Dependent Child Tuition Assistance

Eligibility

The Dependent Child Tuition Assistance benefit is available to dependent children of eligible employees who have completed at least seven consecutive full-time years of service (or the equivalent number of part-time years of service). Full-time service with a prior employer(s) may be recognized to determine eligibility under the WashU Dependent Child Tuition Assistance plan if certain criteria are met. Refer to the Request for Recognition of Service with Prior Employer Form (PDF) for more information.

About the Benefit

For those attending WashU, this benefit generally pays 100% of the tuition charges and qualifying fees. For those attending other accredited institutions, this benefit generally pays for the tuition charges and qualifying fees up to 40% of WashU’s stated tuition amount. It covers up to eight semesters toward the first Bachelor’s degree. Note: if a benefit is requested for a semester in which the student attends classes at less than full time or for a summer session, that semester/session counts as one semester of the benefit.

The level of benefit paid is based on the employee’s date of hire and job status as of the deadline for filing a request for benefits.

Qualifying Fees

The following fees are eligible to be paid under this benefit:

• Course Fees
• Activity Fees
• Technology Fees

Any fees not specifically named on the invoice with specific wording that directly labels it as “course”, “technology” or “activity” is not eligible to be paid. 

Fee descriptions will not be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Maximum Annual Benefit Amounts for Academic Year 2025 (Fall 2024 – Summer 2025)

Full-time Employee

• Attending WashU: $65,144 (Tuition $64,500 + Activity Fee $644)
• Attending non-WashU school (hired through 7/1/2006): $32,250 (50% of $64,500)
• Attending non-WashU school (hired after 7/1/2006): $25,800 (40% of $64,500)

Part-time Employee (50% of Full-time amount)

• Attending WashU: $32,572 (50% of $65,144)
• Attending non-WashU school (hired through 7/1/2006): $16,125 (25% of $64,500)
• Attending non-WashU school (hired after 7/1/2006): $12,900 (20% of $64,500)

Unless requested, this benefit will not be capped by 50% of the maximum benefit per semester. For example, if the requested benefit for the fall semester is 60% of the maximum benefit, you will only be eligible for 40% of the maximum benefit for the remainder of the academic year.

When to Request the Benefit

• You should request the benefit no sooner than 120 days before the term start date and after your dependent is accepted/committed to the school.
• You should request the benefit no later than 60 days after the term start date.
• A new request must be submitted for each term.

How to Request the Benefit (First-Time Users)

1. Create an account at wustl.edassist.com:
   • Select “First time here?”
   • Enter your Last Name, Employee ID, and WashU email address
   • Check your email and click on the URL to create your password. This link will expire after 24 hours.
   • Log into the website using your new password. Your user name is your Employee ID.
2. Click on “New Application”:
   Enter the requested information
   • Choose academic calendar (fall/winter/spring/summer). Do not select full year.
   • Choose the term (semester/quarter)
   • Please note that the dollar amount requested on the application will be the amount reflected on your Letter of Credit.
   Agree to the terms and electronically sign your application
   Submit your application
3. Your application will be forwarded to the HR Benefits Team for approval. You will receive a notification from the HR Benefits Team with instructions on how to upload your proof of dependent eligibility through your Workday account. See the Documentation Requirements for Dependent Tuition Assistance (PDF) for more information.
4. Once you submit proof of dependent eligibility, the HR Benefits Team will review your submission and, if everything is in good order, approve your request.
5. Once your request has been approved, EdAssist will email your Letter of Credit to your WashU email address.

How to Request the Benefit (Returning Users)

1. Log into your account at wustl.edassist.com:
2. Click on “New Application”:
   Enter the requested information
   • Choose academic calendar (fall/winter/spring/summer). Do not select full year.
   • Choose the term (semester/quarter)
   • Please note that the dollar amount requested on the application will be the amount reflected on your Letter of Credit.
   Agree to the terms and electronically sign your application
   Submit your application
3. Your application will be reviewed and approved by EdAssist.
4. Once your request has been approved, EdAssist will email your Letter of Credit to your WashU email address.

Letter of Credit and Payment

1. If you misplace or don’t receive your e-mailed Letter of Credit, you can download a copy from the EdAssist home page once you have signed into your account. 
2. Once you have received your Letter of Credit, both you and your student should sign and forward to the school that your student is attending. Typically, this needs to go to the Bursar’s Office or the Cashier’s Office. However, if your student is attending Washington University, you can e-mail your Letter of Credit to Student Accounting at student.accounting@wustl.edu.
3. The school should follow the instructions outlined in the Letter of Credit to complete their section and then return to EdAssist with an invoice.
4. EdAssist will review the invoice and the completed Letter of Credit. Upon approval, the payment process will begin. Please note that it could take up to three weeks for the payment to be processed directly to your student’s school.

If your student is attending school that doesn’t invoice third party payers, you will be required to upload your student’s invoice to the EdAssist website. Please note that you will need to enter a comment stating that the school will not invoice a third party payer.

If your student is attending an international school, you will need to return the completed Letter of Credit and the invoice to the WashU Benefits Service Center at hr-benefitsmail@wustl.edu. Once approved, EdAssist will send reimbursement directly to you.

Retirement Eligibility

To be eligible for this benefit as a retiree, faculty and staff must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 55 years old; and
• You must have completed at least seven consecutive full-time years of service (or the equivalent number of part-time years of service); and
• Your age plus years of service must equal 65 or greater.

Important Information

• The complete processing cycle for this benefit takes several weeks to months depending on the school your student is attending.
• We strongly recommend that you make your required payments to the school by the due date to hold your student’s registration. Charges not covered under this benefit should be paid by the due date, and you will be responsible for any late fees incurred.
• If you make a payment prior to EdAssist’s payment:
  • EdAssist will still pay the amount requested on your approved Letter of Credit toward eligible charges.
  • If there is an overpayment when the EdAssist pays, the school will refund the student’s account.
• Dependent child tuition assistance is a tax free benefit for birth, adopted and step children. If you utilize the benefit for children of a domestic partner, you will be taxed at the time the benefit is paid to the school.
• Study abroad program tuition is eligible for tuition assistance if offered through an accredited school.
• Your dependent child is not required to maintain consecutive enrollment in order to receive the benefit.
• If you are a full-time employee when you meet the requirements to be eligible for retiree benefits (rule of 65), you remain eligible for the full-time maximum benefit even if you transfer to a part-time or non-benefits eligible role.

Documents

• Dependent Child Tuition Assistance Plan (PDF)
• Eligible Postsecondary Education Program for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PDF)
• Documentation Requirements for Dependent Child Tuition Assistance (PDF)
• Ex-Spouse Dependent Tuition Affidavit (PDF)
• Dependent Eligibility Affidavit (PDF)