Berkeley Lab is committed to developing employees to their fullest potential. That commitment includes supporting staff to secure a college or university education or professional certification that will help increase effectiveness in their current position and for career development. Through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), eligible Career employees can receive tuition assistance for courses at an accredited college/university or professional institution.
A Berkeley Lab account is required to view the TAP website.
Contact the TAP Coordinator at tap@lbl.gov for any questions regarding the tuition assistance program.
New Tuition Assistance Policy
A new Tuition Assistance policy has been created as a stand alone policy to help provide clarity and program enhancements. View the Tuition Assistance policy to learn more.
Who’s eligible to the TAP program?
TAP is only available to employees in a Career appointment, who are no longer serving a probationary period, maintaining Career status, and who are in good performance standing
What is covered through TAP?
- College degree: bachelors, masters, or doctorate
- Certificate programs
- Professional certification or license
- College level courses not leading to a degree or certificate
- Berkeley Lab will cover 100% of eligible tuition and fees required for registration.
- Not covered by TAP, but not limited to: medical/health fees, application fee, late fees, books, student id, parking/transportation fees, travel, out of state tuition, computer upgrades and internet connection.
- Berkeley Lab covered tuition advances are available
Know Before You Enroll
- Familiarize yourself with the Tuition Assistance policy
- Discuss your education plan with your supervisor and how it aligns with your current job/future career goals and the mission of Berkeley Lab
- Review all potential costs of the education program expenses not covered through TAP and potential applicable taxes. For programs that are subjected to tax withholdings: Taxes will be deducted from any amount of TAP reimbursements and advances over $5,250 that you receive per calendar year. In addition, Under IRS regulations, TAP payments must be included in the employee’s income as wages subject to withholding for federal and state income taxes. Payment is reportable on the employee’s Form W-2 in the year paid. Please see the FAQs section for more information about taxation of education programs.
- You may want to seek guidance from your tax advisor to estimate if there are potential IRS implication prior to enrolling.
- Ensure you can commit to and balance your work/life/student demands
- If you plan on attending a University of California campus, check to see if your program is eligible for the UC Reduced Enrollment Fee Program
- Payouts for Tuitions Advances and Reimbursements are processed in accordance with the UCPath Payroll cycle and off-cycle payments cannot be accommodated
