Cleveland Clinic Tuition Reimbursement Programs 2026

<p>Cleveland Clinic offers a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to eligible employees who enroll in accredited, job-related academic programs. The benefit supports fields such as nursing, allied health, and business. As one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/companies_that_offer_tuition_reimbursement.html">companies that pay for college</a>, the organization helps employees build long-term careers by reducing the cost of continuing education. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesTuitionReimbursementCoverAtClevelandClinic">What Does Tuition Reimbursement Cover at Cleveland Clinic?</h2> <p>Tuition reimbursement is one of several Cleveland Clinic educational benefits aimed at employee growth and advancement. The program reimburses employees for qualified tuition expenses once coursework is completed with a satisfactory grade. Reimbursement is available for degree programs, certifications, and continuing education that align with current or future roles within the system. </p> <p>Here's what you need to know about the program: </p> <ul><li><b>Eligible degrees:</b> Associate, bachelor's, master's, and select doctoral-level degrees are eligible for reimbursement. </li><li><b>Covered fields:</b> Tuition benefits will cover health-related fields such as nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, business, public health, and administration. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> The academic institution must be accredited by a recognized agency to be eligible for coverage. </li><li><b>Course relevance:</b> Programs must be directly related to the employee's current job or long-term career goals within Cleveland Clinic. </li><li><b>Grade requirements:</b> Reimbursement is contingent on successful completion, often defined as a grade of 'C' or higher. </li><li><b>Reimbursement limits:</b> While policies may vary by role or department, full-time employees may be reimbursed up to $5,000 per calendar year. Part-time employees typically qualify for a prorated benefit. </li></ul><p>Some programs, particularly those related to Cleveland Clinic's own educational institutions (e.g., the Lerner College of Medicine), may offer additional financial support or loan forgiveness to residents, fellows, or long-term staff who commit to practicing within the health system. </p> <h2 id="section---HowDoesClevelandClinicMedicalSchoolTuitionReimbursementWork">How Does Cleveland Clinic Medical School Tuition Reimbursement Work?</h2> <p>Cleveland Clinic does not offer traditional 'tuition reimbursement' for medical school in the same way it does for other degree or certificate programs. However, it supports medical education through several affiliated programs and structured financial pathways, particularly for those training or committing to long-term service within the Cleveland Clinic system. </p> <p>Here's how Cleveland Clinic medical school tuition support generally works: </p> <h3 id="section---1.AffiliatedMedicalSchoolCCLCMAtCaseWesternReserveUniversity">1. Affiliated Medical School: CCLCM at Case Western Reserve University</h3> <p>Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM) is a partnership with Case Western Reserve University and offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program with full tuition coverage. Every student admitted to this five-year research-focused program receives: </p> <ul><li>full tuition scholarship for all five years </li><li>access to Cleveland Clinic faculty, facilities, and clinical training </li><li>curriculum that integrates clinical care, research, and leadership development </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.LoanForgivenessAndServiceBasedIncentives">2. Loan Forgiveness and Service-Based Incentives</h3> <p>In some departments or fellowship programs, Cleveland Clinic may offer loan repayment or tuition forgiveness in exchange for a commitment to serve in high-need specialties or medically underserved areas within the system. These incentives are often targeted toward: </p> <ul><li>medical residents or fellows in specialties experiencing workforce shortages </li><li>primary care providers in regional or rural locations </li><li>long-term staff in teaching or leadership roles </li></ul><p>Eligibility, award amounts, and commitment periods vary by department and funding availability. If you're interested, talk to your program director or HR representative to learn your options. </p> <h3 id="section---3.SupportForContinuingMedicalEducation">3. Support for Continuing Medical Education</h3> <p>While not a replacement for tuition reimbursement, Cleveland Clinic also supports licensed physicians with funding for continuing medical education (CME), certifications, and leadership training, especially for those advancing within the organization or taking on academic roles. </p> <p>If you're currently employed at Cleveland Clinic or planning to train there, it's best to speak directly with the Office of Graduate Medical Education or Allied Health Education to learn what funding or service-based support might be available for your specific situation. </p> <h2 id="section---StepsToReceiveTuitionAssistanceForClevelandClinicEmployees">Steps To Receive Tuition Assistance for Cleveland Clinic Employees</h2> <p>Cleveland Clinic's tuition reimbursement program follows a structured process to ensure fairness, consistency, and proper use of educational funds. Follow the steps below to start the process. </p> <h3 id="section---1.ReviewEligibilityRequirements">1. Review Eligibility Requirements</h3> <p>Start by confirming that you meet Cleveland Clinic's minimum employment requirements. Typically, you must: </p> <ul><li>be in a full-time or part-time position </li><li>have completed at least six months of continuous service </li><li>be in good standing with your department (no active disciplinary actions, satisfactory performance reviews) </li></ul><p>In addition to these system-wide criteria, some departments may have more specific eligibility rules. For example, education benefits may be restricted to employees working in hard-to-staff areas like imaging, laboratory science, or nursing. Certain unionized roles or PRN positions may not be eligible. If you're uncertain, check with your HR representative or department manager before proceeding. </p> <h3 id="section---2.SelectAnEligibleProgram">2. Select an Eligible Program</h3> <p>The next step is selecting a program that aligns with your current responsibilities or your long-term career goals at Cleveland Clinic. Eligible programs must: </p> <ul><li>be offered by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education </li><li>relate directly to your job or a realistic advancement path within the organization </li><li>provide skills that support patient care, clinical operations, business functions, or leadership roles </li></ul><p>Examples of commonly approved programs include: </p> <ul><li>associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing, respiratory therapy, or diagnostic imaging </li><li>master's degrees in health care administration, public health, or informatics </li><li>certificate programs in surgical technology, medical laboratory science, or billing and coding </li></ul><p>Online and hybrid formats are acceptable as long as the institution is accredited and meets all educational quality standards. </p> <h3 id="section---3.SubmitATuitionReimbursementApplication">3. Submit a Tuition Reimbursement Application</h3> <p>Before enrolling in any courses, you must submit a preapproval request through Cleveland Clinic's internal HR system or tuition reimbursement portal. This step is crucial, as reimbursement is not guaranteed for programs that were not preapproved. </p> <p>Your application should include: </p> <ul><li>school name and contact information </li><li>program name and expected completion timeline </li><li>course descriptions or syllabus </li><li>estimated tuition and required fees </li><li>brief explanation of how the program supports your current role or future goals </li></ul><p>Some departments may request a letter of support from your manager or HR business partner. If any documents are missing, your request may be delayed or declined. </p> <h3 id="section---4.EnrollAndMaintainAcademicStandards">4. Enroll and Maintain Academic Standards</h3> <p>Once your application is approved, you may enroll in your classes. Be sure to follow all program requirements and maintain academic eligibility. Cleveland Clinic typically requires: </p> <ul><li>a minimum final grade of 'C' or 2.0 GPA per course for undergraduate programs </li><li>a minimum 'B' or 3.0 GPA for graduate-level coursework </li><li>continuous enrollment in good standing with your institution </li></ul><p>Throughout the semester, retain all payment receipts, registration confirmations, and communication with your school. If your status changes (e.g., course drop, withdrawal, or employment status change), notify HR immediately, as this could affect reimbursement eligibility. </p> <h3 id="section---5.SubmitFinalDocumentation">5. Submit Final Documentation</h3> <p>After successfully completing your coursework, gather and submit all required documentation to request reimbursement. This usually includes: </p> <ul><li>final transcript or grade report showing a passing grade </li><li>proof of tuition payment (invoice and receipt) </li><li>a completed reimbursement request form, often submitted through the same portal used during preapproval </li></ul><p>Submit all documents by the stated deadline (usually within 30 to 60 days of course completion). If you miss this deadline, your reimbursement request may be denied. </p> <p>Once it's been reviewed and approved, the reimbursement will be processed through Cleveland Clinic's payroll system or a designated direct payment method. Reimbursement typically appears in your paycheck within one to two billing cycles. </p> <h2 id="section---ScholarshipsAtClevelandClinic">Scholarships at Cleveland Clinic</h2> <p>Beyond tuition reimbursement, Cleveland Clinic offers scholarships to support students and employees pursuing careers in health care. These scholarships are available to students currently enrolled in health sciences education programs and are often open to employees, interns, and, in some cases, their dependents. Applicants must typically demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, or a strong interest in contributing to Cleveland Clinic's mission. </p> <p>Here are a few of the scholarships you might consider applying for: </p> <ul><li><b>Allied health scholarships:</b> This scholarship is intended for students pursuing careers in diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology, respiratory therapy, cardiovascular technology, and other allied health professions. These awards help support training in areas critical to patient care. </li><li><b>Imaging institute awards:</b> Multiple scholarships are offered to students in radiologic technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and diagnostic medical sonography programs. These include merit-based awards, as well as funding for those with financial need. </li><li><b>School of Surgical Technology scholarships:</b> Full or partial scholarships may be available to students enrolled in Cleveland Clinic's own Surgical Technology program, which prepares graduates for work in hospital and operating room settings. </li><li><b>Diversity and inclusion scholarships:</b> Certain awards are offered to underrepresented students in health care to promote workforce diversity, especially in clinical specialties experiencing workforce gaps. </li><li><b>Scholarships for Cleveland Clinic interns:</b> Interns in diagnostic imaging, laboratory medicine, or respiratory care may be eligible for scholarships based on their enrollment status, clinical performance, and professional goals. </li><li><b>Loan forgiveness and service-based incentives:</b> Some programs offer tuition assistance or loan repayment in exchange for service commitments in high-need departments or facilities, helping to retain talent in essential clinical areas. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTuitionReimbursementAtClevelandClinic">FAQs About Tuition Reimbursement at Cleveland Clinic</h2> <p>Below are answers to some of the most common questions about how Cleveland Clinic's tuition reimbursement program works. </p> <h3 id="section---WhoIsEligibleForTuitionReimbursement">Who Is Eligible for Tuition Reimbursement?</h3> <p>To qualify for Cleveland Clinic's tuition reimbursement program, you must be employed in a full-time or part-time capacity and meet the organization's minimum service requirement (typically six months of continuous employment). Employees must be in good standing, meaning they meet performance expectations and have no recent disciplinary actions on file. </p> <p>Eligibility may also depend on department-specific guidelines, such as job classification or staffing needs. In some cases, priority is given to roles in critical clinical areas, such as nursing or imaging, where professional development is closely tied to workforce planning and licensure requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfProgramsAreCovered">What Types of Programs Are Covered?</h3> <p>Cleveland Clinic supports a broad range of education paths that are aligned with workforce needs and internal career mobility. Covered programs include associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as professional certifications, technical diplomas, and job-relevant continuing education courses. </p> <p>Fields typically covered include nursing, respiratory therapy, diagnostic imaging, surgical technology, public health, and health care administration. In certain cases, Cleveland Clinic medical school tuition reimbursement may also apply to medical residents, clinical fellows, or long-term staff enrolled in affiliated graduate medical education programs. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchTuitionReimbursementCanYouReceive">How Much Tuition Reimbursement Can You Receive?</h3> <p>Reimbursement limits vary based on employment status, program type, and departmental funding. Most full-time employees are eligible for up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year, while part-time employees may receive a prorated amount based on scheduled work hours. </p> <h3 id="section---CanYouUseTuitionReimbursementWithFinancialAid">Can You Use Tuition Reimbursement With Financial Aid?</h3> <p>Yes, employees may combine Cleveland Clinic's tuition reimbursement with outside financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, or federal student loans. However, the total combined support cannot exceed the actual cost of tuition and eligible fees. If external aid fully covers your tuition, you will not qualify for reimbursement for that course or semester. </p> <h3 id="section---AreOnlineProgramsCovered">Are Online Programs Covered?</h3> <p>Accredited online programs are covered under Cleveland Clinic's tuition reimbursement policy as long as they meet all other program requirements. This includes alignment with your job duties or future role, enrollment at an accredited institution, and preapproval through the internal education benefit system. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreHealthCareDegrees">Explore Health Care Degrees</h2> <p>If you're ready to take the next step, explore flexible, accredited online degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to a program that interests you and learn how you can enroll today.</p>