Tuition Waiver Program Enhancements – Effective Fall 2023
Posted in: Benefits News
The University is pleased to announce the following enhancements to the tuition waiver policy for all full-time, permanent employees who wish to further their professional development and/or enhance or improve their job performance through participation in credit-bearing courses, certificate programs or other approved programs of study at Montclair effective the fall 2023 semester. The tuition waiver policy for dependent children, spouses, and parties to a civil union will also be enhanced effective the Fall 2023 semester.
Employees are encouraged to apply for the fall 2023 tuition waiver benefit retroactive to September 1, 2023. The deadline to submit fall 2023 semester retroactive tuition waivers is Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
At Montclair, we are committed to fostering a culture of growth, development, and support for our employees and their families. This update to our tuition waiver policy aligns with that commitment, ensuring that this benefit remains a powerful tool for personal and professional advancement.
The tuition waiver covers only the cost of tuition; other fees and expenses are the responsibility of the employee/dependent. We are committed to enhancing the tuition waiver benefit for employees. Therefore, the University is implementing the following modifications effective September 1, 2023:
Application of Tuition Waiver for Dependent Children, Spouses and Parties to a Civil Union. The tuition waiver will be applied as a last dollar benefit, providing funding covering up to 60% of tuition charges after all other scholarships and aid (federal, state, institutional and privately funded grants and scholarships) received by the student have been applied.
Waiting Period. For employees subject to a waiting period for eligibility, their waiting period will be reduced to completing one year of employment prior to the first day of the semester in which they or their beneficiaries wish to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University. No waiting period is required for AFT and Managerial employees.
Maximum Credits. The current cap of 24 maximum number of credits allowed per calendar year for dependents will be eliminated.
Grade Point Average. Academic standing and eligibility for tuition waiver will be determined on the student’s cumulative grade point average.
Age limits. The age limits for dependents will also be eliminated. Employee dependents not covered under the University health benefits must provide a copy of an IRS Form 1040 to document dependent status. In addition, employees with a dependent aged 27 years of age or older, must provide documentation, as required by the IRS to substantiate that the dependent is totally and permanently disabled.
In addition to the tuition waiver benefit, students may quality for one of the following programs:
Garden State Guarantee: The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) program is a state program available to students who are in their junior or senior year of study whose family income meets program eligibility guidelines. There is information on the university’s website regarding this program:
Montclair State University – Garden State Guarantee Program
Red Hawk Advantage Award: The Red Hawk Advantage Award program provides tuition grants to entering students beginning with the fall, 2024 semester. The program is very similar to the Garden State Guarantee Program except that it is funded by the University and is available to students who are freshmen or sophomores at the time they are admitted. As with GSG, this is a last dollar program supplementing other gift aid the student may have received from government, private or institutional sources.
For more information and to apply, please see Tuition Waivers.
David L.Vernon
Vice President for Human Resources