tuition benefit Program

(Formerly Course Fee Courtesy)

Dependents and spouses of full-time, benefits-eligible employees may apply for the MSU Tuition Benefit Program upon the employee's start date. The program is valid through the semester in which a first bachelor’s degree, agricultural technology certificate or 134 credits is attempted, whichever comes first. Learn more by reviewing Board of Trustees Policy 304  and reviewing Frequently Asked Questions. 

Summary of the Benefit

The Tuition Benefit Program provides tuition assistance for employee dependents equal to one-half of the applicable Michigan resident undergraduate course tuition, up to the maximum per credit. The program is valid only toward the recipient’s first-ever bachelor’s degree or certificate in the agricultural technology program, even if their first degree is from another institution. It is valid through the semester the degree is completed, up to the 134th credit is attempted. This reduction in tuition is only valid for students attending MSU for a first bachelor’s degree. It does not apply to any other institution.

Course fees shall be defined as credit-hour tuition rates only. This program does not provide a reduction of the other fees, taxes, or charges that the university may collect for third parties.

Effective Date

Employees who have met the eligible requirements prior to the second week of a semester are considered eligible for that entire semester.

Employee Eligibility

Employees eligible for the Tuition Benefit Program are as follows: 

• full-time, benefit-eligible faculty and academic staff
• full-time, benefit-eligible executive managers
• full-time, benefit-eligible support staff
• those eligible by virtue of a collective bargaining agreement

Extenuating eligibility

The Tuition Benefit remains in effect for the employee's dependent children or spouse who meet eligibility requirements if the employee: 

• is participating in the university's Long-Term Disability program;
• dies while on active service or while participating in the university's Long-Term Disability program; or
• retires in accordance with university retirement policy

Eligible Dependents

Dependent children and spouses who are eligible for the Tuition Benefit Program are defined as follows:

• Dependent children: any of the following until the child reaches the age of 26, provided the child is an MSU student by December 31 of the year they turn 26 and is considered dependent for federal income tax purposes:
  • Biological child
  • Stepchild
  • Legally adopted child
  • Child under your legal guardianship
• Spouse: the legally recognized spouse of an eligible employee

Enrollment and Admission Requirements

Students’ academic eligibility is based on the following: Student applicants must be admitted or readmitted to Michigan State University in accordance with the typical requirements for admission and readmission. The student must be enrolled in Agricultural Technology or a degree-granting program leading to a first baccalaureate degree. (Exploratory preference students are also eligible.) Credits ATTEMPTED must equal less than 134. These credits will be calculated by adding the student’s total credits earned (including transfer credits, pass grades and credit grades), plus credits for courses in which the student received a Deferred, Incomplete, Withdrawn, Extension, No-pass, No-credit, or 0.0, and/or Repeat Credits.

Refunds

Any refund applicable to the Tuition Benefit Program will revert to the University if the student drops courses or withdraws from school during the refund period.

Termination of the Tuition Benefit Program

In the event employment is terminated, the benefit will carry through the semester in which employment ends. For example, if employment ends in October, the middle of the fall semester, the benefit will remain in effect through the end of the fall semester. 

Employee/Retiree Responsibilities

Complete and submit the online Tuition Benefit Program Application in the EBS Portal. Only one application must be completed for each student for the entire undergraduate degree (134 credits attempted) unless the student leaves the university and readmission as a student is required. Applications should be submitted to the appropriate office in accordance with the following deadlines:

• Fall Semester June
• Spring Semester October 1
• Summer Semester March 1

Procedure

Employee applies for the benefit. Only one application must be completed for each student for the entire undergraduate degree (134 credits attempted) unless the student leaves the university and readmission as a student is required. Approximately one month before the beginning of the semester or after the student is registered and enrolled, complete and submit the online Tuition Benefit Program Application in the EBS Portal . 

• MSU Human Resources - verifies employee eligibility 
• MSU Student Accounts - verifies student eligibility and places waiver on the student's account

Confirmation of Employee Eligibility and Notification

The employee and student will both receive email notification from MSU Human Resources of the application's approval or disapproval. 

Questions?

If you would like more information on the Tuition Benefit Program, please visit our Tuition Benefit Program FAQ Page or contact Julie Rorick at tuitionbenefitprogram@hr.msu.edu. 

Updated: 8/1/2025