APPEL-SpEd Partial Tuition Reimbursement Opportunity

We are excited to share an opportunity with our APPEL-SpEd participants.

Any course listed on your Professional Learning Plan (PLP) that you have successfully completed at a USBE partner Institute of Higher Education (IHE) is eligible for tuition reimbursement costs of up to $500 until USBE funds for tuition reimbursements are depleted. For group courses, a one-time lump sum reimbursement of up to $500 total, while funds are available, may be requested after both classes are complete because they meet one competency area requirement.

How to qualify for tuition reimbursement:

Pay up front.

1) Pay the tuition cost up front to the IHE to take a required course from your PLP.

2) Complete the course with a “C” or better.

Request reimbursement for the tuition cost up to $500 per course (subject to group course exceptions.)

3) Have your University submit your official transcript with all the awarded credit/grades to transcripts@schools.utah.gov. Do this before submitting any receipt.

4) Submit an official University receipt for each university transcript submitted listing the tuition amount for each course with its course name and number and who paid for the course to https://usbe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_51nmGi9EjHDlMCa

5) Participants must submit all reimbursement requests for courses taken during the current school year (July 1 - June 30) before June 30 of the same school year.

Receive reimbursement.

- - APPEL-SpEd team verifies the passing grade ("C" or better) and the date course credit was awarded from your official IHE partner transcript.
  - APPEL-SpEd team verifies the amount of the tuition for the course and the party who paid for the tuition - either you or your LEA - by your submitted receipt.
  - APPEL-SpEd team sends a DocHub link asking that you officially verify that you have not already been reimbursed by another funding source.
  - Upon receipt of the signed DocHub verification, the APPEL-SpEd Team contacts you with the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the reimbursement program be available the entire time I am in APPEL-SpEd? The reimbursement program will be available “until the money runs out” which may happen before your PLP is completed.

How long does an APPEL SpEd participant have to request course reimbursement? Each reimbursement cycle commences when the official transcript is received by USBE and the APPEL-SpEd team applies completed courses to your PLP. Participants must submit all reimbursement requests for courses taken during the current school year (July 1 - June 30) before June 30 of the same school year.

Are books and materials eligible for reimbursement? No.

Which IHE’s are partners with the USBE? All Utah-based higher education educator preparation programs who offer required courses a-la-carte are partners. Currently the list includes Utah Tech University, Salt Lake Community College, Southern Utah University, and University of Utah.

When will I receive my reimbursement? Expect to wait approximately a month after the required documentation (transcript, receipt, DocHub form) has been received.

How will the reimbursement be sent to me? Reimbursement comes via a paper check.

What if tuition is more or less than $500? Tuition will only be reimbursed up to $500 per course (subject to group course exceptions.) For example:

- - $300 per course tuition cost is reimbursed for $300
  - $350 per course tuition cost is reimbursed for $350
  - $425 per course tuition cost is reimbursed for $425
  - $500 per course tuition cost is reimbursed for $500
  - $1,350 per course tuition cost is reimbursed for $500
  - $900 for two group courses meeting one competency area requirement is reimbursed for $500 total

Can I request reimbursement for more than one course? Yes. You can request up to $500 for each approved course subject to group course exceptions (meeting a PLP requirement) you complete during the timeframe. For example:

- - If you complete two courses each costing $300 meeting two competency area requirements, you would be reimbursed for $600
  - If you complete two courses each costing $500 meeting two competency area requirements, you would be reimbursed for $1,000
  - If you complete two courses each costing $1,350 meeting two competency area requirements, you would be reimbursed for $1,000
  - If you complete two group courses each costing $500 meeting one competency area requirement, and totaling $1,000, you would be reimbursed $500 total.

Is there a limit on the number of courses an individual can be reimbursed for? No limit as long as the passed course is on your PLP and is reimbursed only once in accordance with the group course exceptions.

For example, Blind Mule requires two courses to meet the competency area requirement for SP-Beha Special Education Behavior Management. For group courses, a one-time lump sum reimbursement of up to $500, while funds are available, may be requested for both classes because they meet one competency area requirement.

.

How will I know if a course is part of a group course exception?

This will be clearly designated on your PLP. For example:

- - SLCC WTET 900 Elementary Methods of Teaching Literacy Part #1 Fall 2025 Course starts: 9/2/2025 https://www.slcc.edu/workforce-training/teacher-education-index.aspx MIDAS ID: 65704; online + webinar; Tuesdays; 5:30 -8:30PM; $400; [*Group course tuition reimbursement applies]; For CP-ELAL WTET 900 Part #1 AND WTET 910 Part #2 are required. 2 MIDAS credits
- - SLCC WTET 910 Elementary Methods of Teaching Literacy Part #2 Fall 2025 Course starts: 10/21/2025 https://www.slcc.edu/workforce-training/teacher-education-index.aspx MIDAS ID: 65678; online + webinar; Tuesdays; 5:30-8:30PM; $500; [*Group course tuition reimbursement applies]; For CP-ELAL WTET 900 Part #1 AND WTET 910 Part #2 are required. 3 MIDAS credits

*Group course tuition reimbursement: A one-time lump sum reimbursement of up to $500 total after both group courses are complete, while funds are available.

RETURN BACK TO THE HOME PAGE