Tuition Assistance
As a leader in higher education, Harvard University is a community of learning that encourages everyone to participate. To support our commitment, the University offers tuition assistance to benefits-eligible employees, enabling them to take classes at Harvard or pursue educational opportunities at other accredited institutions.
These benefits are designed to help employees enhance their careers, complete a degree, or explore personal academic interests. Tuition assistance is available to benefits-eligible professional, administrative, support, union, and teaching staff.
For full details, including eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and the types of classes covered, please refer to the TAP/TRP Booklet.
Faculty and staff can learn more and find forms on the employee website, HARVie's Tuition Assistance page (HarvardKey required).
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides financial support for employees who wish to take classes at Harvard University. TAP opens the doors to Harvard’s world-class programs to employees at all levels.
Key aspects of TAP include:
- Financial support: Employees pay only $40 for courses at the Harvard Extension School or 10% of the tuition cost for other eligible Harvard schools.
- Eligible Schools: TAP is available for classes at several Harvard schools, including:
- Harvard Extension School: Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as graduate certificates. Hundreds of evening courses and flexible degree programs are available.
- Graduate Schools: Eligible programs include the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Graduate School of Design as well as designated programs at some other faculties.
- Degree and Graduate Certificate Options: Employees can pursue a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees, along with several graduate certificates through TAP-eligible programs.
- Taxable Income: Note that tuition assistance for certain graduate courses may be treated as taxable income. Faculty and staff can learn more on the employee website, HARVie's Tuition Assistance page (HarvardKey required).
Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP)
The Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP) helps employees cover the cost of education at accredited institutions outside of Harvard. Key aspects of TRP include:
- Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to 75% of tuition costs for eligible courses (up to 90% for HUCTW employees) upon the successful completion of class(es).
- Annual Benefit Limit: Reimbursement is capped at $5,250 per year.
- Course Requirements: Classes must be job-related, except for those taken as part of a program to earn a first undergraduate degree.
TRP is an excellent way for employees to further their education at other institutions while still receiving financial support from Harvard. Learn more in the TAP/TRP Booklet.
Additional Assistance
HUCTW staff have access to a separate Education Fund, which can be used to pay for seminars and conferences, test preparation courses, licensing and accreditation classes, and additional educational and career development needs. For details and application, please see HUCTW website's Education Fund page or call the HUCTW at 617-661-8289.