Study Abroad Program: The University of Pittsburgh encourages international study and endeavors to make available education benefits to eligible staff dependent children.

English Language Institute (ELI): The ELI program is eligible for the tuition benefit. The student receiving the benefit is responsible for $30/credit and the remaining tuition balance is paid by the benefit.

• For employee's using the education benefit for themselves at the ELI, the benefit requires a manual override processed by the Benefits Department.
• For employee's using the education benefit for their spouse/domestic partner, the benefit must be requested via the Education Benefits Form for Spouse/Domestic Partner (note: there is a place on the form to select ELI enrollment).

Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship: The Tuition Exchange Scholarship organization is a non-profit organization that serves as the coordinating body for a partnership of more than 550 schools nationally who offer "exchange" scholarships to dependent children of faculty and staff at member institutions.

Falk Laboratory School: Falk School scholarships, up to one quarter tuition, are available to dependent children of regular full-time faculty, librarians, and staff employees who have been on the University payroll for 12 consecutive months. The 12-month waiting period is only applicable to staff.

What documentation is required?

• Active Employees (Self) – No paperwork is required. For active eligible employees, the education benefit will apply automatically.
• Employee on Leave of Absence (Self) – No paperwork is required. If you are on a paid leave of absence or on a medical leave (paid or unpaid). Please contact the Benefits Department regarding eligibility if you do not see the benefit applied or if it was removed when your leave began.
• Retiree (Self) – Complete the Education Benefit Request Form for Eligible Retirees.
• Involuntarily Separated (i.e., due to lack of funds) – Complete the Education Benefit Request Form for Involuntarily Separated Employees.

Does the benefit guarantee admission or retention?

No, students must follow the normal application process to be admitted. Eligibility for the benefit does not guarantee admission or retention.

Does the benefit include an application fee waiver?

No, the benefit only applies towards tuition charges once enrolled. The benefit does not cover any application fees, books, room & board, etc. The benefit amount will only apply towards tuition billed through the student's PittPay (student payment) account.

What happens if I fail a class? Can I retake the class and still use the benefit?

The benefit remains applied irrespective of the grade the student has received. So, if you fail a class, you do not have to repay.

Is the education benefit for Employee (Self) taxable?

• Undergraduate-level courses/enrollment: No, not taxable.
• Graduate-level courses/enrollment: Yes, taxable after $5,250.

Can I use a scholarship and the benefit?

Some scholarships only cover tuition, while others may be able to cover various expenses or fees. It is recommended to contact the Office of Financial Aid for questions on scholarship usage as it varies per scholarship.

Is there a deadline to submit the request form by?

N/A - Request forms are not required for employees using the benefit for themselves. However, for retirees/involuntarily termed employees due to lack of funds, forms are required.

Does the benefit differ at the regional campuses?

 No, the benefit applies the same to all Pittsburgh and the regional campuses: Pitt Johnstown, Pitt Bradford, and Pitt Greensburg.

Do I have to continue working at Pitt for a certain amount of time after using the education benefits to avoid repayment?

To avoid repayment, you must stay employed in an eligible status through the last business day of the second month in the term you last used the benefit.

Is there a cap on how many courses I can take or how many degrees or certificates I can complete at Pitt?

No, you may take as many courses that interest you or complete as many degrees and/or certificates as you like. However, there is a limit to how many credits the enefit can apply towards each term. If you take more credits than the benefit covers, you should anticipate a 100% responsibility for those additional credits taken above what the benefit provides.

Does the course or program have to relate to my job?

 No, it does not need to be related to your job.

What happens if a class I want to take conflicts with my work schedule?

Before registering, it is advisable to discuss available options with your supervisor. The flexibility to accommodate such requests is determined by your department and may depend on the specific needs of your role.

What documentation is required for spouses (legally married partners)?

• Education Benefit Request form for Spouses/Domestic Partners
• Proof of Relationship
  • Marriage Certificate

Both the eligibility requirements and the date of the relationship documents must be prior to the start of the term being requested.

What documentation is required for Domestic Partners (unwed partners)?

A copy of your approved University-recognized Affidavit of Domestic Partnership. Both the eligibility requirements and the approval date of the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership must be completed prior to the start of the term being requested.

• Education Benefit Request form for Spouses/Domestic Partners
• Proof of Relationship
  • Approved Affidavit of Domestic Partnership (for partners that are not legally married)

Both the eligibility requirements and the approval date of the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership must be completed prior to the start of the term being requested.

If my spouse or domestic partner already has a degree from somewhere else, can they get another degree or certificate from Pitt?

Yes, there are no limitations to how many degrees or certificates you or your spouse/domestic partner may get from Pitt.

Can my spouse or domestic partner audit a course?

No, for a spouse or partner courses must be taken for credit for their degree or certificate program.

Does being on a visa impact my eligibility for the benefit?

Benefit eligibility is based on your employment status at the time of enrollment. For questions on visas and being elsewhere, we recommend contacting the Office of International Services at Pitt.

Why does the first term of the Coursera Online Data Program not qualify for the benefit for my spouse or domestic partner?

The first class is considered a pre-requisite prior to formal admission. For Spouses and Domestic Partners, the first term in the Coursera program is not eligible for education benefits because their enrollment will show “Not Candidate for Degree” prior to formal admittance. The benefit may be used for the second and subsequent terms once formally admitted.

If my spouse or domestic partner was enrolled elsewhere, can they transfer those credits to a degree at Pitt?

To verify whether previous credits may be transferable you will want to contact the school during the admissions process. The ability of credits to transfer may depend on a variety of factors.

Who should I contact for questions?

You should contact the Benefits Department for questions by phone at 833-852-2210, by submitting an online inquiry, or by visiting the OHR website.​

What documentation is required?

• Education Benefit Request form for Dependent Children
• Copy of the employee's most recent Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return listing the student as a dependent
  • Review an example of what page of the most recent Form 1040 must be submitted.
  • Please note: you must submit the entire requested page of the Form 1040.
  • Please do not submit the entire Form 1040.
  • Please redact all financial information and the first five digits of all social security numbers.

Why does my child have to be claimed as a dependent on the most applicable year’s 1040?

The IRS allows dependent children to receive education benefits tax-free, provided they meet the IRS-defined dependency requirements. This means that in order for a child to qualify for tax-free undergraduate education benefits, they must be considered a dependent for tax purposes.

Since the undergraduate benefit for children is governed by the IRS, the Form 1040 is the required document to verify financial dependency. This form confirms whether a child has been claimed as a dependent on their parent's tax return for the applicable year.

If a child was not claimed as a dependent, they are not eligible for tax-free education benefits as outlined in policy ER 06 and AC 21 and per IRS regulations. The University’s policy aligns with IRS guidelines to ensure compliance with federal tax laws.

If you have further questions regarding eligibility or documentation requirements, it may be helpful to consult a tax advisor or refer to IRS publications for additional clarification.

Can I submit other documentation to prove dependency?

No, the child must be claimed on parent/legal guardian’s most applicable year's Federal Form 1040 to prove financial dependency per IRS guidelines and University policies.

For example, to qualify for Fall 2025 Education Benefits, the child must be claimed on the 2024 Federal Form Dependent. The 2024 1040 is the most applicable (i.e., most recent) tax return to the term being requested.

What if the child’s other parent/legal guardian claimed them as a dependent?

If the non-employee parent or legal guardian claimed the child, additional documentation may be required.

• Natural / Adopted Child(ren)
  • Education Benefit Request Form for Dependent Children at Pitt
  • Attachments:
    • Copy of the Parent’s most recent 1040 Tax Return claiming the child
    • Copy of the Child’s Birth Certificate or Adoption Decree
• Stepchild(ren)
  • Education Benefit Request Form for Dependent Children at Pitt
  • Attachments:
    • Copy of the Parent’s most recent 1040 Tax Return claiming the child
    • Copy of the Child’s Birth Certificate
    • Copy of the Marriage Certificate
• Child(ren) of Non-Married / Separated or Divorced Parents
  • Education Benefit Request Form for Dependent Children at Pitt
  • Attachments:
    • Copy of the Parent’s most recent 1040 Tax Return claiming the child
    • Copy of the Child’s Birth Certificate

Does the benefit cover study abroad programs?

Yes, however, an amount override is required. Please contact the Benefits Department when your child’s study abroad tuition has posted to ensure the correct benefit amount is applied to the study abroad tuition.

Does the benefit cover college in high school courses?

Yes, the education benefit at Pitt can be used to cover college in high school courses billed through the university. Please note that this uses 1/12 available terms for use.

Does the benefit guarantee admission or retention?

No, students must follow the normal application process to be admitted. Eligibility for the benefit does not guarantee admission or retention.

Does the benefit include an application fee waiver?

No, the benefit only covers tuition charges once enrolled. The benefit does not cover any application fees, books, room & board, etc. The benefit amount will only apply towards 100% of the tuition charge on the student's PittPay.

What happens if my child fails a class? Can they retake the class and still use the benefit?

The benefit remains applied irrespective of the grade the student has received. If a child fails a course and wishes to retake it, the benefit can still be used provided the student has not exhausted the 12-term limit or graduated with their first bachelor's degree.

Is the Education Benefit for Dependent Children taxable?

No, under the IRS education benefits for dependent children is non-taxable. This is why proof of child dependency via the most applicable year’s Federal Form 1040 tax return is a requirement in order for the child to qualify. The benefit will not appear as taxable income to the employee.

Is the benefit cash redeemable if unused?

No.

Is there a deadline to submit the request form by?

Forms should be submitted in advance of the tuition deadline to avoid late fees. Forms submitted after the tuition deadline are subject to late fees at the responsibility of the student. Forms must be submitted prior to the end of the term it is requested for as the benefit will not be applied retroactively. Forms submitted after a term has ended will not be accepted.

Does the benefit differ at the regional campuses?

No, the benefit applies the same to all Pittsburgh and the Regional Campuses: Pitt Johnstown, Pitt Bradford, and Pitt Greensburg at 100% tuition covered by the benefit.

Who should I contact for questions?

You should contact the Benefits Department for questions by phone at 833-852-2210, by submitting an online inquiry, or by visiting the OHR website.​

Does the University offer education benefits for dependent children outside of Pitt?

Dependent children of full-time, regular faculty, staff, librarians and research associates hired on or before Sept. 1, 1994, may be eligible to receive education benefits at other institutions.

The program was discontinued on Sept. 1, 1994. Anyone hired after that date is not eligible to received education benefits for children at other institutions.

How much does the benefit cover?

Up to the equivalent of the in-state Art’s & Sciences full-time tuition rate at the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus.

What if my student's tuition is more than the Arts & Sciences tuition at the Pittsburgh campus?

If the student’s tuition cost is more, the benefit amount will be capped at the Arts & Sciences tuition rate.

What if my student's tuition is less than the Arts & Sciences tuition at the Pittsburgh campus?

If the student’s tuition cost is less than the Arts & Sciences tuition cost, the amount will equal the cost of the student’s actual tuition charge. For example, if your child attends CCAC and the CCAC tuition charge is $3000 and Pitts A&S tuition rate is $11,030. The benefit will only cover $3000.

How does the school receive the payment?

A payment is sent directly from Pitt to the School and is applied to the student’s account using their student ID number.

My student's school tuition deadline is approaching, are you able to let them know payment is forthcoming?

Yes, upon request. If your child’s tuition deadline is approaching or you submitted the form late, please contact the Benefits Department to inquire about a payment forthcoming email after you’ve submitted your request form. Benefits can notify the coordinator that processes the benefit to ask if they can send a payment forthcoming email if approved.

Who should I contact for questions?

You should contact the Benefits Department for questions by phone at 833-852-2210, by submitting an online inquiry, or by visiting the OHR website.​

What is the Tuition Exchange Program?

The Tuition Exchange Program is a reciprocal scholarship program that allows dependent children of Pitt employees to apply for competitive scholarships at other participating member institutions.

• Schools across the country participate in the Tuition Exchange program.
• Eligibility does not guarantee an award.
• The Tuition Exchange Program is a scholarship opportunity through financial aid not a guaranteed benefit through the Benefits Department.
• Each School determines employee eligibility and student dependency.
• All eligible employees will have their Tuition Exchange Program applications exported.

Who administers this program?

This program is managed by the Office of Financial Aid. Financial Aid manages the application process and can assist with questions on how the scholarship program works. The Benefits Department plays a role in verifying employment information for applicants.

How many 'active' Schools may I select? Is there a limit?

Students can now have up to 20 active Schools selected. Students are able to log in to edit any of those 20 Schools.

If one of my children has already been awarded a Tuition Exchange Scholarship, can I still apply to use it for another child?

Yes, there is no limit as to how many children per employee can apply.

Do I have to reapply every year?

No, you only need to complete an application once per child. Internally, your eligibility will be recertified by the Financial Aid Department and the Benefits Department for continued eligibility each year.

Who should I contact for questions on my application or status?

For questions on the status of your application, please contact the Office of Financial Aid by phone at 412-624-7488, by submitting an online inquiry, or by visiting the Financial Aid website.

What is the Falk Laboratory School Tuition Remission Program?

The Falk Laboratory School Tuition Remission Program is a laboratory school operated by the School of Education and consists of classes for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Children are admitted through the regular procedures of Falk School. A tuition discount covering one-quarter tuition for Falk School is available to children of regular full-time faculty and staff of the University of Pittsburgh who have been on the payroll for 12 consecutive months. The 12-month waiting period is only applicable to staff.

Is there a waitlist?

Falk Laboratory School does not operate on a waitlist system based on the time of a family’s application. If families complete our admissions process and are not offered a space for their child at that time, they may be placed in our wait pool. As spaces become available due to the attrition of current families, we reach out to families in the wait pool to fill those open spaces.

Candidates do not need to reapply each year, and at the family’s request, we are happy to transfer an application to the following year for consideration. We will simply ask for updated documents when necessary.

How do I sign up for a tour?

To sign up for a tour of the Falk Laboratory School, submit an inquiry on the Falk School website.

What is the age requirement for kindergarten enrollment?

Children must turn five years old by Sept. 1 of their kindergarten year.

When should I submit an application?

To be considered for the first round of kindergarten acceptances, Falk recommends that families apply by the first Friday in December of the year prior to entry. For consideration in the first round of grade 1–8 acceptances, we recommend that families apply by the end of January.

Falk begins acceptances for these grades in early March of each year.

When will decisions be communicated?

For kindergarten, we share first-round decisions in early February. In grades 1–8, we begin making offers in early March as we learn of available spaces. For all grades, we will make offers to candidates in our wait pools through the spring and summer as spaces become available. Additionally, we will fill spaces mid-year or at other times throughout the year, when spaces are available.

Where do Falk graduates attend high school?

Falk Laboratory School graduates attend a number of public and private high schools throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Who should I contact for questions?

For questions about the Falk Laboratory School, how to apply, tuition, or tours, you can reach out by phone at 412-624-8020, by submitting an online inquiry, or by visiting the website.