For Self
| Full-time, Regular Research Associates | Part-time Research Associates | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | ✓ | Not eligible |
| Graduate Programs | ✓ | Not eligible |
Note: A form is not required to process the education benefit for yourself. For those who meet the eligibility requirements, the education benefit is applied automatically to the student's account.
Effective Date for Education Benefits
The education benefit is available the first semester following the research associate's date of hire. For example, if the research associate is hired on August 1, they would be eligible for the education benefit starting in the Fall Term.
Undergraduate Level Courses
The education benefit covers undergraduate tuition for the allowable number of credits, except for the portion per credit that is the responsibility of the student. The portion is stated below.
| Full-Time, Regular Research Associates | |
|---|---|
| Credits per Term | Up to 6 credits |
| University Contribution | 97% |
| Student Contribution | 3% |
If the student will be studying abroad or participating in a co-op program, please notify the Benefits Department to ensure the benefit processes on these tuition charges.
Graduate Level Courses
The education benefit covers graduate tuition for the allowable number of credits, except for the portion per credit that is the responsibility of the staff member. This portion is stated below.
Under IRS tax code, the value of certain educational benefits applied to graduate-level courses is considered taxable income. This requires research associates to pay taxes on a portion of the educational benefit they receive for graduate-level courses over a certain value. For University employees, the first $5,250.00 (in a calendar year) is awarded on a pre-tax basis because the University has an IRC §127 Tuition Benefit Plan in effect. After this amount is met, the withholding regarding this benefit is at a rate of 29.65% (rate effective as of January 1, 2020). The taxation can affect the amount of the University's contribution that gets applied to the student bill.
| Full-Time, Regular Research Associates | |
|---|---|
| Credits per Term | Up to 6 credits |
| University Contribution | 90% |
| Student Contribution | 10% |
If the student will be studying abroad or participating in a co-op program, please notify the Benefits Department to ensure the benefit processes on these tuition charges.
Taxation of Graduate Level Courses
The IRS allows employers to provide $5,250.00 to their employees for graduate-level classes each calendar year before requiring that any exceeding amount be reported as taxable income. Once taxes are applied, the University reduces the upfront benefit received by 29.65% (rate effective as of January 1, 2020).
Utilizing the Education Benefit
For those who meet the eligibility requirements, the education benefit is applied automatically to the student's account.
