Back to Top
Government Costing

Tuition Remission Rates

A tuition waiver policy for graduate assistantships and authority to waive tuition has been established by each university.

As a result of such waivers, the universities calculate tuition remission rates which are then charged to sponsored project agreements so that each project (federal and non-federal) pays its fair share of these costs. Our sponsors recognize the importance of such costs and reimburse us for tuition remission costs, expressed as a percentage of the graduate student's salaries (stipend). Currently, only UIUC and UIC assess tuition remission rates.

Tuition remission is considered a direct cost of sponsored projects and is allowable under Uniform Guidance. Our universities follow the accepted method to assess using the average rate basis. The rate is applied against sponsored projects funds (and other fund types for UIC). Tuition Remission rates are calculated on an annual basis. If a change in the rate is deemed necessary, the rate change is implemented at the beginning of the fiscal year.

The tuition remission rate is the result of a calculation based on total graduate tuition waived and related total graduate salaries.  The amount of tuition waived by each student is calculated for the two academic year semesters and the summer.  Then one average (blended) rate is calculated and assessed.  In the simplest form, the average (blended) rate is the:

When deemed necessary, Government Costing submits the tuition remission rate calculation to our cognizant federal agency, the Office of Naval Research (ONR), for negotiation and approval. In addition, ONR periodically contracts with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) to perform an audit of the rate. Government Costing also compiles and distributes university communications regarding rates.

Last Updated: January 11, 2020

Give us feedback about this page Submit Feedback