Benefits: Tuition Assistance for Dependent Children, Spouse/Domestic Partner

are eligible for tuition assistance for a qualified dependent child or spouse/domestic partner after one year of service, provided the school term begins on or after the eligibility date.

Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition assistance for dependents is offered only on a reimbursement basis. With tuition reimbursement, staff members pay for classes directly to their dependent’s school at the beginning of the semester and then request reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket tuition expenses from UPMC after the completion of the term. The tuition benefit will be reimbursed through the UPMC payroll system. To receive tuition reimbursement you must submit a completed Dependent Tuition Assistance Request Form (PDF) with an itemized bill, proof of payment (including method of payment), proof of successful completion, and proof of qualifying dependent status within six months after the course completion date. Click here for additional detailed information about acceptable submission documentation (PDF). Use this link to view the complete tuition reimbursement process for dependents (PDF).

Dependent Tuition Assistance Snapshot
For complete eligibility criteria and additional details, refer to the Dependent Tuition Assistance Guidelines (PDF).

Eligibility Guidelines	Spouse/ Domestic Partner	Dependent Child
Participation	One year from staff member’s hire date
Eligible Institutions	University of Pittsburgh, community colleges, and accredited health-related vocational programs
Degree Type	First undergraduate degree only
Program Type	Any program at University of Pittsburgh or community colleges. Vocational programs must be in an approved health care field (PDF).
Student Status	Any	Full-time (minimum of 12 credits)
Required Grade	Must achieve a “C” or better for each course
Time Limit	12 semesters over a six-year period
Assistance Percentage	50% of the out-of-pocket tuition
Academic Year Maximum	Full-time and flex full-time $2,000 Regular part-time and job share $1,000	Full-time and flex full-time $5,000 Regular part-time and job share $2,500
Covered Costs	Your out-of-pocket tuition expense only. Tuition assistance does not cover any fees associated with taking classes such as technology fees, administrative fees, room and board, books, etc. Nor can you claim assistance for expenses paid for by a third party, such as scholarships, grants, etc.
Tax Requirements	UPMC complies with governmental taxing policies for tuition assistance. When utilizing tuition reimbursement, your reimbursement will be less state and local taxes.
Employment Commitment	Staff must stay with UPMC for one year in an eligible job status or pay back assistance received.

Not Sure If You Are Eligible to Apply?

If you would like to take advantage of tuition assistance benefits, but are unsure if you qualify, complete the Tuition Assistance Eligibility Verification Form (PDF) and submit it to the Employee Service Center. A member of the Employee Service Center will review your form and a response concerning your eligibility will be mailed to you within four weeks.

Benefits described may not be applicable to all staff. Some business units have unique benefit programs, certain job classifications may affect benefit eligibility, and contract terms determine benefits for physicians and members of collective bargaining units.