Do university staff members get free or reduced tuition at the institution at which they work?

Question

I am thinking of applying to grad school for next fall, but I am apprehensive about how I am going to pay for it.

My cousin works in the Public Relations office at a major university, and I think that one of the benefits of her job is either free or reduced tuition for her doctorate studies.

Do all universities and all departments offer this kind of assistance?

Answer 1

Many, but not all, universities provide either full or partial tuition remission for their full-time employees. Many, but not all, universities lower the amount or percentage of tuition remission for graduate-level work.

However, it is quite difficult to work full time and pursue graduate studies. I would not recommend it, unless it is in the field (or some subfield) of business. In most fields of study, most graduate courses are only offered during the day. It would be just impossible to have work committments that interfere with coursework -- something would have to be eliminated.

The more common way to finance graduate study is through fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

Every graduate program (except some law and MBA programs) offers fellowships or assistantships to their top candidates. Fellowships and assistantships usually carry full tuition remission, as well as a (small) living stipend. Top candidates will have outstanding GREs, excellent letters of recommendation, strong preparation in their area of specialization, and a good GPA in that area.

One thing few people know is this: many grad students with less-than-stellar GREs and GPAs can still get assistantships. How? By applying to several programs, including those that are second-tier. Often, second-tier programs scramble to fill all the assistantships in their department.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

Not all universities offer either free or reduced tuition. You should check on the university you want to apply to. Some universities offer work study programs where students pay their tuition by working for the school.

Answer 3

I certainly cannot speak for all universities, but I work for a university that offers a discount benefit. The discount for undergraduate studies is 75% for self, spouse, and dependent children. We only get a 25% discount for grad school programs, though. Some individual colleges offer better options. For example, the Sciences sometimes finance individuals based on employment and professional promise.

Rain

Answer 4

I hear that most schools to offer discounted or free tuition, but I suggust that you check with the school of your choice first. I think that this is a wise choice to help pay for your tuition.

I think that this type of offer is usually offered towards undergrad studies.

well good luck- if all fails take a giant a** loan that would take like 10 years to re-pay, but it will all be worth it after you (hopefully) get a good a** job with a giant a** paycheck to pay it all back.

Answer 5

Some universities will give faculty (and occasionally their children) reduced tuition rates. I've never heard of anyone being given free tuition.

Answer 6

Yes, almost all schools in the US do.

Something very common for graduate students is to apply for a graduate assistantship position. You would work as an assist to a professor in exchange for tuition. It can be hard to get though.

Answer 7

In regionally accredited institutions (most colleges in the US are RA) the answer is yes.

Just ask what can they do say no? There are plenty of schools out there and I have never paid a cent after my first Masters in the US.

Answer 8

I doubt it as well.

I work for Verizon Wireless, and they pay full tuition, up front, as long as it's within the scope of the business.

Answer 9

Yes. Most offer reduced or free tution to full-time employees and their dependent children.

Answer 10

I doubt they offer it free. The university is PAYING the people to do the job. That would mean they are loosing money if they give out the education free.