CIC’s Tuition Exchange Program (CIC–TEP) is a network of CIC member institutions who accept full-time employees, their spouses, and their dependents as students, tuition-free. Each participating institution agrees to import at least three students on the same admission basis as they accept all other students, with no regard to the number of students it exports. Contact tep@cic.edu to enroll your institution in CIC-TEP.
CIC–TEP began almost 40 years ago when a small group of member presidents suggested CIC create a program with minimal rules to offer as a benefit to employees. Tens of thousands of employees and their spouses and dependents have attended college, tuition-free.
Quick Facts and CIC–TEP Special Features
- CIC–TEP consists of nearly 420 colleges and universities (roughly two-thirds of all CIC Members) from 47 states and five countries, giving families a wide range of choice, including baccalaureate, masters, doctoral research, arts, business, faith-related, health professions, and technology-related specialties.
- Last year, almost 2,000 students applied for the CIC–TEP benefit.
- On average, 50% of applicants receive at least one offer of admission.
- On average, five students per participating institution apply to participate in the program annually.
- The CIC–TEP benefit covers the full cost of tuition for students at all participating institutions.
- No “import” and “export” student balance requirements. There are no limitations on the number of students who can use the benefit.
- All employees designated as full-time by a participating institution are eligible to receive exchange benefits.
- Spouses and dependents of full-time employees may also receive tuition benefits.
- No hidden fees.
- Institutions can allow “import” students to enroll in part-time, graduate, doctoral, online, and/or study-abroad programs.
- Administering CIC–TEP is done through a real-time, online portal, with no added annual reporting requirements
Applying for and Administering CIC-TEP
- Participation Guidelines, Procedure and Responsibilities for applicants and CIC–TEP Liaisons administering the program.
- 2026-2027 Application Form
- CIC–TEP Online Portal for CIC–TEP Liaisons to manage CIC–TEP applications sent and received by your institution.
- Beginning with the 2027–28 application cycle, launching July 1, 2026, administration of CIC-TEP will transition to the TELO system, hosted by Tuition Exchange. Please view the original announcement and FAQs for more information. All users must view a training session to access the TELO system. Email tep@cic.edu for more information.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relevant to institutions, students, and liaisons.
Contact Information
Contact tep@cic.edu with questions.