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Educational Benefits

Employee Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

It is time to start thinking about the classes you wish to enroll in for Fall Semester 2008.  Please note the following news items and important dates.  The official TAP website for the policy, application, and registration dates is http://www.usg.edu/employment/benefits/tuition/policy.phtml.

The GSU TAP Coordinator is Regina Barnett, Benefits Assistant. She can be reached at (404) 413-3334, or email at rdbarnett@gsu.edu.   Original applications (faxed copies are not acceptable) are due in HR-Benefits Office by 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008. This deadline is applicable, statewide, to all TAP participants. Applications received after this date will not be processed.  Be sure you and your supervisor keep a copy of the original application for your records.

NOTE:  By signing the TAP application you are indicating that you have read and understand the TAP policy and procedures.  Employee registration for those attending Georgia State University is August 18-22 , 2008 for Fall semester (You may elect to drop and/or make changes during late registration without a penalty). If you choose to add another course at the time of registration, not listed on your application, you will need to email the additional course, indicating approval from your supervisor, to the TAP Coordinator. 

Please continue to let us know when you are graduating so we can update this list, and to offer you a 'congratulations' at the same time!

Path2College 529 Plan

You may participate in the Path2College 529 Plan by payroll deduction. The program, known as a 529 Plan and administered by TIAA-CREF, allows you to set aside money for higher education expenses - for your children, grandchildren, or other beneficiaries of your choice (including yourself). Under current law, any earnings grow tax-free in the account and are tax-free when withdrawn and used for education purposes. You may also be eligible for a State tax deduction for such contributions.

Participation in the Georgia plan does not mean that the beneficiary must attend college in Georgia; the fund may be used for qualified higher Ed expenses at accredited postsecondary institutions across the country. Accounts can be opened with as little as $25 per investment option and have high allowable total limits (more than $200,000). A variety of investment options are available.

To Open an Account: http://www.path2college529.com/account/open.html

Enroll Online:
https://www3.financialtrans.com/tf/FANWeb?tx=Disclaim&cz=6190800000600

Educational Benefits FAQs

Q: Are dependents of faculty and staff eligible to participate in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?
A: TAP benefits are currently only offered to full time faculty and staff members of GSU.

Q: Are part-time employees eligible to participate in the TAP program?
A: All full-time employees who are eligible for benefits and who have completed their six-month provisional period at the University are eligible to apply for this benefit.

Q: What is the waiting period to participate in the program?
A: Full time employees are eligible to participate in the TAP program after they have completed their six months probationary period.

Q: How many courses are offered under the TAP program?
A: Eligible employees can take up to eight credit hours of undergraduate or graduate courses per term at any of the 31 public institutions under the University System of GA.

Q: Are there any courses or programs that are excluded under the TAP program?
A: Yes, professional schools; such as dental, law, medical, pharmacy, etc. are ineligible programs.

Q: Can employees register for the classes under the TAP program at any time?
A: Employees must register for classes during the designated "employee registration period".

Q: Can I attend an institution outside the USG or a technical school?
A: Employees must choose among the 35 public institutions under the USG.

Q: Are executive/ premiere graduate programs eligible?
A: Professional executive/premiere graduate programs such as Executive MBA are ineligible under the TAP program.

Q: What is Path2College 529 Plan?
A: The Path2College 529 plan created by the State of Georgia is designed to help individuals save for the cost of education after high school.

Q: Why should I participate in Georgia's 529 Plan?
A: For Georgia income tax purposes, the plan allows a deduction for part of the contributions and an exclusion for the earnings when they are withdrawn and used for higher education expenses.

Q: How much can I contribute to the 529 Plan?
A: College savings accounts may be opened with as little as $25 per investment option.

Q: Is the Path2College 529 plan deduction pre-tax?
A: No, contributions to the GHESP are made on an after tax basis. Contributions to the GHESP grow tax free from federal and state income tax. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses will be free of both federal and Georgia income tax.

Q: What is a "Qualified Higher Education Expense"?
A: Qualified Higher Education Expenses are tuition, fees and the cost of books, supplies and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a beneficiary at an eligible educational institution.

Q: What is an "Eligible Educational Institution"?
A: In general, eligible educational institutions are accredited, post secondary educational institutions offering credit toward a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, a graduate level or professional degree or another recognized post secondary credential.

Q: What if my beneficiary decides not to attend school in Georgia?
A: Assets can be used at almost every institution of higher education, within Georgia or within the rest of the country, including undergraduate, graduate, medical, law and technical and vocational colleges/schools.

Q: Are withdrawals from the plan tax-free?
A: Contributions to the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan grow free from federal and state income tax. Through the power of compounding, the money you save in a tax-deferred account can provide greater potential for growth. And withdrawals used for qualified expenses will be free of both federal and Georgia income tax.

Q: Can I transfer this benefit to someone else?
A: If your child decides not to attend college, you may transfer funds in your account to certain other family members of the original beneficiary, including a sibling, first cousin, spouse - even yourself.

Q: Are rollovers permitted under the 529 Plan?
A: You can roll over the money from another 529 Plan into your account to take advantage of the benefits of the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan.

Q: What forms do I need to complete?
A: You may enroll online:
https://www3.financialtrans.com/tf/FANWeb?tx=Disclaim&cz=6190800000600
Complete both the Path2College 529 Plan Account Application and a Payroll Deduction Authorization form. Print a copy of your account setup confirmation. If you wish to make contributions via payroll deduction, a copy of the Payroll Deduction Form must be submitted to the Benefits Office..