HR Update

The Office of Human Resources’ Total Rewards team is excited to announce changes to the Regents Tuition Benefit Program. This program was formerly known as the Regents Scholarship. 

What the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Offers

• Full-time employees (75-100% appointment) can access undergraduate and graduate-level classes through the University. 
• Employees can take classes through any University campus. 
• Employees who do not hold a bachelor’s degree can take classes for free if they have been accepted into a degree program. All other employees only pay 25% of the class cost. Note that fees outside of tuition (such as book costs or lab fees) are not covered by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.

Changes to the Program

To make the program easier for employees to use, the Regents Tuition Benefit Program process has been updated to reduce the number of approvals needed and provide one point of contact for users. Employees using the program will only need their direct supervisor’s approval for classes that occur during their regularly scheduled hours. Additionally, employees will have one point of contact (OHR’s Contact Center) to submit the Regents Tuition Benefit Program request form.

Related tax documents have also been updated to include examples of how the Regents Tuition Benefit Program affects taxes for employees taking graduate classes. 

How to Look for Classes

You can browse campus catalogs to find courses that fit your interests or professional development plan. Employees can take classes offered on any campus. We encourage you to register for a course before submitting Regents Tuition Benefits Program paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the name change?

In talking with governance groups, Total Rewards learned that some employees have had the assumption that the benefit is only given to a select pool of applicants. However, this program is open to all eligible employees (75-100% appointment) who want to take a class. We want to make sure the program name does not keep anyone from using it. 

How does the Regents Tuition Benefit Program affect my income taxes?

Undergraduate tuition is not taxed as part of your income.

Graduate tuition may be taxed as part of your income, since tax laws treat graduate tuition benefits over $5,250 in a calendar year as taxable income. If your tuition benefit exceeds that limit, the amount over $5,250 will be added to your taxable income for that semester and any following semester during the year.

The IRS may allow you to exclude some of your tuition from taxes. This exclusion is evaluated on a course-by-course basis and has requirements, including having a business connection to your job. You can apply for exclusions through the University's Tax Management Office. A separate application must be submitted for each course.

Learn more and find the form on the Tax Management Office website. 

What childcare options do I have while using the Regents Tuition Benefit Program?

You may be eligible for the Postsecondary Childcare Assistance Grant, which is available to Minnesota residents who qualify through a financial aid process. Learn more about the grant and find instructions for applying. 

If I don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, will all classes I take be free? 

If you have been accepted into a degree program, you will not be charged for class tuition. Otherwise, you will be billed for 25% of the cost, even if you do not hold a bachelor’s degree.

Note that fees outside of tuition (such as book costs or lab fees) are not covered by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.

Do I need supervisor approval if I hold a 9- or 10-month appointment?

If you hold a 9- or 10-month appointment, you'll need to get supervisor approval to take summer classes. You’ll need your manager’s confirmation that you will be returning in the fall.

Where can I go if I have questions about the program? 

Visit the Regents Tuition Benefit Program policy page for more information on the program. Email ohr@umn.edu with any questions.