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Home > Benefits > Tuition Programs

Tuition Programs

Columbia University offers several programs for tuition, both at and outside of the University.

The Tuition Exemption Benefit Program is offered for both Officers and Support Staff, so that you and your family members may take courses at Columbia.

College Tuition Scholarships for Officers' children can help offset the costs of college tuition outside Columbia. 

Primary Tuition Scholarships for Officers' children can help offset the costsof  primary schools.

Some collective bargaining units offer additional tuition benefits for their members; please see Union Contracts for more information.

Tuition Exemption Benefits for Officers

The Tuition Exemption Benefit Program pays tuition costs, depending on your eligibility, for undergraduate and graduate courses at Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College. 

Note that this is not a reimbursement or remission program; your tuition is simply exempted. However, you are responsible for course fees, textbooks and residence fees, where applicable. 

Tuition Exemption Benefits for Support Staff

The Tuition Exemption Benefit Program pays tuition costs, depending on your eligibility, for undergraduate and graduate courses at Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College. 

Note that this is not a reimbursement or remission program; your tuition is simply exempted. However, you are responsible for course fees, textbooks and residence fees, where applicable. 

Job Related Graduate Course Certification

Instructions, eligibility information, IRS regulations and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Job-Related Graduate Course Certification.

Primary Tuition Scholarships (PTS)

For full-time salaried Officers of Administration, Instruction, the Libraries, or Research, or members of the United Doctors Association, a Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) pays between 10% and 35% of your child’s tuition in grades K–8 at a private school, depending on eligible family income.

College Tuition Scholarships (CTS)

For eligible dependent children of full-time salaried Officers of Administration, Instruction, the Libraries, or Research, and members of the United Doctors Association, a College Tuition Scholarship (CTS) pays half of a student’s undergraduate tuition (up to an annually defined limit) for eight semesters.