POLICY NUMBER: 304
POLICY NAME: Tuition Benefit Program
| Effective Date: | July 23, 1982 (changes approved Feb. 7 2025 are effective August 1, 2025 for the Fall 2025 semester) |
| Last Review Date: | February 7, 2025 |
| Next Scheduled Review Date: | December 2029 |
I. POLICY STATEMENT
As a land-grant university, MSU’s mission is centered on expanding access to education, fostering opportunity, and serving the public good. Offering a tuition discount for the children and spouses of full-time, benefit-eligible employees aligns with this mission by extending the transformative power of higher education to the families of those who dedicate themselves to our institution. This program not only honors the contributions of the University’s employees but also reflects its commitment to making education more accessible and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Providing half-off in-state tuition for the children and spouses of full-time, benefit-eligible employees also underscores our values as a land-grant institution dedicated to equity and opportunity. By supporting the educational aspirations of employees’ families, the University strengthens the connection between its workforce and MSU’s mission. This benefit is an investment in the future, fostering a culture of learning and advancement within the University community and beyond. In offering this program, the University reaffirms its belief that education is a public good and its commitment to serving not just its students and employees but also the families who are integral to their success.
II. RESPONSIBLE OFFICES
The Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and the Office of the Provost.
III. SCOPE
This Policy applies to eligible employees as defined in Section IV. of the policy.
IV. DEFINITIONS
Dependent Children: Any of the following individuals, up to the age of 26, provided they are enrolled as an MSU student by December 31 of the year they turn 26 and meet the criteria for dependency under federal income tax regulations: (1) a biological child, (2) a stepchild, (3) a legally adopted child, (4) a child under an eligible employee’s legal guardianship.
This definition is specific to this policy only and is not applicable in other policies and benefit programs.
Spouse: The legally recognized spouse of an eligible employee.
Tuition Benefit: The credit of an amount equal to one-half of the applicable Michigan resident on-campus undergraduate tuition cost. The benefit does not include the cost for books, registration fee, or such fees, taxes, and charges as may be collected for third parties.
V. POLICY
Dependent Children and Spouses of eligible employees who are appointed prior to the second week of a semester or summer session are entitled to a Tuition Benefit.
A. Employee Eligibility
Employees eligible under this Policy 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.
B. Duration of Eligibility
The Tuition Benefit will be granted through the semester in which the 134th credit is attempted provided the Dependent Child or Spouse is registered as a student in good academic standing at Michigan State University in a curriculum leading to the first baccalaureate degree or to a certificate in the Agricultural Technology program. For undergraduate students with transferable credits, the Tuition Benefit is granted through the semester in which the combination of transferable credits and Michigan State University credits attempted equals 134.
C. Impact of Employment Changes
1. Full-time benefit-eligible employees on an approved leave of absence remain eligible for the Tuition Benefit.
2. Except as stipulated below (IV.C.3), the Tuition Benefit will be discontinued at the conclusion of the semester or summer session in which the employment of the eligible employee is terminated.
3. The Tuition Benefit remains in effect for eligible employees who: (a) are participating in the University's Long-Term Disability Program; (b) who die while on active service or while participating in the University's Long-Term Disability Program; or (c) retire in accordance with Michigan State University's retirement policy, as long as the Dependent Children or Spouse meet the other eligibility requirements of the Tuition Benefit policy.
D. Additional Provisions
If the Dependent Child or Spouse drops courses or withdraws from school during the refund period, any refund applicable to the Tuition Benefit will revert to the University.
V. PROCEDURES
Eligible employees must complete and submit the Tuition Benefit application form according to the semester deadlines established by Human Resources. Application procedures and deadlines are available here.
VI. RELATED POLICIES AND INFORMATION
1. Frequently Asked Questions
Enacted: July 23, 1982
Amended: July 29, 1983
December 2, 1983
April 6, `1984
July 26, 1991
December 6, 1991
June 28, 2002
Retired Policy No. 02-10-01