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TAMIU Family FAQs

Overview

The TAMIU Employee and Family Education Benefits Program helps eligible employees, spouses, and dependent children pay for higher education at Texas A&M International University. The benefit covers up to 50% of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students enrolled in approved degree programs at TAMIU.

 

Eligibility

Who can use the benefit?

The benefit is available to:

  • Full-time budgeted TAMIU employees
  • An eligible spouse of a full-time employee
  • Eligible dependent children of a full-time employee
When does eligibility begin?

There is no probationary period. Employees become eligible on their first day of employment, and eligibility for a spouse or dependent child begins at the same time

Who qualifies as an eligible spouse?

An eligible spouse is a legally married spouse recognized under applicable state and federal law

Who qualifies as an eligible dependent child?

An eligible dependent child may be:

  • The employee’s child
  • An adopted child
  • A stepchild
  • A child for whom the employee has legal guardianship


Student Requirements

Does the student have to be admitted to TAMIU?

Yes. The student must be admitted to TAMIU and have a valid student ID

Does the student have to be degree-seeking?

Yes. Students must be admitted to and enrolled in a degree program at TAMIU

Are transient, visiting, or non-degree students eligible?

No. The benefit is not available to transient, visiting, non-degree-seeking, certificate-only, or summer-only students

 

Degree and Program Limits

What programs are covered?

The benefit applies only to a student’s:

  • First bachelor’s degree
  • First master’s degree
  • First doctoral degree

Are second degrees covered?

No. Second degrees at any level are not eligible


Example 1
Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She is employed in the Mathematics Department as a business coordinator and would like to pursue a master’s degree in Mathematics in order to teach in that department.


Would she qualify for the TAMIU Family benefit?
No. Because Mary already holds a master’s degree, a master’s degree in Mathematics would be considered a second master’s degree and would not be eligible for the benefit


Example 2
John works in Campus Operations as an HVAC operator. Although he holds multiple HVAC certifications, he does not currently have a bachelor’s degree. He would now like to pursue a degree that would prepare him to teach government and history at the high school level.


Would he qualify for the TAMIU Family benefit?
Yes. Because John has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree, this would be considered his first bachelor’s degree and would be eligible for the benefit


Example 3
Melissa received her first master’s degree from Texas Tech University. She would like to pursue another master’s degree at TAMIU.

Would she qualify for the TAMIU Family benefit?
No. The master’s degree from Texas Tech is considered her 1st master’s degree. The limitation of 1st degree is not TAMIU specific.


Are certificate programs covered?
No. Certificate programs and non-degree-seeking enrollment are excluded
 

Benefit Coverage


What does the benefit cover?
The benefit covers up to 50% of tuition and mandatory fees, subject to eligibility requirements and available funding


Can the benefit exceed actual tuition and mandatory fee charges?
No. The benefit cannot exceed the student’s actual tuition and mandatory fee charges


Can unused benefit funds be refunded or applied to other expenses?
No. The benefit applies only to tuition and mandatory fees. Any unused portion is forfeited and has no cash value or refund value


Financial Aid Coordination

Can the tuition benefit be combined with scholarships or other financial aid?
Yes. The employee tuition benefit may be combined with other financial assistance, subject to cost of attendance and institutional limits


What if total aid exceeds allowable limits?
If the student’s combined financial aid and tuition benefit exceed allowable limits, the employee tuition benefit may be reduced or adjusted


Is the benefit applied before or after financial aid?
The benefit is applied after federal grants but before all other financial aid


Can a student still receive federal student loans?
Yes. Eligible students may receive both the education benefit and federal student loans, depending on cost of attendance and loan eligibility


Is FAFSA or TASFA required?
Yes. Recipients must complete the FAFSA or TASFA, as applicable, before receiving the tuition benefit


Application Deadlines


When is the benefit form due?


Benefit forms must be submitted by the following deadlines:


Priority Deadlines

  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 1

Is there an exception for new employees?
Yes. Employees who begin employment after the applicable deadline may submit the benefit form by the first day of classes for that term.


Employment Changes


What happens if the employee leaves TAMIU during the semester?
If an employee voluntarily separates or is terminated during the semester, the benefit continues through the end of that semester, provided the employee was eligible on the census date


What happens in the event of death or long-term disability?
In the event of the employee’s death or long-term disability, the benefit continues through the semester in which the student is enrolled


Other Important Information


Can more than one eligible family member use the benefit in the same semester?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of eligible family members who may receive the benefit at the same time, subject to available funding and eligibility requirements


How are veterans’ education benefits coordinated?
The benefit is coordinated through the Bursar’s Office, Financial Aid, and Veterans Affairs certification staff to ensure compliance with VA regulations.


Is academic eligibility reviewed?
Yes. Academic eligibility is reviewed each semester by the Registrar’s Office


How is the tuition and fee reduction benefit classified for federal tax purposes?
The University does not provide individual tax advice to participants. Employees and family members with questions about their personal tax situation should consult a qualified tax advisor or personal tax consultant. Please refer to IRS Code Section 117(d), 127, and 132(h) for further information.


Are there exceptions to any of the benefit criteria?
Exceptions may be reviewed and considered at the Executive Cabinet level.


My spouse and I are both full-time employees at TAMIU. Does the benefit double?
An employee’s eligibility affords them and/or their dependent(s) the opportunity for a maximum 50% tuition reduction per student.


Quick Summary


To qualify, the student must:

  • Be an eligible employee, spouse, or dependent child
  • Be admitted to TAMIU
  • Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program
  • Be pursuing a first bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
  • Complete the FAFSA or TASFA, if applicable
  • Submit required forms by the deadline


The benefit:

  • Covers up to 50% of tuition and mandatory fees
  • Does not apply to second degrees, certificate programs, or non-degree enrollment
  • Cannot exceed actual tuition and mandatory fee charges


NOTE: Dependent Qualification criteria is pending review by TAMUS tax office.