Fee Waiver/Reduction Program
The fee waiver/reduction program allows eligible employee members to “learn while they earn,” and attend classes at CSUN or other CSU campuses for greatly reduced rates. CSUN employees who want to complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree, enhance job skills, even prepare for a future career, or transfer the benefit to a dependent, are encouraged to participate in this program. We would love to have you join the more than 1,400 members of CSUN's "Home Grown" community of current employees who have earned a degree from Cal State Northridge!
- The fee waiver/reduction benefit can be used at any CSU campus and can reduce tuition and fees for a maximum of two courses or six units, whichever is greater, per semester.
- Classes taken by employees may be to obtain a degree or credential for personal enrichment.
- Applicable to state-side programs/courses only. Not eligible to be used with self-support (extended learning) programs.
- The benefit can be transferred to the employees’ spouse, domestic partner or eligible dependent child.
- Dependents must be matriculated toward a degree or the attainment of a teaching credential in the CSU and the course(s) enrolled in on a fee waiver basis must be for credit toward completion of that degree or teaching credential.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the fee waiver program, employees must meet the criteria based on their bargaining unit. View the Employee Category Fee Waiver Eligibility chart:
If the employee has met the job eligibility criteria and wishes to transfer the benefit to a dependent, the dependent must also meet the criteria based on their dependent type. View the Dependent Category Fee Waiver Eligibility chart:
Application
The employee must submit a fee waiver application for each semester. Those in a degree program (at CSUN or another CSU Campus) must submit their fee waiver application once they have their student ID. The fee waiver application can be accessed during its open application periods:
| Term | Application Period | Workshop |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | February 24, 2025 - April 25, 2025 | March 4, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | February 24, 2025 - April 25, 2025 | March 4, 2025 |
To submit an application online:
- Log in to the CSUN Portal
- In the top menu, click on the HR dropdown.
- Select Benefits from the dropdown menu.
- Click on Fee Waiver.
- Click on the magnifying glass icon, then select the desired term.
Only the terms with an open processing period will be available. An email confirmation will be sent if eligible. If you have any issues, contact the fee waiver coordinator.
Learn More
Participants in the fee waiver program pay a flat rate that depends on the type of utilizer (employee, dependent, spouse, or registered domestic partner), the employee's bargaining unit, academic career, and the number of units enrolled. Please visit the Student Finance Fee Waiver & Sponsorship page to view the fees.
Click the button below, navigate to the appropriate term, select the academic career that applies to you, and search for the fees under your bargaining unit:
There are three categories under which employees can request a fee waiver. Employees are required to select the option that best aligns with their goals. Each category offers unique opportunities for growth, whether you're looking to advance your career, explore new interests, or enhance your job performance.
| Academic Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Development |
Focuses on courses and programs that enhance skills for advancement within the organization. Relevant for employees pursuing degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, teaching credentials, or doctoral degrees. Employees can take advantage of this benefit at any CSU Campus. Visit the CSU Degree Search page to view a list of state-supported (campus) programs available at all CSU campuses (anything listed under "Extension" is not fee waiver eligible). |
| Personal Enrichment | Emphasizes learning for personal growth and satisfaction. Catering to employees interested in taking lower-division, general classes with no prerequisites, such as a yoga or an American Sign Language class. Can be applied at CSUN campus only. |
| Job Related | Aimed at acquiring specific skills that directly benefit current job performance. Job-related courses are intended to improve the level of skill needed to perform existing duties and responsibilities or acquire additional skills needed to perform newly assigned duties and responsibilities. MPP Approval required. |
The Cal State Apply $70 application fee is reimbursable for students using the Fee Waiver benefit. Only one fee can be reimbursed, which is from the campus the student ultimately attends. You will need to attach proof of CSU Apply application fee payment. Instructions are available within the form. The request will be reviewed on census date of the semester to ensure enrollment.
Visit the Application Fee Reimbursement page for instructions on how to submit a request.
All employees taking graduate level courses receiving a benefit of over $5,250 in a calendar year will be taxed by their home campus. All dependents taking graduate level courses will be taxed on the entire benefit amount by their home campus. The employee will receive an email notification detailing the specific amounts that will be withheld the paycheck and which paycheck will be implicated.
| Undergrad courses | Not Taxed at all |
| Graduate courses | Taxed on amount over $5,250 |
| Undergrad courses | Not Taxed at all |
| Graduate courses | Taxed on entire amount waived |
| Undergrad courses | Taxed on entire amount waived |
| Graduate courses | Taxed on entire amount waived |
The flat tax calculation of the taxed portion of fee waiver benefits is as follows:
Benefit Amount x Flat Tax Rate (36.25%) = Amount Deducted from Pay Warrant
- Can employees from the University Corporation, University Student Union, and Associated Students apply for the benefit?
- Only CSU state employees are eligible for the Fee Waiver program.
2. Can a fee waiver participant enroll in more than two classes?
- Yes, but the fee waiver covers only 6 units or 2 classes, whichever is greater. Additional units/classes must be paid for.
3. Do I need to apply for admission to take classes with the fee waiver?
- You only need to apply if you’re pursuing a degree. For non-degree classes, the Fee Waiver and Reduction Program application acts as an application to the university.
4. Can I use the fee waiver in the summer or winter?
- The fee waiver can be used for the Summer term but not for Winter. There is no state-supported session at CSUN, unless the student attends CSU SLO (which is a quarter campus).
5. Can I take time off during work hours to attend classes?
- Release time may be granted for work-related courses, subject to supervisor approval and operational needs.
6. What fees are waived or reduced?
- Fees are waived based on your bargaining unit contract. Check the Student Finance page for details.
7. How do I know which courses are fee waiver eligible?
- The benefit can only waive tuition for state-supported courses. This excludes all extension and extended learning courses. To see which courses are state-supported and fee waiver eligible at CSUN, click on the Class Search and select the following session for each term. If your course is listed as part of that session, it is state-supported and eligible for the fee waiver benefit. Anything under the Tseng College, is not eligible.
8. Do I need to maintain good academic standing?
- Yes, good academic standing is required for continued participation in the fee waiver program.
9. What happens if I leave my job at CSUN?
- If you leave before the census date, the fee waiver will be removed. After the census date, you can still use the waiver for that semester.
10. What if I don’t know what classes to take for my degree?
- Consult with an academic advisor for guidance on your degree program.
11. How do I enroll in my classes and view charges on my account?
- Enrollment can be done quickly and easily by accessing your student portal and clicking on the Services for Students link. A list of options will display. Click on the Enroll in a Class link, followed by the semester in which you intend to enroll. If you have any questions, contact Admissions and Records at ext. 3700. You can view charges on your account after you have successfully enrolled in your classes. To do so, click on the Charges and Payments link, followed by View Account Information, and then click on the Current Charges Due link to ensure that your fees have been waived and reduced accordingly.
Do I have to report my dependent’s classes each semester?
- No, but your dependent must be enrolled in a degree or credential program to qualify.
2. What if my dependent turns 23 or 25 during the semester?
- Your dependent can complete the semester, but will not be eligible for future semesters.
3. Is my dependent eligible if they’re over 23 or 25?
- Only if the dependent is disabled and unable to support themselves.
4. Can my dependent take more than two classes?
- Yes, but the fee waiver covers up to 6 units or 2 classes. Additional units/classes must be paid for.
5. Does my dependent have to pay out-of-state fees?
- Yes, out-of-state fees are not waived unless the dependent has California residency.