Navigating Tuition Reimbursement and Benefits at OHSU: A Comprehensive Guide

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive in their educational and professional pursuits. This article provides a detailed overview of OHSU's tuition policies, employee benefits, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Whether you're a prospective student, current employee, or someone considering joining the OHSU community, this guide will help you understand the resources and opportunities available.

Tuition and Fees at OHSU

Understanding the tuition and fee structure is crucial for prospective students. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

Program Tuition and Fees: These are determined by the Program Director in consultation with the Provost and are subject to approval by the OHSU Board of Directors.
Published vs. Actual Costs: While projected program tuition and university fees are published in application materials, the actual tuition and fees assessed will be based on the OHSU General Tuition and Fee Book. Therefore, there may be differences between the initial estimates and the final amount.
Tuition Cap: Tuition is capped at the cost for 9 credit hours.
Cost of Attendance: The OHSU estimated cost of attendance includes estimated instructional and estimated non-instructional costs.
Physician Assistant Program: It's important to note that the Physician Assistant program operates on a flat fee, lock-step basis and is not available on a per credit hour basis.
Health Insurance: Insurance is charged Fall, Winter, and Spring for continuing students and students admitted in those terms. Students admitted Summer 2025, students returning in Summer 2025 after a leave of absence or other lapse in enrollment, and students entering in Summer 2025 from an uninsured program will be charged specific amounts for Major Medical and Dental coverage for Summer 2025 coverage.
Additional Costs: Be aware that there are estimated required textbooks, supplies, and eligible testing costs required by program and based on standard enrollment used for financial aid purposes. Additionally, there are estimated required additional education costs (licensure, certification, interview, and credential expenses) that students would incur while still enrolled at OHSU.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

OHSU recognizes the importance of making education accessible and offers various financial aid and scholarship opportunities:

Veteran Benefits: If you are a veteran of the United States military, or a spouse or dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for education funding to attend OHSU.
Scholarships: Students are encouraged to consider applying for a variety of scholarships.
Federal Financial Aid: Federal Financial Aid is available for those who qualify for the Master of Science (MS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs.
Veteran Benefits for Graduate Programs: All three graduate programs offered by the Division of Management are eligible for Veteran Benefits.
Employer Tuition Benefits: Many employers offer tuition benefits or reimbursement.
OHSU Education Assistance Benefit: OHSU employees may be eligible for an Education Assistance Benefit.
Division of Management Student Diversity Support Scholarship: For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Division of Management Student Diversity Support Scholarship will provide two scholarships for students admitted into the MSHA or HCMBA for Fall 2025. Each scholarship will be a one-time scholarship to be applied toward required coursework.

Refunds and Withdrawal Policies

Refund Schedule: Refunds may be granted to students in accordance with the OHSU Refund Schedule 2025-26 as detailed in the Academic Calendar found on the Office of the Registrar Tuition and Fees page.
Notification Requirement: Notification of withdrawal or cancellation and request for refund must be in writing and addressed to the Registrar.

Employee Benefits at OHSU: A Holistic Approach

OHSU offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its employees, recognizing that a healthy and supported workforce is essential to achieving its mission. These benefits extend beyond traditional healthcare and retirement plans to encompass wellness programs, work-life balance initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth.

Comprehensive Health Coverage

OHSU provides employees and their families with access to a wide range of health coverage options, emphasizing affordability and quality:

Read also: High School Internships at OHSU

Medical, Mental Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Employees can access these essential services at low costs for themselves and their families.
Focus on Preventative Care: OHSU's health plans often prioritize preventative care services, encouraging employees to proactively manage their health and well-being.

Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

Recognizing the demands of modern life, OHSU offers several benefits aimed at helping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance:

Generous Paid Leave: Employees enjoy generous paid holidays, vacation, PTO, and sick leave to balance work and life.
Flexible Work Arrangements: OHSU offers fully remote and hybrid remote jobs, as well as part-time roles and flexible work schedules, where possible and depending on the position.

Investing in Financial Future

OHSU provides a variety of retirement savings plans to help employees plan for their long-term financial security:

Retirement Plan Options: Choose from a variety of plans, including 401(a), Oregon PERS and voluntary savings plans.
Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans: OHSU Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans 403(b) and 457(b) have no waiting period. You can start contributing right after your hire date.
Vesting Periods: The 401(a) University Pension Plan (UPP) fully vests after working at OHSU for three years or turning 50 while still employed. The Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) through PERS vests after working at OHSU for five calendar years with 600+ hours or turning 65 as an active employee.

Wellness Resources and Exclusive Discounts

OHSU is committed to supporting the overall well-being of its employees through various wellness programs and discount opportunities:

Spark Wellness: OHSU’s Spark Wellness offers healthy lifestyle resources, from recipes to financial coaching.
Employee Discounts: Employees also get exclusive discounts on products and services for travel, home, health and family.

Eligibility for Benefits

Minimum Work Hours: If you are a permanent employee and work 20 hours or more per week, you will probably qualify for benefits.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

OHSU places a strong emphasis on DEIB, recognizing that a diverse and inclusive environment is vital to its mission and success.

Central to the Mission: Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is central to our mission and key to the success of all we do.
Shaping a Culture of Belonging: As an OHSU employee, you’ll have the power to shape and strengthen our culture of belonging.

Remote Work Environment

Remote Work Options: Some jobs at OHSU offer fully remote or hybrid remote options, as well as part-time and flexible work schedules. Check the job posting for details.
Virtual Tools: If you work remotely, you’ll connect with your team through virtual tools, like Microsoft Teams and other secure cloud-based applications.

Billing and Payment Information for Students

Understanding the billing and payment process is essential for students.

Billing Management: Students whose enrollment services are managed by PSU follow the PSU Residency Requirements.
Tuition and Fee Approval: Tuition and fees are approved by the universities prior to the beginning of each academic year.
Billing Source: Students are billed by the university that manages their enrollment, except that on-campus housing, meal plans, childcare, and some additional specialty services are always billed by PSU.
Course Billing Variations: Occasionally, students may obtain permission to take a course outside the School of Public Health that is billed at a different rate than that charged by the student’s academic program.
Payment Due Dates: The initial bill for fall tuition and fees is posted in September. Payment is due by the next billing cycle, 28-31 days later. Billing statements are generated on 16th of each month for every account with a balance. Payment in full is due on the 6th of the first full month of the term.

Read also: Affording ECU

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