Eligible employees include active staff and non-tenured faculty members (including Postdoctoral Research Associates and other “Research” Faculty) who work at least 66.7% time on the Brown University regular payroll and have completed the equivalent of four years of continuous full-time service at the time of application.

Active tenured faculty with a permanent appointment who work at least 66.7% time on the Brown University regular payroll are eligible immediately; no waiting period applies.

The benefit becomes available the day after an employee completes the equivalent of four years of continuous full-time service.

The benefit may be applied toward tuition at accredited post-secondary institutions that:

• Grant associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, and
• Participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs

Payments are made directly to the institution according to the following schedule:

• Fall Semester: no later than September 15th
• Spring Semester: no later than January 15th

nvoices submitted to University Human Resources/Benefits after these dates, but before the end of the semester, will be processed upon receipt. While late submissions will be accommodated when possible, employees or enrolled students are responsible for any late fees assessed by the institution.

Invoices must include:

• School name
• Student’s name
• Account number
• Academic term
• Confirmation of full-time enrollment
• Payment address
• Itemized tuition charges (separated from other fees)

Title IV refers to federally funded student financial aid programs, including federal student loans such as Stafford Loans. If there is uncertainty about a school’s eligibility, it is the employee’s responsibility to obtain verification that the institution participates in Title IV programs.

Yes, if the institution meets equivalent criteria. Employees are responsible for obtaining documentation from the international institution confirming that the same criteria for U.S. institutions can be met in order to receive the University’s TAP benefits.

No. Dependents must be enrolled as full-time students. Exceptions may be considered for students with a documented chronic medical condition that prevents full-time enrollment. Supporting medical documentation is required and may be subject to periodic re-certification by UHR/Benefits.

Yes. However, certain mandatory institutional fees that are directly tied to tuition (such as curriculum or general fees at some public institutions) may be covered if approved, provided the total does not exceed program limits.

No. If both parents are eligible employees, only one employee may apply TAP benefits toward a single dependent.

No. TAP benefits are limited to undergraduate degree programs only.

No. Eligible dependents must be enrolled full-time in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.

Employees with dependents in co-op programs should contact University Human Resources/Benefits for guidance on eligibility during co-op periods.

Yes, it may affect a student’s financial aid package, scholarships or other awards. Employees are responsible for contacting the student’s financial aid office for details.

One renewal application is required each academic year per dependent and covers both fall and spring semesters. A new application is only needed if the dependent changes schools during the year.

Effective July 1, 2024, stepchildren are eligible for TAP. Documentation must include:

• The child’s government-issued birth certificate naming your spouse as a parent, and
• A state- or county-issued marriage certificate or license