Tuition Reduction Updates

To ensure the long-term sustainability of our educational benefits, Idaho State University is updating its tuition reduction program for eligible employees, their dependents, and partners at other Idaho education agencies.

These changes are effective for the Fall 2026 semester.

ISU Employees and Spouses

• Current Benefit: Benefit-eligible employees and their spouses will continue to pay $5 per credit plus $20 per semester for benefit-eligible employees. Standard class, professional, and online program fees are charged at published rates. 

• NEW Requirement: Tuition Reduction forms must be approved and submitted to HR before the first day of each semester.

• New employees must be in benefit-eligible employment prior to the start of the semester and adhere to the approval and submission deadlines.

Dependents of ISU Employees

• Current Benefit: Receive up to 50% off base resident tuition and consolidated mandatory fees. Limited to one dependent per semester.

• NEW Requirements:

• Dependents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all required verification documents to be considered for the discount.

• Beginning Fall 2026, the tuition reduction will be applied after federal grants (Pell, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)) and ISU-funded internal Idaho resident grid or transfer grid scholarships are credited to the student's account; the reduction would then apply to any remaining tuition and consolidated mandatory fees.

• Tuition Reduction forms must be fully approved and submitted to HR at least 14 days before the first day of the semester.

• New employees must be in benefit-eligible employment prior to the start of the semester and adhere to the approval and submission deadlines to utilize the dependent waiver.

Peer Institution and State Education Employees

• Current Benefit: Eligible employees from peer institutions and state education agencies will continue to receive the reduced rate of $5 per credit plus a $20 per semester fee, up to six credit hours in fall and spring semesters and three credit hours during the summer semester for eligible academic courses and programs. Standard class and professional fees are charged at published rates.

• NEW Program Limitations: Effective Fall 2026, the tuition reduction for peer institution and state education employees will only apply to courses within in-person and non-impacted programs. A list of excluded programs are detailed on our website.

• Peer institution and state education employees currently enrolled in an online or excluded program will be granted the $5 per credit plus the $20 per semester rate for their current program through FY2027.

Links to updated forms and program details are outlined on our website.  Please contact Human Resources at hr@isu.edu or at (208) 282-2517 with any questions on these changes.