As shared in the recent message to faculty and staff, the Tuition Assistance Benefit (TAB) program and related plan is being updated, with changes effective summer 2025.
Click here for some frequently asked questions to support you in understanding the upcoming TAB program changes.
At USC, we are committed to fostering the growth and career development of our faculty and staff. We provide a range of learning opportunities designed to support educational advancement, as well as benefits for eligible dependents.
For a USC degree
USC’s Tuition Assistance Benefits (TAB) program is one of the university’s most appreciated benefits. Tuition assistance for employees allows full-time benefits eligible faculty and staff to earn a USC degree 100% tuition-free. Tuition help for your family provides tuition support for children, including the Tuition Exchange program, and for spouses/registered domestic partners.
The university reserves the right at any time to amend the TAB program to any extent and in any manner that it may deem advisable.
Plan documents
- For the current Tuition Assistance Benefit plan, refer here.
- For the forthcoming Tuition Assistance Program plan, effective summer 2025, refer to the USC 2025 Tuition Assistance Benefit Plan.
For personal development and needs
- An abundance of free lectures, concerts, and other campus events open to all of us as faculty and staff. The Employee Gateway lists many of these every day.
- USC employees, by virtue of the university’s status as a nonprofit tax-exempt organization, may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness.
Audit job-related coursework/no credit/ no grade
- Some specialized employees (nurses) are eligible for some reimbursement for job-related coursework offered by accredited schools.
- Employees may take job-related coursework at USC if tuition is paid by their department, or they may take a class for audit if approved by their manager and the academic department in question.
- Steps to take:
- Employees must register as limited status student (not in a degree program) with a grade option for audit only. Employees must register at the Registrar’s office in the lobby of JHH.
- Both forms must be completed, the Tuition Assistance Application – staff job-related audit form and the Limited Status form and a letter from the employee’s manager or supervisor indicating how taking this course will enhance their job skills. Email both forms and managers/supervisor letter to uschr@usc.edu.
- Employees who register for a course must abide by the university’s registration deadlines to avoid late registration fees.
- Note that staff hired on or after January 1, 2019 must complete two years of service before enrolling in a course for audit.
- Employees have free access to a wealth of training and learning opportunities in TrojanLearn.