Clemson University recognizes the importance of educational and career development in attracting, retaining and developing top talent and aims to remove the financial barrier that might dissuade employees from pursuing higher degrees. Clemson leverages the Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP) and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program to lessen education costs or remove costs altogether.
Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
ETAP provides a 100 percent waiver for graduate and undergraduate courses for up to six (6) credit hours per academic term. Employees may enroll in day and/or evening courses, as long as any adjustments to their work schedule are approved by their supervisor.
In order to be eligible, employees must:
- have been employed one full year of twelve (12) consecutive months at Clemson University;
- be working 75 percent time or greater in a regular (FTE), temporary grant or time-limited position; and
- have an employment status in good standing based on conduct and job performance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
The PSLF Program forgives any remaining balance on direct loans for borrowers who are employed full time in certain public service jobs and have made 120 qualifying payments (beginning October 1, 2007). Only payments made under certain repayment plans may be counted toward the required 120 payments. Borrowers must not be in default on the loans that are forgiven.
Clemson encourages its faculty and staff to pursue higher degrees as the ultimate form of professional development. Visit these websites to learn more about these cost-saving programs:
https://www.clemson.edu/human-resources/benefits/etap/index.html
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualify
