Tuition Advancement

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Introduction
Tuition Advancement provides you with tuition support if you are seeking a pre-approved degree at Radford University that prepares you for a Carilion Clinic-designated position.
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Applying for the Tuition Advancement Program

First, return the completed college application to the Admissions office at Radford University and be accepted to the Radford University program. You must return any other financial aid applications to the Financial Aid office at Radford University.

Then, complete and submit the required Tuition Advancement documents by the deadline before class starts to:

  • By email through the Employee Center: Education Benefits Support
  • Or mail to Human Resources—Education, CASB, Suite 1400, 213 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA  24011.

The required documents are:

  • Tuition Advancement Application (with leadership approval)
  • Service commitment.
  • Release agreement.
  • Agreement to terms and conditions.
  • Two recommendation letters - from a fellow Carilion employee.  Preferably from a supervisor/manager.
  • Personal statement.

Application deadlines are:

  • Fall semester—June 15.
  • Spring semester—Oct. 1 of the previous year.
  • Summer semester—March 1.

A submitted application is not guaranteed approval. The number of approved spots will be determined each year based on our organization's needs, available funds and the number of employees graduating in the program.

After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a committee. The committee will determine which applications are approved and you will be notified of the decision by mail.

 

Program Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for tuition advancement if you:

  • Are regularly scheduled full-time or part-time (benefits eligible = 60-80% FTE).
  • Have demonstrated at least “meets standards” on your most recent performance evaluation.
  • Have no active disciplinary actions in your Human Resources record.
  • Were recommended by your immediate manager and senior director with respect to your desire and ability to complete the course of study.
  • Were accepted at the Carilion-approved educational program.
  • Applied for any available state/federal/private financial aid.
  • Signed and agreed to a service commitment with Carilion upon completion of the degree.
  • Remain actively employed at Carilion throughout the educational program and work a minimum of 16 hours per pay period.
  • Remain in good academic standing with the school and follow the guidelines.
  • Take a minimum of six credit hours per semester (except summer semester).
  • Do not combine this program with any other educational benefit offered through Carilion Clinic. You may not use Tuition Reimbursement if you are enrolled in Tuition Advancement.
  • An international employee must have applied for and received a change in his/her visa status to qualify for the Carilion Clinic Tuition Advancement benefit. This change in immigration status must be documented and allow the employee to work regular part-time or full-time for the duration of the required service commitment. 

 

Eligible Degrees under Tuition Advancement

Programs that support our workforce needs are given priority for tuition advancement funds.  Currently we are accepting applications for:

  • Bachelor in Science in Nursing (Traditional 4 year program)
  • R.N. to Bachelor in Science in Nursing (2 plus 2 completion programs)
  • Bachelor in Science in Nursing (Accelerated)
  • Bachelor in Science in Respiratory Therapy (Traditional 4 year program)
  • ASRT to Bachelor in Science in Respiratory Therapy (ASRT to BSRT)
  • IT programs

Amounts may vary based on program and available funds.

The selection committee may use additional criteria including but not limited to:

  • Most recent performance review score.
  • Previous use of educational assistance at Carilion.
  • Individual coursework versus a stated degree.
  • Personal statement/professional recommendation letters.
  • Is the degree required for your position.
  • Is the degree required for a position you are training for.

 

Service Commitment

If you are accepted into Tuition Advancement, you will be required to complete a service commitment with Carilion upon completion of the program. If you fail to work the agreed service commitment, or are separated, a prorated portion of the tuition cost must be repaid within 90 days.

  • Associate Degree to Bachelor of Science—Three-year service commitment.
  • Traditional Bachelor of Science—Four-year service commitment.
  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science-Three-year service commitment.
  • IT programs —Three-year service commitment.
  • Withdraw from Tuition Advancement—Two-year service commitment.

If you want to withdraw from Tuition Advancement, submit a letter of withdrawal to Human Resources within five working days of the withdrawal date. You must remain employed with Carilion in a full-time or regular part-time position for two years to avoid tuition repayment. Otherwise, a prorated portion of the tuition cost must be repaid within 90 days of separation. Any tax obligations associated with Tuition Advancement will begin at your withdrawal date. 

 

Repayment

If you leave Carilion voluntarily or involuntarily before you complete your service commitment, you agree to pay back a prorated portion of the reimbursements you received while participating in the program within 90 days of leaving Carilion. Repayment will be due in full within 90 days of the employer’s written request for repayment.

All accounts not paid in full within 90 days will be sent to Carilion Debt Recovery, a collection agency.  Applicable collection fees will be added to the unpaid balance. Once your account is sent to Carilion Debt Recovery, this information may affect your credit rating.

 

Tax Implication

There is a tax liability associated with participation in this plan. The total amount of all education assistance provided by Carilion is taxable in any calendar year where the total education assistance exceeds $5,250. Sums incurred beyond $5,250 per calendar year will be taxable to you the semester sums are incurred.

  • Carilion will pay the tuition while you are attending school.
  • Under current law, while receiving assistance on your degree, the IRS considers any tuition paid over the excludable amount as defined by the current tax code as taxable income.
  • Sums incurred beyond $5,250 per calendar year will be taxable to you the semester you are attending. Once the service commitment begins, you will have paid the taxable amount and will only work off the service commitment.

For more information, contact Human Resources By email through the Employee Center: Education Benefits Support.

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