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Benefits

 

Fee Waiver & Reduction Program

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

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New Application Process!

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

Important Dates for the Spring 2026 Fee Waiver Application Process

Final Deadline for Fee Waiver Application / Census Date

To inquire about submitting a waiver after the census date please contact Human Resources, as Fee Waivers will not initially be accepted and are subject to denial. Human Resources can be reached at 559.278-2032.

 February 13, 2026

View Important Information & Fee Waiver Types

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Submit a Fee Waiver Application with Optimize

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Tutorial: Submitting a Dependent Fee Waiver

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Tutorial: Submitting a Staff Fee Waiver

 

Important Residency & Tax Information

California Residency Requirement
  • The fee waiver applies only to certain fees incurred by California residents.
  • Employees who do not meet in-state residency requirements must pay non-resident tuition charges based enrolled units.
  • For residency questions, contact Admissions at (559) 278-2261.
Taxation for Employees
  • Fees waived for undergraduate courses are not taxable.
  • Fees waived for graduate/doctoral courses are nontaxable up to $5,250 per calendar year.
  • Any amount exceeding $5,250 is taxable and reported to the State Controller's Office
  • Employees are encouraged to consult with their personal tax advisor to determine whether their coursework qualifies as job-related and may be eligible for a tax deduction.
Taxation for Dependent Fee Waivers
  • Fees waived for graduate/doctoral coursework taken by a spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent child is taxable income to the employee.
  • Undergraduate coursework taken by a registered domestic partner is also taxable.

Available to eligible CSU faculty, staff, and management employees. The benefit may be transferred to an eligible dependent.

  • CSU state-supported (general fund) courses
  • Summer term courses, including Summer Arts

  • Self-support courses (e.g., Continuing or Global Education)
  • Joint doctoral programs where fees are paid to a partner university

The Fee Waiver & Reduction process is separate from the university’s admissions process. Applicants must be accepted to the university before submitting a fee waiver.

Managers can now review and approve employee Fee Waiver requests directly in Optimize, the CSU-wide platform.

Video Tutorial:
How to Approve a Tuition Fee Waiver in Optimize

Overview:

  • Log in to Optimize using your CSU credentials.
  • Navigate to Fee Waiver Requests under the employee’s record.
  • Review the submitted information and attached documentation.
  • Approve or return the request for corrections as needed.
  • Once approved, the employee will receive a confirmation email.

For questions about manager approvals or access to Optimize, contact your Fee Waiver Coordinator.

Dependent Fee Waiver

Share the value of education — eligible employees can transfer their Fee Waiver benefit to a spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent child for reduced CSU tuition.

Career Development

Invest in your future — the Career Development Fee Waiver helps employees pursue degrees or coursework that support career growth within the CSU system.

Work-Related Courses

Grow your skills — the Work-Related Fee Waiver helps employees take CSU courses to improve performance or prepare for new responsibilities.

Applications
Complete the Fee Waiver application for Spring 2026 through Optimize, the CSU system-wide platform.

Required Documentation
If your dependent is not currently covered under your CSU Fresno 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.

Overage Disabled Dependents & Eligibility
The Fee Waiver is a professional development benefit and is not extended to overage disabled dependents under CSU collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

Overage disabled dependents remain eligible for CalPERS health, dental, and vision benefits, but not for the Fee Waiver benefit.

Requirements
Employees may use the Career Development Fee Waiver to:

  • Pursue a degree or academic advancement, or
  • Enroll in coursework that supports career growth within the CSU system.

Participants are considered university students and must:

  • Meet CSU admission requirements, and
  • Maintain Good Academic Standing while remaining on a degree track.

Career Development Plan (CDP)
Employees using this option must complete a Career Development Plan (CDP) in collaboration with their advisor and obtain approval from the appropriate administrator.

  • The CDP outlines how the coursework supports career goals within the CSU.
  • Once approved, the CDP stays on file and only needs to be updated if:
    • The degree program changes, or
    • The employee hasn’t taken classes for more than one year.
  • Complete the CDP via Adobe Sign.

Application Process
Complete the Fee Waiver application for Spring 2026 beginning November 17, 2025, through Optimize, the CSU system-wide platform.

If you need to apply before that date, contact your Fee Waiver Coordinator for assistance.

Purpose & Eligibility

  • Take CSU courses to improve skills for your current duties or gain skills for newly assigned responsibilities.
  • This is not degree-seeking: you cannot declare a major and a degree will not be conferred under this option.
  • Admissions note: The academic evaluation for admission is waived by the Admissions Office for this option.
  • You must remain in Good Academic Standing.

Required Each Semester
Submit the following every semester you use this waiver:

  • Fee Waiver application (see below)
  • Administrator memo (signed/approved) explaining how the course relates to your role
  • Admission Data Form (via MoveIt)

How to Apply

  • Complete the Fee Waiver application for Spring 2026 through Optimize.
  • Provide written documentation: Email a signed/approved memo from your administrator explaining course relevance to your Fee Waiver Coordinator.
  • Complete the Admission Data Form: Submit via MoveIt (see instructions).
  • Once the Fee Waiver, administrator memo, and Admission Data Form are received, you’ll receive confirmation that your request is under review.

Fee Waiver Coordinator (A-L)

Debra Penner
HR Professional II
dpenner@csufresno.edu
559.278.4657

Fee Waiver Coordinator (M-Z)

Esmeralda Cruz
HR Professional I
escruz@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.5014

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?
Find more information in the FAQ section!
FAQs