Sewanee Benefits

Education Benefits

Sewanee offers education-related benefits for eligible employees and, in some cases, their spouses and dependent children. This page is meant to help you see the main options, understand where they may fit, and know where to begin.

For your own education

Sewanee supports eligible employees in several ways, from GED completion to coursework at Sewanee, undergraduate study at other institutions, and some advanced degree support.

GED support
The University pays tuition, materials, and examination fees for eligible employees taking part in a regular program directed toward high school certification.
Courses at Sewanee
Eligible employees may receive full tuition reduction for courses in the College of Arts and Sciences or graduate courses in the School of Theology, subject to eligibility, supervisor approval, and work schedule expectations.
School of Letters
A limited number of scholarships may be available each year for eligible employees admitted to the School of Letters. This option requires support from the supervisor and division head and a separate scholarship request.
Undergraduate courses at other colleges and universities
Limited funding may be available for eligible employees who have not yet earned a degree and want to pursue undergraduate study at an accredited college, university, junior college, technical school, or vocational school.
Advanced degree funding
Limited funding may be available to assist eligible employees pursuing an advanced degree when the program supports growth and opportunity at the University. This option uses a proposal and review process and involves a forgivable interest-free loan.
Single work-related courses
Employees who are not pursuing a full degree may still be eligible for one-half tuition support for up to one work-related course per semester. Human Resources can help determine whether this path fits.

For your spouse or children

Some education benefits extend to spouses and dependent children of eligible employees, including tuition remission at Sewanee and other related opportunities.

Tuition remission at Sewanee
The University provides complete tuition remission for eligible spouses and dependent children taking on-campus undergraduate courses in the College of Arts and Sciences or graduate courses in the School of Theology, subject to applicable academic and enrollment requirements.
Tuition Exchange
Sewanee participates in tuition exchange programs that may provide undergraduate tuition scholarship opportunities for dependent children at participating institutions, subject to program rules, admission, and scholarship availability.
Secondary School Grant
The Secondary School Grant helps dependents of eligible full-time employees attend an independent secondary school of their choice. The amount varies by year and school, and home school and online educational programs are excluded.
Educational Loan Program
Eligible employees may apply for an interest-free loan for themselves or dependents enrolled in degree-granting programs at accredited post-secondary institutions, subject to eligibility, financial review, and repayment terms.

How Sewanee may help pay

Tuition remission
Some benefits work through tuition reduction or tuition remission, especially for Sewanee coursework and certain spouse or dependent child benefits.
Scholarship support for outside undergraduate study
For eligible employees without a degree, the University may award up to one-half of tuition for outside undergraduate study, with a maximum of $12,000 per person. University funding may be reduced by outside grants or scholarships, and benefits above certain tax thresholds may be taxable.
Forgivable loan support for advanced degree programs
Advanced degree support may be provided as a forgivable interest-free loan, with forgiveness tied to continued employment after the degree is awarded.
Interest-free Educational Loan Program
The Educational Loan Program is separate from tuition remission and scholarship-style support. It provides an interest-free loan, subject to approval, repayment by payroll deduction, and other program rules.

Common questions

Click a section below to view common questions and answers.

Employee education options
Can I take classes at Sewanee myself?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility rules and receive the necessary supervisor approval. The benefit may apply to courses in the College of Arts and Sciences and graduate courses in the School of Theology.
What if I want to complete an undergraduate degree somewhere else?
If you have not yet earned a degree, limited funding may be available for undergraduate study at another accredited institution. Start with Human Resources so the proposal and eligibility review can begin early.
What if I only want one work-related course?
A full degree is not always required. Some employees may be eligible for one-half tuition support for up to one work-related course per semester.
Funding and repayment
Does Sewanee always pay the full cost?
No. Some benefits are tuition remission, while others are limited funding programs, scholarship-style support, or loans with specific limits and conditions.
Could I have to repay support I receive?
Possibly. Some programs include repayment obligations if employment ends too soon, if a degree is not completed, or if the support was structured as a loan.
Could any part of the benefit be taxable?
Yes, depending on the type and amount of support. Human Resources can help you understand whether tax rules may apply to your situation.
Spouse and dependent child benefits
Are there education benefits for my spouse or child?
Yes. Depending on eligibility, benefits may include Sewanee tuition remission, tuition exchange opportunities, the Secondary School Grant, and the Educational Loan Program.
What counts as a dependent child for these programs?
The answer depends on the specific program. Human Resources can help confirm how the rules apply.
Can a child use Sewanee tuition remission and tuition exchange in the same way?
Not exactly. These are different programs with different rules, institutions, and application processes. It is best to review them side by side before making plans.
How to begin
Who should I contact first?
Start with Human Resources. That is especially important for outside undergraduate study, advanced degree funding, School of Letters scholarships, and family educational benefits.
Should I talk with my supervisor too?
Yes, in many cases. Work schedule arrangements, course approval, and the fit between the program and your role may need supervisor support.

Need help?

Education benefits can involve eligibility rules, supervisor approval, proposals, funding limits, and timing. It is best to talk with Human Resources early so you understand which option fits and what steps come next.