Effective immediately, eligible employees will receive direct payment up front on their next available paycheck of the portion Vanderbilt pays for tuition for classes in which employees are enrolled. This change to the Employee Education Assistance Program applies to courses with a start date on or after May 2, 2022.
This updated policy expedites reimbursements for employees enrolled in the program. The former practice required employees to wait for reimbursement of Vanderbilt’s portion of the tuition cost until the class ended and the employee had submitted proof of payment and final grades. This change is responsive to ongoing dialogue and partnership with the University Staff Advisory Council.
“We are very excited to be able to make this change for our employees,” said Eric Kopstain, vice chancellor for administration. “Paying tuition costs up front shows our commitment to Vanderbilt’s mission of education and professional development. We want every employee to continue to grow during their time at Vanderbilt, and this change adds another way we can support our employees in that pursuit.”
The Employee Education Assistance Program applies to all regular and term full-time staff and faculty who have completed at least three months of employment—and to their spouses. Eligible staff, faculty and spouses are eligible for partial tuition reimbursement for one three-credit hour course per semester with a limit of three courses per academic year. For faculty and staff, the benefit applies to any classes offered for academic credit as part of an associate, baccalaureate or post-graduate degree by an accredited institution. For spouses, the benefit applies only to coursework at Vanderbilt.
“At Vanderbilt, we are a community dedicated to the power of human potential,” said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I’m so excited that this investment makes clear that we believe in the growth and potential of each and every one of our staff members. Now is a great time to make clear that we support every member of Vanderbilt’s community to ‘dare to grow.’”
Faculty and staff may apply online through EdAssist starting 90 days prior to each class start date. The deadline to submit an application is 30 days after each class start date. Once an application has been approved, employees will receive a direct payment on their next available paycheck. Employees are advised to submit an application and itemized invoice as soon as possible to expedite payment.
Employees have 30 days from the course completion date to submit proof of a passing grade through EdAssist.
Vanderbilt University partners with EdAssist to administer the university’s tuition assistance programs. EdAssist allows tuition benefit participants to apply for tuition benefits online. The EdAssist Portal provides 24/7 access to check application status, submit required documentation and experience efficient processing.
Resources available to you
Policy and Frequently Asked Questions
For full plan details and eligibility, please review the Employee Education Assistance Program policy and frequently asked questions on the HR website.
Get Help from an Expert
If you need help completing the application or have questions about the process, please reach out to EdAssist:
- Reach a live operator Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CT at 844-266-1532.
- Submit a help ticket by clicking Contact Us from the left-hand menu on the EdAssist Portal.