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Tuition Remission

American University provides eligible faculty and staff members with valuable education benefits including tuition remission for eligible courses taken by an employee or their spouse or domestic partner at American University or the Wesley Theological Seminary.

Online tuition remission applications must be submitted every semester that you plan on using AU’s education benefits.

You and your spouse or domestic partner* are eligible for university-sponsored education benefits if:

  • you have at least four months of full-time employment with the university prior to the first day of classes; and
  • you are a full-time faculty member; or
  • you are a regular, full-time staff member.

*Domestic partners must have a valid Affidavit of Domestic Partnership on file with Human Resources.

What's covered

  • Tuition for eligible courses taken at AU and Wesley Theological Seminary is covered.
  • A maximum of 8 credits per semester.
  • A maximum of 20 credits per academic year.

What's not covered

Summer Sessions

For summer sessions, tuition remission may not be applied to individually arranged courses, including but not limited to internships, co-ops, independent study and independent reading courses. 

 

Tuition remission key deadlines for 2020
  Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Fall 2024

Dates are subject to change. Please visit the Academic Calendar to view the most current key dates for class and tuition remission purposes.

Hire date for tuition remission eligibility

September 16, 2023 January 13, 2024 April 26, 2024
Classes begin January 16, 2024 May 13, 2024 August 26, 2024

Tuition remission application deadline

January 16, 2024 May 13, 2024 August 26, 2024

Hybrid work agreement deadline

January 16, 2024 May 13, 2024 August 26, 2024

Last day to drop a class/make changes for 100% refund and no tuition remission

January 29, 2024 Varies, view Academic Calendar September 9, 2024
Full tuition remission coverage date (last day of class) April 29, 2024 Varies, view Academic Calendar December 6, 2024
Tuition remission taxable amount added to pay Feb/Mar/Apr paychecks Jun/Jul/Aug paychecks Oct/Nov/Dec paychecks

An online tuition remission application must be submitted every semester that you plan on using AU’s education benefits.

The deadline for tuition remission online applications is typically the first day of classes. Applications submitted after the deadline will be denied.

Steps 1 through 3 must be completed by the tuition remission deadline.

  1. Enroll in classes.
  2. Apply online for tuition remission education benefits.
  3. Submit online Hybrid Work Agreement, if applicable. Please allow sufficient time for manager and department approvals.
  4. Human Resources and Student Accounts will verify your eligibility.
  5. Financial Aid will post your tuition remission to your account beginning two weeks prior to the start of classes.
  6. Graduate level courses are taxable and can significantly reduce your net (take-home) pay.

What does this mean for me?

All graduate level courses are 100% taxable, although faculty and staff annually receive the first $5,250 of their tuition tax-free. Domestic partners are also taxed 100% on undergraduate classes.

 

  Undergraduate Level Courses Graduate Level Course
Faculty & Staff 0% Taxable $5,250 Tax-Free Annually
100% Taxable after $5,250
Spouses 0% Taxable 100% Taxable
Domestic Partners 100% Taxable 100% Taxable

When you receive a taxable tuition benefit for yourself, spouse, domestic partner, or dependent, the value of the benefit is imputed as taxable income. Imputed income taxes are paid through payroll deductions scheduled during the semester the benefit is issued.

Taxation on remitted tuition can significantly reduce your net (take-home) pay!

  • Your net pay may be impacted by personal exemptions, pre-tax benefits, federal and state filing status, gross income, etc.
  • Tuition benefits may push you into a higher tax bracket. Use Model My Pay in Workday to estimate your net (take-home) pay if you will be taking courses that are subject to taxation.

Because there are many factors that may affect your individual situation, you may want to consult a tax advisor.

  • Use Model My Pay to estimate your net pay
    • Login to Workday
    • Type "Model My Pay" in the Search bar
    • Click on the Model My Pay task

*The Modely My Pay calculator is only meant to provide general guidance and estimates about the payroll process. It should not be relied upon to calculate exact taxes, payroll or other financial data. It may not match your American University results precisely and is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with a professional advisor or accountant to address your specific concerns.

Fall 2024 Tuition Remission Deadline

Fall 2024 tuition remission applications for eligible full-time staff and faculty are due Monday, August 26.

Apply for Tuition Remission

Resources

2022 Faculty & Staff Education Benefits Presentation

Tuition Remission Webinar

Joselino Cruz-Perez explains the tuition remission benefits. 

View TR presentation