Reduction in Force (RIF) Tuition Assistance Benefit

Postsecondary tuition assistance for two (2) years for Tennessee state employees who were separated due to a Reduction in Force (RIF). Benefits must be used at a Tennessee public community college, university, or college of applied technology. Benefits may not be used at private or proprietary institutions. Program guidelines are located under Related Links.

• This program is contingent on availability of funding to state agencies with employees who were separated due to a Reduction in Force (RIF). The Statement of Agency Funding under Related Links must be completed by the applicant’s former state agency employer.
• If funded, the amount of the annual benefit will be determined by the separated employee’s agency and may be less than, but cannot exceed, the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the eligible postsecondary institution attended. The approved amount may include online course fees; however, books and other fees (e.g. athletic fees, parking fees, etc.) are not covered.
• Recipients may use the tuition benefit for each semester that begins enrollment within two (2) years from the date of separation.
• All course types are eligible for payment. Students are not required to be in a degree or certificate program.

Applicant must be a Tennessee state employee who was separated due to a Reduction in Force (RIF).

Employees who are not Tennessee residents may also qualify if funding is available.

RIF Eligible Institutions

RIF Tuition Assistance Guidelines

RIF Tuition Assistance Statement of Agency Funding