About CIC-TEP

Answers to Frequently Asked CIC-TEP Questions

Do I need to submit a separate application to be considered for the CIC-TEP scholarship?
No. If you submit your TE EZ-Application to a CIC-TEP school that also participates in The Tuition Exchange Program, and you meet the eligibility requirements for consideration for both, the Import School will consider you for a CIC Scholarship or a TE Scholarship.

What is the amount of a CIC-TEP award and what is covered under the award?
The benefit covers the full cost of tuition. Students are responsible for all non-tuition charges – room, board, and fees – at the institution in which they enroll.

Are all TE schools also CIC-TEP Program participants?
No, while many TE schools also participate in the CIC-TEP program, there are approximately 70 CIC-TEP schools that do not participate in The Tuition Exchange (TE).

Which schools are CIC-TEP schools?
Explore the CIC-TEP School List.

Can I be considered for a CIC-TEP Scholarship if my parent works at a TE school that is not also a CIC-TEP school?
No. Only dependent students whose parents are employed at CIC-TEP schools can be considered for CIC-TEP Scholarships.

Are CIC-TEP Scholarships available for graduate/professional study?
Yes, however, students are only eligible for eight semesters of CIC-TEP.  Additionally, only full-time employees and their spouses can use CIC-TEP for graduate level programming. Dependents are only able to use CIC-TEP for undergraduate programs. Offering a CIC-TEP scholarship for graduate study is at the discretion of the institution.

How do institutions make their selection(s)?

Each institution determines its own procedure and criteria for selecting import applicants such as first-come/first-served, academic merit, financial need, or a combination of the three. 

What are my chances of being accepted for CIC–TEP?
Chances vary widely among institutions and from year to year. The number of applications received, the method of selecting applicants, the openings an institution has budgeted for, and other factors all influence the chances of being accepted. Importing institutions are required to award at least three new import applications each year, if at least three qualified applicants apply.

Who is eligible for the benefit?
CIC–TEP may be used by any full-time employee at a participating institution. This approach is nondiscriminatory and in compliance with IRS Regulations. Eligible applicants are dependents (as defined by the IRS), spouses, or full-time employees. Graduate study is limited to employees and spouses. Employees should contact the CIC–TEP liaison at their institution to inquire about a waiting period for new employees. Student applicants must be admissible, in accordance with regular institutional admission standards and must comply with all the Import School’s financial aid policies and procedures. Applicants must maintain good academic standing, good social standing, and satisfactory academic progress, in accordance with each institution’s criteria.

Should I apply for college admission before, after, or simultaneously with applying for the CIC–TEP benefit?
Students should submit their CIC–TEP application simultaneously with their application for college admission. Each institution sets its own criteria for selecting import applicants, but since many institutions select applicants on a first-come/first-served basis, it is recommended that you submit your admissions and CIC–TEP applications as early as possible.

Does being a CIC-TEP recipient impact my admission to the college?
No, the CIC-TEP benefit has no effect on admission to the college.

What happens to the other types of financial aid that I receive?
The complex nature of financial aid programs requires that many factors be considered. If the aid program is specific to tuition, the student may not obtain additional money (since CIC–TEP covers full tuition). However, if the aid can be used for other educational expenses, it is at the discretion of the institution to allow the additional aid to offset the CIC–TEP benefit or be used in addition to the CIC–TEP benefit.

Once I’m accepted into the program, is my renewal guaranteed?
While students usually receive the benefit for four years, it is not guaranteed. The student must continue to meet the college’s academic standards, both institutions must remain as participants in the program, and the employee must continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the benefit. Students in good standing are automatically eligible for up to three years of annual renewal of tuition remission (for a total benefit of four years or eight semesters).

How many years can I receive the benefit? Once accepted into the program, is my renewal guaranteed?
While students are eligible to receive the benefit for four years or eight semesters (consecutive or non-consecutive), it is not guaranteed. The student must continue to meet the college’s academic standards, both institutions must continue to participate in the program, and the employee must continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the benefit. Students in good standing are automatically eligible for up to three years of renewal, they do not need to re-apply each year. We suggest reaching out to the Import School’s tuition liaison to confirm their CIC-TEP standards.

Does being a CIC–TEP recipient impact my admission to the college?
No, the CIC–TEP benefit has no effect on admission to the college.

What happens to my benefit if the employee becomes ineligible for the benefit after the semester starts?
The benefit will cease at the end of that semester.

Is the CIC–TEP benefit taxable?
The CIC-TEP benefit itself is not taxable. Please contact your tax advisor for details on what is taxable.

How is “dependent” defined?
“Dependent” is generally defined using the federal tax definition. However, with divorces, deaths, etc., exceptions are sometimes made at the discretion of the Export School. When in doubt, contact your Export School’s liaison officer.

Am I required to disclose my other financial aid awards to the Import School?
Yes, student applicants are required to submit all financial aid awards to the Import School.

Is there a waiting period for the benefit?
The waiting period varies and is based on policies set up by each Export School.

I was told I am approved for the CIC–TEP benefit. Should I expect something in writing from the Import School?
Yes, students can expect notification from the Import school.