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Equal Opportunity and Title IX

Faculty & Staff Tuition Waiver

The Faculty and Staff Tuition Waiver allows eligible University of Montana employees to take courses at an MUS campus at a reduced tuition rate. This page covers eligibility, what the waiver covers, and how to apply each semester.

Who this applies to

Faculty | Staff | Administrators

You must be in a permanent position working at least 0.75 FTE (three-quarter time, or approximately 30 hours per week).

Temporary, seasonal, fixed-term, and student employees are not eligible.

Process

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility To qualify for the Faculty and Staff Tuition Waiver, you must:
  • Hold a permanent position at 0.75 FTE (three-quarter time, or approximately 30 hours per week) or greater
  • Have passed your probationary period, or be in the second six months of your employment contract. If you are unsure whether you have completed your probationary period, check with your supervisor or HRS.
  • Maintain at least 0.75 FTE for the entire academic term in which you use the waiver

Temporary, seasonal, fixed-term, and student employees are not eligible. If you separate from employment during a semester in which you are using this waiver, you may be required to repay the full waiver amount, which will be withheld from your final paycheck. 

Step 2: Understand what the waiver covers The Faculty and Staff Tuition Waiver covers resident tuition only. The following are not covered:

  • Registration fees, course fees, or any other mandatory or miscellaneous fees
  • Courses offered through the School of Extended Lifelong Learning (SELL)
  • Courses offered through the University Center
  • Non-credit, continuing education, or other self-supporting courses

Note that any federal financial aid you receive may be reduced as a result of using this waiver.

Step 3: Get admitted and register for courses You must be formally admitted to an MUS campus and register for coursework before or alongside your waiver application. Completing the application alone does not register you for courses.

Step 4: Complete the application each semester A new application is required for every semester you use the waiver. Complete the Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver Application, which requires:

  • Your supervisor's signature, confirming you have agreed to make up any time missed from work and have arranged a satisfactory schedule
  • Your Director or Dean's signature
Step 5: Submit your application to HRS at least 10 working days before your tuition payment is due Submit the completed application, including all required signatures, to HRS using one of the following methods:
  • Deliver in person to Human Resource Services, Lommasson Center 252
  • Email as a Word or PDF document to AskHR@mso.umt.edu
  • Fax to 406-243-6095

HRS will review your eligibility and forward the application to the Financial Aid office for processing.

Resources & Forms

Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver Application and Instructions

Governing Policy

Faculty & Staff Tuition Waiver Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. You may take courses at any MUS campus. Indicate both your employing campus and the campus where you will take classes on the application. HRS will certify your eligibility and forward your application to the Financial Aid office at the campus where you will be enrolled.

  • If you separate from employment or otherwise become ineligible during the semester, you may be required to repay the full tuition waiver amount. Contact HRS as soon as possible if your enrollment or employment status changes.

  • The Faculty and Staff Tuition Waiver may be used for graduate coursework. Select your enrollment status on the application form. Note that this waiver covers resident tuition only and does not cover additional fees.

Contact this Team

Human Resource Services - Benefits Team For help with benefits, submit a ticket through AskHR or contact us directly at ASKHR@mso.umt.edu or 406-243-6760.