CIC–TEP Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered under the CIC–TEP benefit?

All CIC–TEP participants receive a full tuition remission benefit for each eligible student. Students are responsible for all non-tuition charges—room, board, and fees—at the institution in which they enroll (host/importing institution).
Who is eligible for the benefit?

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. Eligible students are dependents (equivalent to the IRS definition of a dependent), spouses, or full-time employees. Employees should contact the TEP liaison at his/her home institution for specific eligibility guidelines. 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.
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.

Am I required to disclose my other financial aid awards to the importing institution?

Yes, student applicants are required to submit all financial aid awards to the host/importing institution.
Once I’m accepted into the program, is my renewal guaranteed?

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 employee must continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the benefit. 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).
How many years can I receive the benefit?

The benefit is available for a total of four years (or the equivalent). Students must meet the college's published standards to continue the benefit.
Does being a TEP recipient guarantee (or affect) my admission to the college?

No, the benefit should have no effect on admission to the college.
What happens to my benefit if my parent becomes ineligible for the benefit in the middle of a term?

The benefit will cease at the end of the term.
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 scholarships for room or board, is taxable.
How is "dependent" defined?

"Dependent" is generally defined using the Federal tax definition. However, with divorces, deaths, etc., exceptions are sometimes made at the discretion of the exporting institution. When in doubt, contact your institution's liaison officer.
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.
Is there a waiting period for the benefit?

The waiting period varies and is based on each exporting institution's employee policy.
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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CIC-TEP Questions

If you have questions, contact Kate Webber, CIC membership manager, at (202) 466-7230 or tep@cic.nche.edu.