Employee Tuition Remission

Ithaca College offers eligible employees the opportunity to take courses that enhance work performance, promote self-improvement, or provide qualifications for career advancement in both undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Tuition Remission covers the balance due of tuition charged for courses less any scholarships or grants creditable toward tuition. The employee is responsible for paying all other fees. If the employee's status changes during the semester, continuation of the benefit may be affected.

Instructions for Applicants

Students taking credit courses at Ithaca College are considered either matriculated or non-degree depending upon whether they’ve formally applied and been accepted into a degree program at Ithaca College.

Employees who wish to matriculate into an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Ithaca College should contact the Office of Admission for information on the application process.  Matriculated students should obtain course registration information from the Office of the Registrar.

Employees who wish to enroll on a non-degree (extramural) basis in undergraduate or graduate courses should contact the Office of Extended Studies for more information on the application process.  Non-matriculated students should also obtain course registration information from the Office of Extended Studies.

Governing Guidelines and Restrictions

  • Tuition Remission for eligible employees will cover the balance due of tuition charged less any scholarships or grants creditable toward tuition. Employees are responsible for paying all other fees including course/program expenses related travel to educational, conference, and/or networking events.
  • Graduate classes in Doctorate programs, Physician Assistant Studies, Athletic Training, and Education are not eligible for Tuition Remission. 
  • In some circumstances, graduate tuition may be regarded as taxable income.
  • The customary fee to audit a course is eligible for the Tuition Remission benefit. Employees are responsible for paying all other fees.
  • An employee who wishes to take a course that is not eligible for the Tuition Remission benefit is responsible for paying the standard per-hour tuition rate.
  • If you are a full-time staff member, matriculated in a degree program, you may be eligible to apply for the JJ Staff Scholar Award. For more information visithttps://www.ithaca.edu/staffcouncil/jjstaffscholaraward.

Administration of Benefits

During the Academic Year (Fall and Spring)

  • The maximum number of credit hours granted for each eligible employee may not exceed 8 per semester.
  • An employee should not be absent from their jobs for more than three hours per week, subject to supervisory approval.
  • All classes, including internships and independent studies, are covered during the regular academic year.

During the Summer and Winter Sessions

  • Employees may not enroll for more than 8 credit hours in summer sessions I and II combined and 8 credit hours in the winter and spring term combined
  • An employee should not be absent from their jobs for more than three hours per week, subject to supervisory approval
  • Tuition Remission benefits are not applicable for most courses from which faculty compensation is derived as a percentage of revenue generated, i.e., for independent studies, tutorials, internships, performance study instruction, or any other type of individualized study.
  • Tuition Remission benefits can only be applied to undergraduate courses in which at least eight tuition-paying students have enrolled. As such, the Office of Human Resources will verify enrollment for each summer or winter course for which tuition remission benefits have been requested three business days prior to the start of each session. All employees will be notified via email of their eligibility to use tuition remission benefits in the summer or winter.