Tuition Reimbursement Program

The College offers tuition reimbursement for those staff who are pursuing educational goals in college (undergraduate and graduate degrees) or vocational/technical school. The benefit covers the full cost of each course to a maximum of $4,000 per employee per year. All full-time or part-time benefits-eligible employees who have completed one year of employment and are in good standing are eligible for this benefit.

Because the tuition reimbursement fund is limited, you must apply for the benefit. Employees are not guaranteed they will be granted the benefit every time they apply. Download the application below, or pick up a copy in the Human Resources office. You must first submit the application to your department head, chair, or supervisor. Your department head, chair, or supervisor will review the application, complete his/her portion of the application including a recommendation to Human Resources. Submit the completed application to Human Resources not later than two weeks after the start of classes.

To receive reimbursement you must submit an official transcript with a passing grade or certificate of completion from the instructor and a copy of the bill for the course within 30 days following completion of the course. If the educational program is not successfully completed, you will be responsible to pay whatever is owed. Reimbursement is processed through payroll as educational benefits and is subject to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania taxes.

Should the number of applications exceed the funds available, the Human Resources Department makes approval decisions based on length of service and overall job performance.

Completed applications, including receipt of course completion materials (tuition bill/final grade), should be submitted to benefits@swarthmore.edu.

Staff Tuition Reimbursement Application [pdf]