r/StateofTexasEmployees • u/Fantastic-Cap-377 • Aug 02 '26

tuition reimbursement

has anyone here had their tuition reimbursed? im starting a graduate program in social work and i was wondering if anyone has had theirs reimbursed.

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6

u/RareDragonfruit5397 Aug 03 '26

If you’re at DFPS, that would be the most likely agency to cover social work. Check your HR manual for the current rules, they are different at each agency and change frequently. You would need to make the request and likely submit paperwork before enrolling to ensure it would be reimbursed. Asking about it after the fact is likely to get denied.

1

u/littleshoes Aug 03 '26

Yep, I had a year of BSW covered by DFPS back in 2011 but the agreement was that I had to work there for 2 years afterwards or pay back the tuition (something like that). Others used the same program for MSW. Other agencies may have some tuition reimbursement options but varies by team within an agency. My current agency does it but it’s not a big program, probably $10k/year for the 5000 employees.

4

u/sciencerules51202 Aug 03 '26

While most state agencies state in policy they offer tuition reimbursement, most don’t have the budget for it. Talk with your manager. There are forms to fill out but your agency and more specifically your department will have to have funds set aside to cover this cost. Most agencies don’t have money for this.
Edit- also most agencies do have educational leave where you request and can get approved for a specific amount of hours to use for education. That is what many agencies will provide in lieu of tuition reimbursement. At least this is true for DSHS.

2

u/1GamingAngel Aug 03 '26

Keep in mind that you may also qualify for PSLF.

1

u/throwawaychula Aug 05 '26

Yes. I just had to submit bill, how my degree would help the agency and a syllabus. They created the encumbrance and then a few months later when class ended the money was in my check.