Start or Finish Your College Degree Online with No Upfront Costs.
This is the way college should be.
SMC's new Employer Pay Program lets you defer paying for courses until your employer benefits kick in. Nothing to pay upfront means no loans, no interest and no stress.
Just focus on your education and career growth!
HOW IT WORKS:
Step One: Verify Your Employer's Support
Ask your HR office for a letter or document confirming your tuition benefits. No HR office? Talk to your supervisor to get written confirmation.
Step Two: Apply to attend SMC
Apply for online on on-campus courses. Your Admissions Counselor will reach out immediately to assist you. Provide your employer's tuition support documents to your Counselor.
Step Three: Your Employer Pays SMC
Take your SMC courses. At the end of each course, your employer will reimburse SMC directly for the cost of your tuition. Simple.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM RIGHT FOR?
- You have employer tuition assistance
- You don’t want to pay tuition out of pocket
- You need a flexible way to earn your degree while working
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY
Check out the information below or check with your employer to verify that you are eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits.Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to see the answer. Use the "Show All" button to expand all questions.
Who is eligible for the Employer Pay Program?
Any student who has employer tuition benefits and is accepted for admission to SMC.
How do I apply for the Employer Pay Program?
You don’t need a separate application! Just complete your regular admissions application and FAFSA. To enroll in the Employer Pay Program, simply:
- Verify your employer benefits, then apply to attend SMC.
- Your Admissions Counselor will guide you through the process.
Do I have to be a full-time student?
Nope! You can be part-time or full-time—whatever works best for you. But keep in mind:
- Some financial aid options might only be available to full-time students.
- Your employer might have rules about tuition benefits for part-time students.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No! First, we’ll apply any federal or state aid you qualify for (except student loans) to your balance. If there’s still a remaining amount, you won’t have to pay anything upfront—it will be deferred until the end of the term. You can start classes without paying out of pocket.
Will I be charged interest or fees for deferring my tuition?
Nope! There are no interest charges or hidden fees for deferring your tuition. You can focus on your education without worrying about extra costs.
How long do I have before payment is due?
After completing your courses, you have until the next semester to give your employer time to process payment.
- If you start classes in August/October, payment wouldn't be due until January.
- If you start classes in January/March, payment wouldn't be due until May.
- If you start classes in May, payment wouldn't be due until August.
What if my employer only covers part of my tuition? Can I still defer the full amount?
Yes! Even if your employer only covers part of your tuition, you can still defer the full amount. We’ll follow the same deferral schedule, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront.
- Let us know in advance if your employer only covers part of your tuition.
- We can help you explore additional financial aid or payment options.
- Your Admissions Counselor will work with you and SMC's Business Office to get everything worked out.
What if I fail a course?
If your employer doesn’t pay for a failed class, you’ll need to cover the balance.
- We can help you find other ways to pay, such as grants, scholarships or loans.
- We can also work with you to set up a payment plan.
Do I have to take courses online?
Most working adults prefer the convenience of online courses, but if you want to take in-person, on-campus classes, let your Admissions Counselor know. We will work with you to make it happen if at all possible.
QUESTIONS? WANT TO CHAT?
REACH OUT:
Georgia Roberts
Online Enrollment Coordinator
robertsg@smcsc.edu
(864) 590-5002