Your eligibility for these programs is based on the type of position you hold. Eligible faculty and staff in full-time equivalent (FTE) positions may apply for tuition assistance. Eligible faculty and staff in research grant or time-limited positions may apply for tuition reimbursement. Temporary employees are not eligible for either tuition assistance or reimbursement. Employees in FTE, research grant, or time-limited positions are considered to be eligible, if they work at least thirty hours per week and have completed 6 months of employment with the University of South Carolina. Please contact your HR representative, if you need clarification on the type of position you occupy.
No, the Tuition Assistance or Reimbursement Programs are strictly for eligible faculty and staff and cannot be transferred to children or spouses.
You must first apply for admission to the University of South Carolina, either through a specific degree program, or as a non-degree seeking student. If you were previously a student at USC, you must ensure that your residency reflects South Carolina. Once you have been admitted to the university, you are ready to register for classes through the Self Service Carolina (SSC) system. You must register for classes prior to applying for tuition assistance or reimbursement because there must be a class in your account to apply the tuition credit to, if you are approved for one.
Once you have registered for classes, you can complete the tuition assistance or reimbursement application. For tuition assistance, the one-page application [pdf] is required. For tuition reimbursement, the two-page application [pdf], which includes the witnessed promissory note, is required. The form must be approved by your supervisor and submitted to HR Operations and Services. It is important to note that final approval of the tuition assistance or reimbursement application by the campus Human Resources office does not register or enroll a participant in the requested course, nor does it guarantee admission as a student to the University of South Carolina.
Yes, employees are limited to four three credit hour courses (four hours in the case of lab courses) per academic year or the equivalent. The academic year runs from August through July. It is up to you and your supervisor to determine how to best allocate classes throughout the academic year.
All credit hour courses offered through the University of South Carolina are eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement. Classes offered online, through regional campuses, during the summer semesters, and through Graduation and Retention Network (GarNET) are also eligible. Classes such as the GRE/GMAT preparatory courses or non-credit certificate courses are not eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement. The Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement Programs cannot be transferred to any other higher education institution.
The application fee for applying for admission to the University of South Carolina is waived for Tuition Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement Program participants. The Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement Programs cover the cost of tuition for up to four eligible classes per academic year. However, you are responsible for paying for books, or any other technology, foreign language or other course specific fees each semester. You can view your statement and make any necessary payments through Self Service Carolina (SSC).
Once your application is submitted to HR Operations and Services, your eligibility is determined. HR Operations and Services will check to ensure you meet all of the eligibility requirements, and that you have not exceeded your allotted amount of four classes per academic year. If your application is approved, it will be sent to the Bursar’s Office for processing and the credit will be applied to your account. HR Operations and Services will only contact you if we have questions concerning your eligibility or application. You can check to see if the credit has been applied to your account through the Self Service Carolina (SSC) account summary.
If you have questions regarding the Tuition Assistance or Reimbursement Programs, contact HR Operations and Services at 803-777-6650. If you have questions regarding the use of financial aid with your tuition assistance or reimbursement, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at 803-777-8134. If you have questions regarding fee payment, contact the Bursar’s Office at 803-777-4233.
No, it is not permitted to hold a graduate assistantship and a faculty or staff position. You would need to choose between the combination of University of South Carolina employment and classes or the combination of assistantship and classes.
Faculty or staff employment will always be your primary affiliation with the University followed by secondary affiliation as a student with the University.