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Continuing Education

Knowledge is Power: Strengthen Your Career With State Education Benefits

Today more than ever, career training and education are important to success in the workplace. That’s why the State of Indiana invests so heavily in ensuring Hoosiers have access to higher education and professional accreditation and why it is committed to empowering you with career-advancing learning opportunities.

The State of Indiana offers both education reimbursement and tuition assistance along with establishing discounts with a variety of universities to help pursue these opportunities.

Education Reimbursement & Tuition Assistance

Enhancing our teams’ professional knowledge, skills, and abilities reinforces great government service by strengthening the effectiveness and credibility of state employees. To support the continued education of our workforce, all full-time employees who have been employed by a state agency for 12 continuous months may be eligible for reimbursements of up to $5,250 annually.

  • Education Reimbursement is when the employee pays the accredited school or professional organization for the desired course or program tuition up front and then they are reimbursed after completion.
  • Tuition Assistance is when the employer pays the school directly, eliminating the employee, to front the money. A defined partnership with that university or college must be established in advance. Currently, Ivy Tech is the only school for which Tuition Assistance exists.

View the Education Reimbursement & Tuition Assistance policy statement

View the full Education Reimbursement Process

For more information, expand the tabs below.

  • Employees

    As a State of Indiana employee, we are excited to help aid in your continuing education journey through education reimbursement and or tuition assistance. This program was designed to help you, as a state employee, grow personally and professionally through advanced academic or professional education and to provide financial assistance or reimbursement for eligible tuition costs. The below information is to provide guidance and expectations around the Education Reimbursement and Tuition assistance process.

    If you have any questions, please email the Learning & Development division (spdtraining@spd.in.gov).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the difference between Education Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance?
      1. Education Reimbursement is when you, as a state employee, pay for your tuition upfront and can be reimbursed afterward following the exact process outlined in Education Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance Policy.
      2. Tuition Assistance is where the State of Indiana partners with a school and pays that school directly, eliminating the need for you, as a state employee, to pay for the course upfront.
    2. What are the eligibility requirements?
      1. You must be a full-time employee that has worked for the State of Indiana for at least 1 year.
      2. You must be 1 year discipline free at the time of submission of your application. The submission date is based off supervisor signature of the form.
      3. You must NOT have hit your annual calendar year (January 1 – December 31) limit of $5250.00.
    3. What expenses are eligible versus ineligible for reimbursement?
      1. Only tuition is eligible for reimbursement or assistance. Some examples of additional expenses that are INELIGIBLE are listed below:
        • Application & Enrollment Fees: application, enrollment, university services, student services, general, lab, online learning, technology, internet (e-fee), resource, required course
        • Supplies Fees: office, school supplies, equipment rental or charges, personal computer, other electronic devices, textbooks (physical or electronic)
        • Student Services Fees: parking, transportation, housing, meal plans, recreation
        • Late & Miscellaneous Fees: repair & rehabilitation, late, fines, penalties, bank charges
        • Graduate Fees: graduation, transcript, licensure exam, fee for licensure, entrance exams, preparatory classes for entrance exam
    4. Is there a maximum dollar amount that can be reimbursed?
      1. Yes, reimbursement is available with a maximum of $5250.00 per calendar year. Reimbursement is limited to incurred tuition expenses.
    5. Will I have to repay the money if I leave employment at the State?
      1. No, you will not have to repay the State if you leave the State after being reimbursed or receiving assistance.
    6. How will I receive my education reimbursement payment?
      1. You will fill out a (insert specific form) and be reimbursed via applicable direct deposit account identified. You will need to check your bank account to verify you received the payment. You can confirm with your Agency Finance on timing of this.
    7. Will I have to pay taxes on the money I am reimbursed?
      1. No, the $5250.00 annual calendar-year limit is non-taxable.
    8. What is an “Appointing Authority or Designee” in relation to this policy?
      1. An Appointing Authority or Designee is who your agency delegates responsible for fiscal component of the policy and ensuring guidelines are followed. Often, this is agency financial staff and/or a dedicated team member to your agency’s education reimbursement initiatives.
    9. What does the policy timeline look like in practice?
      1. FSSA, Family and Social Services Administration, Employee Susie is interested in taking a Spanish class through Purdue University.
      2. FSSA Employee Susie reviews the Education Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance Policy and decides to have a conversation with her manager.
      3. FSSA Employee Susie’s manager acknowledges this will work well and Employee Susie fills out the Education Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance form and signs it.
        1. FSSA Employee Susie then has her manager sign the form.
        2. FSSA Employee Susie takes the form to her HR representative and HR fills in the relevant fields and signs the form.
          1. FSSA Employee Susie's HR representative validates that she has been employed full-time for at least 12 months with the State of Indiana and that she has been discipline free for the last 12 months prior to the submission date of her form.
        3. FSSA Employee Susie takes the form to her Appointing Authority or Designee and the Appointing Authority or Designee fills in the relevant fields and signs the form to complete initial approval.
          1. FSSA Employee Susie’s Appointing Authority or Designee reviews the requested amount of reimbursement and validates that she has not gone over her annual, calendar-year limit of $5250.00.
      4. FSSA Employe Susie takes Spanish course in Fall 2023 and starts course September 1, 2023.
      5. FSSA Employee Susie completes courses and receives a letter grade of ‘B’ on December 20, 2023.
      6. FSSA Employee Susie turns in completed grades on December 29, 2023.
        1. FSSA Appointing Authority or Designee processes grades and application form for final approval.
        2. The Comptroller’s Office processes the forms, as necessary.
      7. FSSA Employee Susie receives reimbursement on January 10, 2024.
      8. Rationale: In the above scenario, the fake FSSA Employee is going to have that reimbursement    count towards their $5,250 allotment for the 2024 calendar year. It is important that you know that the most important date is the date that the reimbursement is fully processed, not the date that you turn in your paperwork. If you are planning on taking multiple courses, please plan accordingly. If FSSA Employee Susie is working towards a Spanish Degree and is going to take classes in Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024, then she should plan for their Fall 2024 course to count towards their $5,250 allotment for the 2025 calendar year.
    10. What does the disciplinary action timeline look like in practice?
      1. DOR, Department of Revenue, Employee Joe receives latest disciplinary action July 3rd, 2023.
      2. DOR Employee Joe decides to take a course that starts August 1st, 2024.
      3. DOR Employee Joe goes to submit his application by July 1st, 2024.
      4. DOR Employee Joe’s application for Education Reimbursement is denied.
      5. Rationale: As you can see in this example, DOR Employee Joe received discipline July 3rd, 2023, and submitted his application by July 1st, 2024 for a class starting August 1st, 2024. His application is required to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start date of his course, per the policy. Although DOR Employee Joe would have been in compliance timeline wise with the application of the policy, the Education Reimbursement & Tuition Assistance Policy’s Eligibility requires that employee be discipline free 1 year prior to the submission date of the Education Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance form. This means that employee Joe’s application would be denied. Employee Joe would be eligible to take a course starting August 3rd, 2024, and forward so long he remains discipline free.
    11. What makes a non-higher education organization accredited such as Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) or Project Management Institute (PMI), accredited?
      1. Non-higher education organizations are considered accredited when office recognition or approval of the content, curriculum, faculty, or instructors meet defined standards as issued by a governing body, governmental entity, or professional organization.
    12. What types of classes can be reimbursed (higher ed, certification, etc.)? What type of class content (Spanish, accounting, legal, etc.) can be reimbursed?
      1. Any course offered through an accredited training or education institution, school or professional organization.
      2. is subject to be reimbursable so long the eligibility standards are met.
      3. For example, say you are a Family Case Manager Supervisor with the Department of Child Services, and you are considering taking Spanish Level I Course at Ivy Tech Community College, Beginner Guitar Course at Indiana University-Indianapolis, or a Project Management Professional (PMP) Course through the Project Management Institute.
        1. Outcome: You are able to do so and be reimbursed so long as you meet the eligibility requirements and adhere to the policy timelines. Friendly reminder, courses or certifications sought after do not have to be job specific.
    13. What do I do if I believe my request was inaccurately denied?
      1. Please work with your HR staff to get this corrected immediately.
    14. Do I have to use a university that’s listed on the discount page to take my course?
      1. No! You can go to any accredited university or school or to take a course. The universities listed on the Education Discount page have contacted the State of Indiana to let us know they are offering an additional benefit to our employees.
    15. Can I use one of the school discounts in conjunction with education reimbursement?
      1. Yes! You can leverage one of the education discounts listed on the education discount page and reimbursement can be applied to the remaining amount.  See example below:
        1. Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites Employee Oliver wants to receive a Master of Science in History from Indiana State University. Indiana State University offers state employees a 15% discount on tuition. Oliver will receive 15% off tuition and will pay the remaining balance upfront. Following the Education Reimbursement process and guidelines, Oliver will be reimbursed up to $5250.00.
    16. Are GED courses available for reimbursement?
      1. Yes, GED courses are eligible for reimbursement contingent you have met the eligibility requirements outlined in the policy and the courses are being offered through an accredited training or education institution, school, or professional organization.
    17. Can I use Education Reimbursement for continuing education (exams, recertifications, etc.)?
      1. At this time these types of expenses could be eligible for repayment under the Financial Management Circular at the agency’s discretion and would not be eligible for Education Reimbursement.
        1. SBA: Financial Management Circulars
    18. What policies go toward the $5250.00 bucket?
      1. Education Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance along with the Financial Management Circulars dollar amounts should count towards the $5250.00 non-taxable amount.
    19. Where do I access the Education Reimbursement & Tuition Assistance Form?
      1. The Education Reimbursement & Tuition Assistance Form can be found within the policy itself.
    20. If I am in a program or pursuing a degree, how many forms do I submit?
      1. At the start of each semester, term, or block, you will submit a form for all the courses you take during that time period.
    21. What happens if I drop a course, or my school drops a course that was listed on my original application?
      1. You can make edits to your application up to the start date of the course to reflect any changes in course availability due to educational institution, school, or professional organization changes.
    22. Who do I go to if I'm confused or just don't know what to do?
      1. You can reach out to your HR Staff or Agency Appointed Authority or Designee for any initial questions or concerns! If you have further questions, please reach out to the L&D email, SPDtraining@spd.IN.gov.
    23. What does the appeal process look like?
      1. If you do not agree with the outcome of your application, you may appeal this via the Civil Service Complaint (CSC) process.
        1. SPD: State Civil Service System (in.gov)
  • Supervisors

    Continuing education through education reimbursement and tuition assistance can be an essential tool to help to recruit, retain, and develop employees. Use our supporting materials and documentation to aid in processes and help employees best leverage the policy. The information below outlines valuable guidance and expectations in how to best put this policy into practice as a manager.

    If you have any questions, please email the Learning & Development division (spdtraining@spd.in.gov).

    Frequency Asked Questions

    1. As a supervisor, what is my responsibility if I have an employee that wants to participate in Education Reimbursement or Tuition Assistance?
      1. Your responsibility as a supervisor is to review and sign the first page of the completed form that your employee brings to you for review. From there, work to provide flexible scheduling, if their role allows, to successfully participate in the scheduled course time.
      2. Overall, as a supervisor, you should be working to create an environment that encourages the learning and development of your team. Employees are welcome and encouraged to pursue courses outside the core responsibilities of their roles, to support their holistic growth and increase their skillset to better serve the State of Indiana.
  • Human Resources

    Continuing education through education reimbursement and tuition assistance can be an essential tool to help to recruit, retain, and develop employees. Use our supporting materials and documentation to aid in processes and help employees best leverage the policy. The information below outlines valuable guidance and expectations in how to best put this policy into practice as an HR employee.

    If you have any questions, please email the Learning & Development division (spdtraining@spd.in.gov).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What am I responsible for verifying?
      1. You are responsible for verifying the applicants date of hire, course start date, and disciplinary status on the form and confirming they are not in conflict with the policy’s eligibility requirements.
        1. If the applicant’s date of hire is prior to the one-year anniversary date, please let the applicant know their application is denied for that reason.
        2. If the applicant has disciplinary action within the prior year, please let the applicant know their application is denied for that reason.
    2. What do I do with the form after the form is completed?
      1. Please file the form within the employee’s personnel file after the form is completed.
  • Appointing Authority or Designee

    Continuing education through education reimbursement and tuition assistance can be an essential tool to help to recruit, retain, and develop employees. Use our supporting materials and documentation to aid in processes and help employees best leverage the policy. The information below outlines valuable guidance and expectations in how to best put this policy into practice as the Appointing Authority or Designee.

    If you have any questions, please email the Learning & Development division (spdtraining@spd.in.gov).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Does an organization’s website have to explicitly state accredited to be considered accredited?
      1. No, the organization’s website does NOT have to explicitly say accredited to be considered accredited. The focus of accreditation is determining if a governing body or entity has standardized curriculum, providing a larger oversight over what is being taught.
    2. Who do I reach out to if an employee is not setup as a supplier in PeopleSoft Financials?
      1. Reach out to GMIS with IOT.
    3. If an employee transfers, who is responsible for payment?
      1. If an employee receives initial approval on the form from Agency 1 and transfers to Agency 2, Agency 1 is responsible for the payment.
      2. If an employee did not receive initial approval on the form from Agency 1 and transfers, then the employee would need to restart the Education Reimbursement process and obtain initial approval from Agency 2 to be reimbursed by the agency they transferred into.
    4. What do I do if an employee is in a course or program (e.g. PhD Program) and does not receive formal grades each semester or term?
      1. If an employee is seeking reimbursement for a course or program that does not provide formal grades each semester or term (e.g. PHD program), the employee will need to provide an official, written communication from a faculty member, academic advisor, dissertation committee chair, etc. That verifies they are in good standing on the “completed course” and are progressing positively.
    5. What do I do after I sign off on the final approval?
      1. You are responsible for communicating with the employee that their reimbursement is moving forward.
    6. What universities does the State Partner with for Tuition Assistance?
      1. Statewide the only university where a Tuition Assistance partnership exists is Ivy Tech.

Partnerships eligible for Tuition Assistance

Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech)

Achieve Your Degree (AYD) Program

Through the Achieve your Degree (AYD) partnership, employees can apply, enroll, and take courses at Ivy Tech Community College without having to pay tuition expenses upfront and then later applying for reimbursement from the state. This partnership will allow the state to pay Ivy Tech directly upon an employee’s successful completion of a course in order to remove any financial barriers to education.

The AYD partnership offers state employees access to more than 70 academic programs, as well as opportunities to receive associate degrees, short-term certificates and workforce certifications in various fields. Additionally, Ivy Tech’s Ivy+ Tuition and Textbooks model provides students with free textbooks for required courses through the spring 2023 and a flat rate tuition cost students who enroll in more than 12 credits.

How to apply for the AYD program:

Employees seeking tuition assistance as part of AYD partnership, must complete and submit the Tuition Assistance Program Application (State Form: 56530) to their employing agency at least 30 days prior to the start date of their courses.

After receiving eligibility approval from the employing agency as outlined in Addendum A to the Education Reimbursement policy, the employee should then complete the following steps:

  • apply for the AYD program online at: apply.ivytech.edu/ayd/stateemployee;
  • complete the AYD consent form that will be emailed to the employee through the Ivy Tech email. Please note: Applicants will be provided with an Ivy Tech an email address after completing the application;
  • upload the Approval Document INSPD provides to the AYD application.

Ivy Tech’s AYD coordinator will then confirm the employee applicant’s eligibility for tuition assistance with the employee relations division of the Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD).

Once INSPD confirms the employee’s eligibility for the program, Ivy Tech’s AYD coordinator will complete the process of approving the employee’s Ivy Tech account, as applicable.

Payment to Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech will complete invoicing to the employing agency after grades have been posted each semester. Ivy Tech will inform the student of any amounts not covered by the state’s tuition assistance program and options available to make payment. Students will be responsible for maintaining program eligibility per INSPD policy and therefore employer funding.

Educational Discounts

The following colleges and universities now offer tuition discounts and/or scholarships to state employees:

  • Certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
  • Designed to make it easier to balance work, educational, and personal commitments.
  • Variety of academic calendars.
  • Online, in-person, and combined class models available.
  • Prior learning and work experience may qualify for academic credit.
  • Some benefits extended to family members.

Click the tabs below to learn more about each university.

Indiana State University

Through the Preferred Partnership with Indiana State University, state employees receive 15% off the in-state tuition rate (regardless of your state of residence) for all academic programs including online, on-campus, undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, employees receive expedited admissions processing and transfer credit review, as well as a waiver of the enrollment deposit. Indiana State offers 100+ fully online degree and certificate programs. Apply today!

How to obtain your Preferred Partner discount:

  • Visit https://indianastate.edu/ to APPLY!
  • Within the application, you will be asked if you are an employee of a Preferred Partner. Click the dropdown list and select STATE OF INDIANA.
  • After you have applied, employment verification will be obtained from the State of Indiana and your 15% discount will be confirmed.
  • You will remain eligible for the discounted tuition rate, so long as you remain employed by the State of Indiana.

Find more information here:

Indiana Tech

Indiana Tech strives to make pursuing a degree an easier and more affordable endeavor for State of Indiana employees and their spouses. As a thank you for your civic service we will award a 20% tuition scholarship for undergraduate or graduate tuition. Classes are six weeks, online, one class at a time, making it even easier for the working adult to GO FOR IT!

  • 80+ programs ranging from undergraduate certificates, associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees.
  • Over 30 undergraduate certificates and 14 graduate certificates
  • Student success advisors provide one-on-one support and resources that help students stay on track.
  • Classes are always starting soon, allowing rapid progress toward degree completion.
  • Textbook rental included at no cost.
  • Additional military scholarships available.

For more information please contact Jackson Huff at 317-466-2121 ext. 4108 or at jphuff@indianatech.edu

View flyer to learn more about Indiana Tech >

Oakland City University

oakland city university

A message from Oakland City University:

The Oakland City University Partner Discount program was created to assist our working adult students as well as students who are members of organizations who serve our community.  Students who are affiliated with one of our partner organizations are eligible to receive a $1,000 tuition discount when they enroll in any of the following Online Adult and Professional Studies degree programs:

  • Business Administration - Management (B.S.)
  • Business Administration - Human Resource (B.S.)
  • Business Administration - Accounting (B.S.)
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (B.S.)
  • Operations Management (B.A.S.)
  • Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
  • Masters of Business Administration - Healthcare Management (M.B.A.)
  • Master of Science in Strategic Management - Criminal Justice Administration (M.S.)
  • Master of Science in Strategic Management - General (M.S.)
  • Master of Science in Strategic Management - Logistics and Product Distribution (M.S.)
  • Master of Science in Strategic Management - Quality Systems (M.S.)
  • Master of Science in Strategic Management - Leadership (M.S.)

We understand the important role employers and community organizations play in the lives of our students and we also understand the value of an educated workforce to our local community and our nation as a whole.

By supporting the employees and/or members of our partner organizations through our Partner Discount tuition discount, Oakland City University is able to help ease the burden of our working students, community volunteers and church members while at the same time allowing our partner organizations to give their members or employees an amazing benefit.

Classes begin in November and January. Oakland City University offers 100 percent online classes every five weeks for undergrad programs and every eight weeks for graduate programs. Log in anytime, anywhere.

If you are an employee or a member of one of our partner organizations and would like to learn more about our Online Adult and Professional Studies degree programs, please complete the request form and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.

If you represent an organization or business and would like to learn more about becoming one of our partners, please contact: (812) 213-7337 or at partner@oak.edu.

O’Neill School of Public Affairs

Founded in 1972, The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is a nationally ranked academic institution. We bring together management skills, science, policy analysis, and the humanities. We focus on governing, managing, and leading. We prepare students to address the complex issues that face society today—issues one field of study alone can't solve.

Scholarship Information for State of Indiana Employees:

State employees will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the first semester of any O’Neill Indianapolis program.  This is a one-time award that may be combined with other graduate or undergraduate scholarships except for the O'Neill School Public and Environmental Affairs 50th Anniversary Alumni discount. State employees who are also graduates of the Paul H. O'Neill School are eligible for 25% off of graduate tuition.

Check out our variety of available programs & certificates for graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Application start/end dates:

O’Neill Indianapolis has a “rolling admission” which means the applications are always open, however, there are deadlines for various semesters:

  • March 15: Deadline for international applicants for fall admission
  • May 15: Deadline for domestic applicants for fall admission
  • September 15: Deadline for international applicants for spring admission
  • November 15: Deadline for domestic applicants for spring admission
  • March 15: Deadline for international and domestic applicants for summer admission

In addition to these dates, March 1 is the priority deadline for all applicants pursuing merit-based financial aid.

Contact for prospective students:

Angela DeCamp, Associate Director of Strategic Enrollment and Partnerships
amdecamp@iu.edu
317-274-8773

Purdue University Global

A message from Purdue University Global:

This is innovation. This is extreme personalization. This is a world-class education that’s tailored to the unique needs of working adults. Now you can earn a degree from an accredited online university that is part of the respected Purdue University system. Our innovative approach to teaching a modern curriculum gives you the skills you need to make an immediate impact on your career—and the edge to conquer whatever comes next. Because this is education designed for you. This is Purdue Global.

Match your career path to a degree and choose from more than 175 online programs. Many state and federal careers are powered by the skills gained through a Purdue Global degree. Our online programs are designed to help you acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors to be successful in your current and future roles. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

Areas of study include:

  • Accounting, business and finance
  • Criminal justice
  • Fire science
  • Health sciences
  • Information technology and cybersecurity
  • Legal studies
  • Nursing
  • Public administration
  • Psychology
  • Social and behavioral sciences

State of Indiana employees and their families who reside in Indiana will receive the current, published in-state tuition rate as posted in the Purdue Global catalog and public website. Effective March 4, 2021, Purdue Global is extending 20 percent off published tuition rates for undergraduate and certificate programs and 14 percent off published tuition rates for graduate programs and certificates to the participant’s eligible individuals, including family members, who reside outside of the state of Indiana. This tuition reduction only applies to tuition for courses once eligible individuals are fully enrolled in a Purdue Global Program. This tuition reduction cannot be combined with any other reduction or special pricing.

Note: Purdue Global may change its tuition rates at any time in its sole discretion and the tuition reduction will be calculated on the current tuition in effect for the applicable academic term for the enrolled program. The offering, substitution, or cancellation of any program will be at Purdue Global sole discretion.

WGU Indiana

WGU is a non-profit, online university offering more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, IT, healthcare, and K–12 education with programs built to be flexible and to fit the lives of busy working adults. WGU operates on a Competency-Based learning model, which measures skills and learning rather than time spent in class. With WGU’s affordable, flat-rate tuition model students pay a flat fee for 6 months of learning and can complete courses as quickly as they learn the material, offering an “all you can learn” opportunity.

Employees can learn more about WGU partner benefits at: WGU Educational Benefits

Full-time State of Indiana employees receive a 5% discount* and may be eligible to apply for scholarships. See all WGU scholarships >

*Must provide current pay stub from agency currently employed with for verification at time of enrollment. Discount available up to four terms.