Discounts & Waivers

If you work for a private employer, you may be eligible for discounted tuition or reimbursement. Please contact your employer’s Human Resources office for more information.

Students, assistants and associates in graduate positions who are employed at least 25% time at the University receive some tuition and/or maintenance waivers. Check the list below to see if you qualify:

• Graduate assistants
• Graduate research assistants
• Graduate teaching assistants
• Graduate teaching associates

Individual academic departments authorize these positions. Contact the department for application information.

In accordance with Tennessee code Annotated §49-7-113, Tennessee residents with a permanent total disability may be eligible for reduced tuition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Important Transition Note: Students seeking a tuition reduction for spring or summer 2026 should refer to Student Disability Services’ current process and application. The new process, outlined below, begins for fall 2026 tuition and does not require students to apply through Student Disability Services. 

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this tuition reduction, students must: 

• Be admitted to UT and enrolled in for-credit coursework.
• Provide documentation verifying permanent total disability. 
• Reapply and reverify eligibility each academic year. 

Cost and Coverage Details

Students are responsible for all UT administrative and student services fees, including but not limited to: 

• Program and services fee
• Technology fee
• Transportation fee
• Course and lab fees
• Textbooks and other required materials

The tuition reduction does not cover: 

• Program-specific fees
• Medical, dental, or pharmacy programs

Students receiving federal or state vocational rehabilitation services are not eligible for this tuition reduction. 

Application Process

1. Complete the Permanent Total Disability Tuition Reduction Application.
2. Submit one of the following to verify permanent total disability: 
   • A letter from the Social Security Administration confirming disability benefits,
   • Official court documentation verifying permanent disability.
3. Submit all forms and documentation directly to the Bursar’s Office.
4. Reapply each academic year to maintain eligibility.

Human Resources provides information about eligibility for full-time and part-time employees, along with their spouses and dependent children.

Employees must receive approval from their department head to take classes during normal working hours.

Some departments charge a Special Course Fee (for example: engineering, nursing, business, chemistry, physical education, music, art, etc.). Course fees are not covered by the staff fee waiver.

UT Employee

Spouse or Dependent Child

The Tennessee Board of Regents provides information about discounts for its employees, their spouses, and dependents.

Get Information and Apply

The State of Tennessee provides information about discounts for children of licensed public school teachers and children of state employees.

• Fall forms should be signed and submitted no earlier than June 1.
• Spring forms should be signed and submitted no earlier than October 1.
• Mini-term and summer forms should be signed and submitted no earlier than March 1.

Please note: forms must be submitted prior to or on the last day of instruction for each term.

Get Information

Apply

This waiver applies to every dependent child in Tennessee under age 23 whose parent(s) served in the US military during an armed conflict and to spouses of veterans who meet the below conditions. You may be entitled to a waiver of tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, and required registration or other fees from any higher education institution operated by the State of Tennessee if you have a parent or spouse who:

• Was killed
• Died due to injuries
• Was officially reported as a prisoner of war or missing in action
• Is (or was) a former prisoner of war or missing in action

If this applies to you, please contact our Veterans Success Center for guidance and more information about how UT supports our veterans.

You can also call the Veterans Affairs Office in Nashville, TN at 1-800-827-1000 to learn more.

Visit our Register for Classes page to get information on discounts and registration forms.

Register for Classes