University senior leaders made the decision earlier this month as part of budget-cutting discussions in light of reduced state support and tuition income, two key revenue sources for university operations.

The tuition reimbursement program supports the professional development efforts of merit and professional and scientific employees on nontemporary appointments of at least 20 hours per week. Staff must work at the university for one year before they can apply to participate in the program.

All other benefits and guidelines of the program remain the same, including:

• Applicants may request tuition reimbursement for up to four college credits per semester, up to three times per year.
• Applicants should be enrolled in courses that are either part of a degree program or will enhance the employee's current position at Iowa State.
• Applicants must receive at least a C grade for undergraduate courses (B grade for graduate courses) to qualify for tuition reimbursement.

The application period for fall semester 2020 tuition reimbursement opens Wednesday, July 1, and runs through Friday, Aug. 14. No applications for fall semester will be accepted after Aug. 14. The application is completed in AccessPlus (under the employee tab, select Tuition Reimburse in the left column).

Questions about the program may be emailed to tuitionreimbursement@iastate.edu.