Tuition Fee Waiver

Fee Waivers processed through Optimize

 

Tuition Fee Waiver applications are available through Optimize, the new CSU-wide platform for submitting and managing requests for employees and dependents.

Enjoy reduced CSU tuition for employees and eligible dependents across all 23 campuses.

Submitting Your Fee Waiver Application Through the Optimize Platform

Getting Started
Visit optimize.calstate.edu/ec and select your campus to access the Optimize Employee Center.

IMPORTANT: Please note that even though the link to Optimize is live, we currently are not accepting applications. Please see 2026 submission deadlines listed below.

CSU Resources:

• Step-by-Step guide for Requesting a Tuition Fee Waiver (for requestors)
• Approving a Tuition Fee Waiver in Optimize (for managers)
• Fee Waiver application FAQs

If you are seeking a degree career development, you must complete the Individual Career Development Plan [DocuSign] and submit the approved plan, along with your fee waiver request. More information can be located on the Tuition Fee Waiver Program Career Development page.

If your dependent is not currently covered under your San Jose State medical or dental plan, you must provide proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or domestic partnership registration) when submitting your Fee Waiver application.

Refund for the CSU Admission Application Fee is available only once. Submit the Admission Application receipt with your fee waiver application. Reimbursements will be issued after census.

Please see Calendars for Class Schedules.

For General Questions please visit Fee Waiver Help and FAQ’s

Additional questions? Contact the Tuition Fee Waiver Program Coordinator.

Program Overview

• Eligible faculty and staff, may take courses at any of the CSU’s 23 campuses at a reduced rate or transfer the benefit to a qualified dependent
  • Employee Eligibility Requirements
  • Dependent Eligibility Requirements
• The Fee Waiver program covers state tuition for a maximum of two (2) courses or six (6) units, whichever is greater, per semester (or quarter, which only applies to CalPoly SLO).
• Courses taken under the fee waiver program must be taken for credit, they may not be audited.
• Only regular session state-funded courses are fee waiver eligible
• Open University, special session, winter session and self-support courses are not eligible for the fee waiver
• Summer session courses are fee waiver eligible if they are regular session and state funded
• We recommend asking the program/department if the class(es) you want to take are regular or special sessions to confirm their eligibility
• Application must be submitted each term for the fee waiver to take effect. Fee waivers applications will not be processed after the term has ended unless of extenuating circumstances.
• Employees and their dependents who are taking graduate level courses are subject to taxation.
• For guidance on how to use the Tuition Fee Waiver, see the Tuition Fee Waiver Help and FAQs page.
• For guidance on how to request a Tuition Fee Waiver, see Requesting a Tuition Fee Waiver.
• Auxiliary employees do not qualify under the Tuition Fee Waiver Program. Please reach out to your Human Resources Representative at your auxiliary.

Fee Waivers received after the deadline will not be initially accepted and are subject to denial.

Types of Tuition Fee Waivers

• Work-Related – Take non-matriculated courses specific to your job
• Career Development – Apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree program and take courses to complete the degree
• Employee Dependent Fee Waiver – Transfer your benefit to a qualified dependent
• Teaching Associate

Additional Information

• Calendars for Class Schedules
• Fee Waiver Help and FAQ's
• Fee Waiver & Reduction Program/Administrative Guide - February 2023 [pdf] (requires SJSUOne/CSU login)