Navigating the University of Arizona Bursar's Office: Tuition, Payment Options, and Resources

Financing higher education requires careful planning and understanding of available resources. The University of Arizona (U of A) Bursar's Office provides vital services and information regarding tuition, fees, and payment options. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the Bursar's Office's offerings, including Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR), payment methods, and resources for military-affiliated students.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

The first step in managing your finances at the U of A is understanding the cost of attendance. The U of A Bursar’s Office provides a Tuition Calculator to calculate total tuition. It's important to remember that QTR only applies to tuition; it does not apply to housing, books, or other fees.

For the most precise information on tuition and fees, please use the tuition and fee calculator provided by the U of A Bursar’s Office. All amounts shown here or in other university publications or web pages represent tuition and fees as currently proposed/approved. However, the University of Arizona (U of A) reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice, upon approval by ABOR or as otherwise consistent with Board policy, and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at the U of A at that time, as well as to incoming students.

Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR)

The Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR) program is a significant benefit for University of Arizona employees, their spouses, and dependent children. QTR reduces tuition costs, making education more accessible.

Eligibility and Benefits

The QTR program offers different levels of tuition reduction based on the beneficiary's relationship to the employee and the institution they are attending:

Employee: Tuition is reduced to $25 per semester/term at U of A, NAU, and ASU. For University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), tuition is reduced to $3.57 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $4 per credit hour for master's and doctoral programs.
Spouse: Tuition is reduced to $25 per semester/term at U of A, NAU, and ASU. For UAGC, tuition is reduced to $3.57 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $4 per credit hour for graduate programs. Includes qualified domestic partners.
Dependent Child: Tuition is reduced to 25% of the in-state tuition amount at U of A, NAU, and ASU. For UAGC, tuition is reduced to 25% of tuition.

Credit Hour Limits

QTR covers a specific number of credit hours per semester:

Fall/Spring: 1-9 credit hours. Credits above these ranges are charged at the in-state per-credit resident tuition rate.
Summer/Winter: 1-6 credit hours. Credits above these ranges are charged at the in-state per-credit resident tuition rate.

Dependent children have no credit limit.

Application Process

QTR applicants must be admitted as students at their respective universities and have a student ID to apply. To apply, log into UAccess and select the compass (diamond in a circle) in the top right corner. Applications can be submitted online up to three months before the beginning of the semester for which the tuition reduction is requested. However, submitting an online application does not guarantee the continuation of this benefit if the employee's status changes before the first day of the semester.

QTR Application Deadlines

Apply for QTR in UAccess during the following application timeframes. These deadlines apply to all University of Arizona employees, whether using QTR at ASU, NAU, or University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), regardless of class start dates. Medical school applications are also subject to these dates and deadlines. Note: You must submit a separate application for each semester or session. However, only one application is required for all summer sessions.

SEMESTER	APPLICATION OPENS	APPLICATION DEADLINE	MUST BE AN ACTIVE EMPLOYEE ON
Spring 2026	Oct. 14, 2025	Feb. 18, 2026	Jan. 14, 2026
Summer 2026	Feb. 18, 2026	June 22, 2026	May 18, 2026
Fall 2026	May 24, 2026	Sept. 28, 2026	Aug. 24, 2026
Winter 26/27	Sept. 21, 2026	Jan. 12, 2026	Dec.

UAGC Note: The UAGC academic calendar is continuous rather than on the semester system. QTR is applied within a benefits period that may not align with semester dates. However, to apply QTR for UAGC courses, an employee must:

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Be active on the first day of the semester during which their desired UAGC course occurs, regardless of when it starts.
Meet the semester’s QTR application deadline if their desired UAGC course occurs anytime during that semester.

Learn more about UAGC's QTR benefits periods and using QTR at UAGC.

Verifying Application Status

Once you have submitted your application online, you can view its eligibility status in UAccess Employee at any time. After logging in, select Main Menu > University Benefits > Qualified Tuition Reduction > View QTR Applications. To view a specific application, enter your transaction number and click "Search." If you do not know your transaction number, you may click "Search" to view all submitted applications.

Once Human Resources has approved the application, the Bursar’s Office will adjust student account balances within 48-72 hours.

Tax Implications

It's important to understand the tax implications of tuition benefits:

Undergraduate Degree: Tuition savings are not taxable for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
Graduate Degree: Tuition savings up to $5,250/year are not taxable.

The Tuition Benefits Taxation Guidelines page provides a general overview of the tax liability of the QTR and DPTP benefits. This does not constitute tax advice.

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Domestic Partner Tuition Program (DPTP)

The Domestic Partner Tuition Program (DPTP) extends the tuition reduction benefits to employees’ qualified domestic partners and dependents. DPTP is available only for courses at the University of Arizona. Complete and submit a Qualified Domestic Partner Affidavit and required supporting documentation. This must be approved prior to the start of the semester in which you wish to apply for your domestic partner or their dependent child.

Payment Options at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC)

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a variety of payment options to help students manage their education expenses.

Federal Student Financial Aid

Federal Student Financial Aid is available as a primary or secondary payment option. All students are eligible to apply for financial aid, and UAGC provides a convenient online application process. This process includes all required financial aid forms, options for electronically signing the application, and links to complete any additional documents. When choosing to apply for financial aid, students may apply for loans and grants (if applicable). Financial aid applicants must provide UAGC with all documents required to complete the verification and certification of federal financial aid funds. All core financial aid documents - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, and Entrance Loan Counseling - must be on file with UAGC by 11:59 pm (Mountain Time Zone) the Wednesday prior to the student’s scheduled start date.

Automatic Credit Card Payments

This college payment option gives students the ability to choose to have their tuition and/or fees automatically charged to their credit card (debit cards are not recommended). Full payment must be received on or before the start date of each course; otherwise, automatic credit card payments are charged within 30 days of each course start date.

Tuition Reimbursement

Many employers are now starting to offer tuition reimbursement plans that allow students to get paid back for their education expenses. If your employer offers this benefit, it is recommended that you take advantage of it! Tuition Reimbursement may be selected as a payment option if your employer reimburses a portion of your annual tuition. Tuition and any applicable fees are deferred a maximum of 60 days after each course start date, regardless of when you receive payment from your employer. To qualify, you must submit a signed Tuition Reimbursement Certification and Authorization Form and include a valid credit card/debit number with authorization to charge the card.

Direct Bill

This college financial resource allows a qualified third party to pay for your tuition. If you decide to choose this college payment option, the University of Arizona Global Campus can send them the bill. To have your tuition and fees billed directly to your employer, follow these steps:

Find out if your organization has an Executed Direct Bill Memorandum of Understanding.
If they do, then fill out your Student Finance Agreement indicating Direct Bill.
Then fill out the Direct Bill Certification and Authorization form.
Request a voucher or purchase order from your Human Resources / Benefits department before each course.

Military Resources

The University of Arizona Global Campus is proud to be a military-focused university. Please visit the Military Resources page to learn about all of the benefits, college financial aid resources, and special tuition rates available to you if you belong to one of the following groups:

Active Duty
National Guard
Reservists
Spouses of: Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists
Students using VA Education Benefits
Employees of the US Department of Defense
Employees of the US Department of Veterans Affairs
Civilian Employees of the United States Coast Guard

Additionally, to ensure that service members, veterans, spouses, and other family members have the information, support, and protections they deserve, in April the President signed an Executive Order establishing Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses, and Other Family Members. This Executive Order requires educational institutions receiving funding from federal military and veterans’ educational benefits to provide prospective students with the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to help students understand the total cost of their education.

Veteran Affairs (VA) Benefits

If you served on Active Duty, you might be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for educational and housing expenses to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program. Check your eligibility status and the amount for which you qualify with your Service prior to enrolling.

If you are the spouse or child of a service member who is serving on active duty Title 10 orders in the paygrades of E1-E5, O1-O2, or W1-W2, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Department of Defense for education, training, and/or the occupational license and credentials necessary for a portable career.

If you are the spouse or child of a service member, you may be eligible for transfer of the service member’s Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you.

In accordance with the Principles of Excellence outlined in Executive Order 13607, the University of Arizona Global Campus is proud to increase services to service member and veteran students and their families. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Tuition Grants

Tuition grants can be a great college payment option due to financial freedom. When combined with an approved company's tuition assistance program, tuition grants let eligible students earn their degree tuition free. The Employee Tuition Savings payment option pairs with an approved employers’ tuition reimbursement plan with an accompanying grant to cover 100% of tuition. The Shared Tuition Savings payment option provides savings when combined with your employer reimbursement.

Shared Tuition Savings

Shared Tuition Savings establishes a flat annual tuition cost and is funded by you and UAGC. You can utilize your company’s tuition reimbursement dollars to offset the total annual cost.

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