- How do institutions make their selection?
Each institution determines its own procedure and criteria for selecting import applicants. Most institutions select applicants on a first-come/first-serve basis, academic merit, financial need, or a combination of the three. - What are my chances of being accepted for CIC–TEP?
Chances vary widely among institutions and from year to year. The number of applications received, the openings an institution has budgeted for, the method of selecting applicants, and other factors all influence the chances of being accepted. - Can I use CIC’s website to search for a specific academic program that I am interested in?
CIC does not maintain a listing of the specific programs at each institution. Please consult the respective college and university websites or contact the CIC–TEP liaison. - What is covered under the CIC–TEP benefit?
The benefit covers the full cost of tuition. Students are responsible for all non-tuition charges—room, board, and fees—at the institution in which they enroll. - Who is eligible for the benefit?
CIC–TEP 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. Graduate study is limited to employees and spouses. Employees should contact the CIC–TEP liaison at his/her home institution to see if there is a waiting period for new employees. 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 and social standing and satisfactory academic progress. - Should I apply for college admission before, after, or simultaneously with applying for the CIC–TEP benefit?
Students should submit their CIC–TEP application simultaneously with their application for college admission. Each institution sets its own criteria for selecting import applicants, but since many institutions select applicants on a first-come/first-serve basis, it is recommended that you submit your admissions and CIC–TEP applications as early as possible. - 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 CIC–TEP covers full tuition). If however, the aid can be used for other educational expenses, it is at the discretion of the institution to allow the additional aid to offset the CIC–TEP benefit or to be used in addition to the CIC–TEP benefit. - 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 institutions 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 a total benefit of four years or eight semesters). - How many years can I receive the benefit?
The benefit is available for a total of four years or eight semesters (consecutive or non-consecutive). Students must meet the college’s published standards to continue the benefit. - Does being a CIC–TEP recipient impact my admission to the college?
No, the CIC–TEP benefit has no effect on admission to the college. - What happens to my benefit if the employee becomes ineligible for the benefit after the semester starts?
The benefit will cease at the end of that semester. - Is the CIC–TEP benefit taxable?
The TEP benefit itself is not taxable. However, you should contact your tax advisor for details on what 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 home/exporting institution’s liaison officer. - 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. - Is there a waiting period for the benefit?
The waiting period varies and is based on policies set up by each home/exporting institution. - I was told I am approved for the CIC–TEP benefit. Should I expect something in writing from the host/importing institution?
Yes, students can expect a formal letter from the importing institution that outlines the value of the benefit and any terms and conditions for receipt and/or continuation of the benefit.
CIC-TEP Questions
If you have questions, contact Faith Barisas, CIC Tuition Exchange Program manager, at (202) 466-7230 or tep@cic.edu.