Get up to $5,000 per program year to help cover your course tuition at an accredited educational institution. You can choose from our 140+ participating education providers that accept Partnership tuition vouchers, or attend another accredited school and receive reimbursement. You may also combine vouchers and reimbursement, up to the $5,000 annual maximum. We will only approve requests for providers that are accredited educational institutions. If you have questions about accreditation, please reach out to a Partnership advisor.

Tuition Vouchers 

The Partnership works with over 140 colleges and participating education providers that accept Partnership vouchers. A voucher acts as an upfront payment for your course, allowing you to take classes without paying tuition out of pocket. The school bills the Partnership directly, making it an easy and affordable way to take courses.

Tuition Reimbursement

Apply for reimbursement if any of the following are true: 

• The provider you want to use is not a participating education provider.
• A participating education provider does not offer a convenient location or the type of course you are interested in taking.
• You have already paid for the course and prefer to be reimbursed directly.  

You may request up to $5,000 per program year. When applying for a voucher or reimbursement, you must submit one application per education provider. If you have a remaining balance after your benefit is issued, you may submit a new application for the same education provider or different education provider until your $5,000 is depleted.

Remaining balances will not carry over to the next program year. Any tuition costs above the maximum provided will be your responsibility. All other expenses are also your responsibility, such as fees, books, and materials.

Our tuition benefits program offers a wide range of courses, programs, and education providers to choose from, including vocational, trades training, language, undergraduate credit, non-credit, and graduate courses. These courses must take place within the current program year and can be unrelated to your role.

Credit Courses (Undergraduate and Graduate) 

Undergraduate credit courses are offered through colleges and universities. Upon completion of the course, college credit is awarded. These courses are mainly taken by students who have a high school diploma or equivalent and working towards an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Non-Credit Courses 

Non-credit courses are typically offered at BOCES, trade schools, or continuing education departments. These courses do not award college credits but may award Continuing Education Units (CEUs).  

Courses must meet the following criteria:

• Be relevant to an occupation or workforce need in New York State.
• Relate to vocational, trade, technical, or business-related skills.
• Be taught by an instructor through an accredited institution

While most courses may be considered job-or career-related, it's best to check with a Partnership Advisor to confirm they meet eligibility requirements.

Certain types of non-credit courses are NOT eligible for tuition benefits. 

Examples of non-eligible course include: 

• Bartending
• Gaming (for example, billiards and poker)
• Modeling and appearance enhancement
• Physical education (for example, kickboxing, karate, martial arts, dance, and Pilates)
• Life coach, Reiki, yoga, meditation, and hypnosis
• Starting your own business
• One-on-one courses or tutoring
• Non-instructor-led courses

1. View the Tuition Benefits Program Eligibility, Deadlines, & Tax Implications.
2. Choose an accredited education provider where you’d like to take classes. You can select from our list of participating providers that accept Partnership tuition vouchers, or choose another accredited provider of your choice.
3. Apply For & Manage Your Tuition Benefits.

If you have questions about the Tuition Benefits Program, school accreditation, or need assistance with your application, please contact a Partnership Advisor.

Call: (800) 253-4332 Option 1

Email: [email protected]