USC expanding tuition assistance program
Even more USC employees now have access to up to 16 credit hours for free through the university
Posted on: June 19, 2024; Updated on: June 19, 2024
By Collyn Taylor, collyntaylor@sc.edu, 803-777-3691
The University of South Carolina is expanding its tuition assistance program to allow more USC employees to pursue degree completion or professional development.
USC’s tuition assistance program, which was already available for full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, is now be available for research grant and time-limited employees.
To qualify for tuition assistance, employees must complete at least six months of service and be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
About tuition assistance
The program, offered through the Division of Human Resources, allows qualified employees to take up to 16 credit hours per year (August through July) for free.
- All USC credit hour courses are eligible including regional campus courses, summer session courses, online courses and more. Additional courses can be taken per academic year but employees must pay current tuition rates for those.
How to qualify for tuition assistance
If you are USC faculty or staff, you are eligible for tuition assistance if you:
- Have been employed by USC for at least six months and work at least 30 hours per week.
- Are a FTE, research grant or time-limited employee and do not hold a graduate assistantship.
- Are an ROTC affiliate
- Are admitted by USC as an undergraduate or graduate student.
The program does not include temporary or contract employees, children or spouses of employees, GRE/GMAT prep courses or noncredit certificate courses.
How to apply, other information
The application process is easy, and it starts with you applying to USC and the program of your choice.
- One you’re accepted, pre-register for your classes using Self Service Carolina.
- The day after pre-registration, complete the tuition assistance form in the Employe Self Service portal.
- The application will be sent to your supervisor and the Bursar’s Office to approve or deny.
- You’ll be notified through your Self Service portal under Account Information to see if your award has been posted. Any benefits or awards may be taxable.
The only cost for qualified employees would be for education-related account charges like books, field trips, lab or technology fees, graduate admissions or course-specific fees.
For more information, contact the HR service team or visit the tuition assistance page on the Human Resources website.