Tuition Fee Waiver

Eligible employees and official USI retirees receive a full waiver of fees for undergraduate and graduate courses, some restrictions apply per Fee Waiver Policy. Spouses and dependents of employees receive a waiver of 75% of student fees for undergraduate and graduate courses, some restrictions apply per Fee Waiver Policy.

For more details and information on certain lab and miscellaneous fees are outlined in the University Handbook, Section C.11.

Eligible employees and official USI retirees also may receive a waiver of fees for noncredit courses held on campus through Outreach and Engagement. (Details)

Tuition Fee Waiver FAQ

Undergraduate- and graduate-level tuition fee waivers are automatically applied, per the fee waiver policy, for eligible employees and dependents listed with HR. Employees do not need to submit an enrollment form each term enrolled.

What do I need to do to ensure fee waivers process correctly for dependents?

In order for fee waivers to process automatically, HR needs to know your dependent’s information. You will need to ensure your dependent is listed in the BANNER system. If your dependent is on one of your insurance plans, then they will be in BANNER. If you are unsure, please reach out to a Human Resources representative at feewaivers@usi.edu.

What if the fee waivers do not process correctly?

There are many factors that cause fee waivers to be denied, be sure to check these common issues:

• For employees, ensure that no more than 15 credit hours per academic year have been attempted
• For employees, ensure that no more than six credit hours per semester (Fall and Spring); and/or no more than four credit hours per summer term or a maximum of 12 summer credit hours have been attempted
• For dependents, ensure no more than 124 credit hours have been attempted
• For dependents, ensure that your dependents are listed with Human Resources
• For children, ensure they are under 24 years of age and are an eligible dependent

What about non-credit courses?

The process will remain the same for non-credit courses. Apply online for fee waivers for non-credit courses.

Is the Athletic Fee Waived?

The Division 1 Athletic Fee is not waived by a tuition fee waiver. 

Is the Archie Book Bundle covered?

The Archie Book Bundle is not waived by a fee waiver. It is however only applicable to undergraduate classes and anyone can opt-out of the program. 

What if I want to take more classes than the policy allows?

You may take classes over the employee term and academic year limits, but you will be responsible for those classes that are over the limit. Employees can complete the FAFSA and scholarships to cover classes over the limit. If a dependent needs to take classes beyond the attempted hours allowed, they too can complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships.

What if I do not want my dependents CAP classes covered by fee waivers?

The CAP classes are automictically processed and fee waivers applied, should you not want thee classes covered by fee waivers, then reach out to feewaiver@usi.edu and request that they are not covered.

Do I have to pay taxes on this benefit?

It depends. The IRS allows Universities to apply tuition assistance for undergraduate courses at no costs, but graduate courses are taxable income. For dependents any graduate fee waivers are taxable and for employees graduate fee waivers over $5,250 are taxable. See the Fee Waivers and Course Enrollments‌ Policy in the USI Handbook for more information. 

What if I have another question?

For questions regarding fee waiver policy, please reach out to a Human Resources representative at feewaivers@usi.edu. Take the time to review the Fee Waiver Policy in the University Handbook, Section C.11.