According to BYU–Hawaii Human Resources, if a parent or spouse works at a BYU institution or in the Church Education System, the spouse or child of that person can receive a scholarship to attend any BYU institution. This has been put in effect at BYUH this semester, when previously a student had to have a parent or spouse who worked only at BYUH.
“This has got to be huge. Students are always looking for...a reduction in their tuition costs so it’s a huge benefit for them,” said Michael Tejada, manager at the financial office. “We're always encouraging of students when they receive those types of benefits.”
If the student is applying for the benefit through their spouse, they get a full scholarship to the school. However, the spouse of the student must have been working a year at the school before any tuition benefit is granted to the student and must be working full time.
If a student is applying for the scholarship through their parent, they get a half-tuition scholarship. However, there are limitations the student has to consider. They can get the scholarship for their undergraduate as long as they are under 152 credits and under the age of 30. If they pass 135 credits or are older than 30, they are not dependent and must pay the full tuition. Their parent must have also worked for the school for one year before they get a tuition benefit.
Students who are not legal dependents of employees such as step-children not legally adopted or children raised and supported by employees may have a tuition benefit, however the president’s council must consider it.
Employees are available for the benefit, however they may only enroll in one class a semester due to the semester change. They also have to wait for six months before they are eligible for full tuition benefits. Retired employees from a BYU school may still attend school without paying tuition. Their spouses and children are also available for the tuition benefit.
Benefits apply only to certain credit programs at BYUH. This includes all-credit classes, audit credits, conference and workshops, online courses, and noncredit courses offered by Education Outreach meant to improve employee’s skills.
It also includes attendance at a BYU Institution such as BYU in Provo, BYU-Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, and LDS Business College. Credits purchased as a result of a challenging course or taking an exam for credit is included, as well if a spouse or a child attends a semester abroad.
The tuition benefit will not apply to any non-credit course, fees, travel costs, fines, private lessons, and education weeks. Independent study courses also do not apply, unless they are taken toward a degree.
“I’m very happy for...students who are able to get it,” said Charlene Latu, financial advisor, saying that she supports any student who gets funding or tuition benefits if their parent works for a company that provides it. “It can help with the household income and family financially.”