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The CIC-TEP is a network of CIC colleges and universities willing to accept, tuition-free, students from families of full-time employees of other CIC participating institutions (full-time as designated by the employer/institution). Eligible students are dependents (equivalent to the IRS definition of a dependent), spouses, or full-time employees. Specifically, each participating institution in the CIC-TEP agrees to accept (import) a limited number of students from other colleges without regard to the number of students it exports. Student applicants must be admissible at the host/importing institution in accordance with regular institutional admission standards and must comply with all of the host institution's financial aid policies and procedures. Applicants must maintain good academic standing and satisfactory academic progress.

Students are responsible for all non-tuition charges—room, board, and fees—at the institution in which they enroll (host/importing institution). Since there are no limitations on the total number of exports, this program may be used by any full-time employee at a participating institution. This approach is both nondiscriminatory and in compliance with IRS Regulations.

Student Application Process

  • Application for Institution
    Each student applies directly for normal admission to the institution(s) of his/her choice in accordance with the institution's procedures, submitting all required financial aid documentation.
  • Disclosure of SFA awards
    Student applicants are required to submit all financial aid awards to the host/importing institution. Host institutions should establish policies dealing with specific financial aid awards.
  • Apply for CIC-TEP
    In addition, student applicants must request that the Liaison Officer at the home/exporting institution complete the Tuition Exchange Program Student Application Form and direct it to the Liaison Officer at the host/importing institution for determination of acceptance to the CIC-TEP.
  • Notification of Acceptance to Institution
    The admissions office of the host/importing institution is responsible for informing the student of her/his acceptance to attend the institution.
  • Notification of Acceptance into CIC-TEP
    The Liaison Officer at the host/importing institution is responsible for informing the student of his/her acceptance to the CIC-TEP.

Student Continuation

Continued eligibility for participation is determined by the annual filing of the CIC-TEP Student Application Form by the home/exporting institution's Liaison Officer. Students in good standing are automatically eligible for up to three years of annual renewal of tuition remission for undergraduate study (for a total benefit of four years).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many years can I receive the benefit?

The benefit is available (for undergraduate students) for a total of four years (or the equivalent). Students must meet the college's published standards to continue the benefit.

2. Does being a TEP recipient guarantee (or affect) my admission to college?

The benefit should have no effect on admission to college.

3. What happens to my benefit if my parent becomes ineligible for the benefit in the middle of a term?

In the event the employee loses eligibility in the middle of a term the benefit will cease at the end of the term.

4. Should I apply for college admission before, after, or simultaneously with applying for the TEP benefit?

Students should apply for college admission simultaneously with applying for the TEP benefit.

5. Is the TEP benefit taxable?

The TEP benefit itself is not taxable. However, Federal tax law requires that scholarships or grants which exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books such as scholarship for room or board is taxable.

6. Is the benefit guaranteed for four years?

While students usually receive the benefit for four years, it is not "guaranteed." The student must continue to meet the college's academic standards, both schools must remain as participants in the program, and the parent must also continue to be an eligible employee.

7. How is "dependent" defined?

"Dependent" is generally defined using the Federal tax definition. However, with divorces, deaths, etc., exceptions are sometimes made. When in doubt, contact your institution's liaison officer.

8. What happens to the other types of financial aid that I receive?

The complex nature of financial aid programs requires that many factors be taken into consideration. If the aid program is specific to tuition, the student may not obtain additional money (since TEP covers full tuition). If however, the aid can be used for other educational expenses, it is at the discretion of the college to allow the additional aid to offset the TEP benefit or to be in addition to the TEP benefit.

9. Is there a waiting period for the benefit?

There is no waiting period for the benefit. Full-time employees at eligible institutions can receive the benefit at the beginning of the next term.

10. I was told I am eligible for the TEP benefit. Should I expect something in writing from the host institution?

Yes, you should expect a formal letter from the "importing" institution which outlines the value of the benefit and any terms and conditions for receipt and/or continuation of the benefit.

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