Tuition Reimbursement Program

One of the great benefits available to you as a Montgomery County employee is the Tuition Reimbursement Program. The Board of County Commissioners values the continual development of its employees. In support of this value, the Tuition Reimbursement Program offers employees assistance in their efforts to further their education and knowledge in those areas that will enable them to not only develop themselves but also impact those they serve in a positive manner.

Check with your Human Resources Liaison to determine Reimbursement payout.

Policies & Reimbursement Amounts

• For Board of County Commissioners employees, see the Tuition Reimbursement Policy.
• For bargaining unit employees, refer to your collective bargaining agreement/contract for policies and reimbursement amounts.
• For elected official or other agencies/boards not under the Board of County Commissioners, please contact your local human resources liaison for policies and reimbursement amounts.

You can also contact the HR Benefits Office at hr@mcohio.org for questions or assistance.

Eligibility

Full-time employees who are in an active pay status and who have completed their initial probationary period are eligible for tuition reimbursement, for courses taken after the completion of the probationary period. Exceptions are outlined in negotiated agreements/contracts of the various bargaining units within Montgomery County and affect only those individuals represented by that bargaining unit.

Course work must be taken for credit/semester hours being applied towards a degree and must have a grade or pass/fail assessment attached to the completion of the program. Seminars, workshops, continuing education, certification preparation courses and/or other professional development classes do not qualify unless they meet these criteria. Courses earning credit hours that are being taken outside of a degree track will not qualify. Collective bargaining agreement provisions apply and may differ from policy.

Applying for Tuition Reimbursement

Before you take a course(s), you should first complete an application form and submit it to the HR Benefits Office at hr@mcohio.org

After you have completed your course(s), complete the request form, attach copies of your grades, fee bill, proof of payment, and receipt for books, if applicable. Forms should be submitted to the HR Benefits Office at hr@mcohio.org

See Tuition Reimbursement Procedures for details.

If you have questions concerning the tuition policy or how to apply, please contact Human Resources Benefits Office at hr@mcohio.org: (937) 225-4018.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the tuition reimbursement program. If you are unable to locate an answer to your question, please contact Human Resources by email: hr@mcohio.org or phone: (937) 225-4018.

What courses are covered under the tuition reimbursement program?

Courses reimbursed at 100% are classes that either directly apply to your current position or for classes and college degree work that develop your opportunity for advancement within the County. Course work must be taken at an accredited college, university, or joint vocational school and must be Institutions that are accredited through either the "U.S. Department of Education", The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools or the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. If the institution is at all questionable, you will be asked to submit proof of accreditation.

Course work must be taken for credit/semester hours being applied towards a degree and must have a grade or pass/fail assessment attached to the completion of the program. Seminars, workshops, continuing education, certification preparation courses and/or other professional development classes do not qualify unless they meet this criterion. Courses earning credit hours that are being taken outside of a degree track will not qualify.

Unlike many companies and organizations in the area, we are proud to promote and provide additional tuition assistance for employee wellness courses. You will be reimbursed 50% for wellness classes completed. Wellness classes are defined as physical fitness classes. Aerobics, weightlifting, tennis, racquetball, volleyball and swimming are acceptable courses. Stress management classes that include physical and emotional fitness are also reimbursable at 50%. In order to take part in this program, you must enroll in a wellness course at a local accredited college and obtain a Passing (P) grade. You cannot audit a wellness course.

What documentation do I need to provide in order to receive tuition reimbursement?

Once the course has been completed and you are ready to turn in your Tuition Reimbursement Request form, you must attach a copy of your Fee Bill, which states your tuition costs, a receipt or account statement to verify proof of payment, as well as a copy of your grades, and if applicable to your department, receipts for required books. All documentation must be on an official school document and have your name on it somewhere. Have your direct supervisor review your paperwork before he or she signs the form, then send a copy of them on to your department liaison.

Please note that you will be reimbursed only for your verified, out-of-pocket expenses. Scholarships, grants, and postponed payment plans are not reimbursable.

When do I receive reimbursement for the courses I take?

You will not receive reimbursement for any courses you take until after you have completed the course and submit a copy of your grades and proof of payment. Once all of the paperwork has been received and approved by the HR Benefits Office, you should receive your reimbursement on one of your next two paychecks.

How can I make sure that the course(s) I'm taking are eligible for tuition reimbursement?

Before taking a course you should complete a Tuition Reimbursement Application, and have it approved by the Human Resources Benefits Office.

What do I do once I have completed the course(s)?

The "Request for Tuition Reimbursement Form" must be submitted within 60 days after the course is completed.

Step 1) after completing the course, you need to complete the "Request for Tuition Reimbursement Form," provided by your department's liaison.

Step 2) It is the supervisor's responsibility to verify and approve the information provided by signing off on the grades. Applications and Requests for Reimbursement will be returned if they are unsigned by the employee and the supervisor.

Step 3) The supervisor will then forward the original form with proof of payment and final grades to the department liaison, who will forward it on to the Human Resources Benefits Office for final approval.

Step 4) HR Benefits Office will return a copy of the form to the department liaison for payroll processing and record keeping.

Where do I send my completed tuition forms?

All completed Applications and Request Forms need to be signed by your direct supervisor and then sent to your department liaison or the HR Benefits Office at hr@mcohio.org.

Is the money I receive from tuition reimbursement taxable?

No your reimbursement will not be taxed.

What grades do I need to achieve in order to receive tuition reimbursement?

Courses must receive a passing grade in order to prove that you have completed the class. Passing is considered a "C" or better in undergraduate work, a "B" or above for graduate work, and "P" (pass) for pass/fail courses. All reimbursement requests must verify either a letter grade or a Pass/Fail.