Pursuing higher education while working in health care can be challenging, but UCHealth helps ease the burden through its tuition reimbursement program. While there are many hospitals with tuition reimbursement programs, UCHealth makes college even more accessible. Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement alone, UCHealth offers prepaid tuition, fully funded programs, and structured career pathways powered by Guild.

If you're working in a clinical, administrative, or entry-level role, you may qualify for 100% tuition coverage in select programs or receive substantial annual funding toward approved degrees through its Ascend program. Below, we've broken down how UCHealth's Ascend program works and the educational benefits it offers.

UCHealth Ascend Career Program

The UCHealth Ascend Career Program provides tiered funding depending on the program you choose. Benefits begin after 90 days of employment for employees who work an average of 20 hours or more per week.

Through Ascend, employees may receive:

• 100% tuition, books, and fees paid for select programs
• Up to $10,000 per year for select undergraduate and master’s programs
• Up to $5,250 per year for other undergraduate, master’s, and certificate programs within the Guild catalog
• $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement for approved programs outside the Guild network
• 1:1 coaching support from Guild Specialists
• Online programs with flexible start dates

This structure allows employees to choose between fully funded priority programs or partially funded degree pathways.

What Is Guild?

Guild is an education benefits platform that partners with employers like UCHealth to provide structured career education pathways.

Through Guild, employees receive:

• Access to over 300 programs from 28 accredited schools
• Prepaid tuition for eligible programs
• 1:1 support from Guild Specialists
• Help selecting programs aligned with in-demand careers
• Assistance with admissions and enrollment

Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement, Guild often eliminates upfront costs for approved programs.

What Programs Are Fully Funded?

UCHealth prioritizes workforce-aligned pathways. Select programs receive 100% tuition coverage, including:

• Priority clinical programs such as RN to BSN
• Associate and bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy and radiography
• High school diploma or GED programs
• College preparatory coursework
• English language learning
• Digital literacy courses
• Clinical certificates such as:
  • Phlebotomy technician
  • Medical assistant
  • Pharmacy technician

For these pathways, tuition, required books, and eligible fees are fully covered.

Other Funded Degree Options

If your program is not fully funded, Ascend may still provide:

• Up to $10,000 per year for select master’s degrees, including social work and behavioral health
• Up to $5,250 per year for undergraduate or graduate programs within the Guild catalog
• Required books and fees covered or reimbursed up to the funding cap

This tiered structure allows flexibility while still providing meaningful financial support.

Tuition Reimbursement Outside the Guild Catalog

UCHealth also offers traditional tuition reimbursement for approved undergraduate and graduate programs outside the Guild network.

Employees may receive up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible coursework, provided:

• The institution is accredited
• The program aligns with workforce or career goals
• Preapproval is obtained

Reimbursement is issued after successful course completion and submission of required documentation.

Who Is Eligible for the Ascend Career Program?

Employees may qualify if they:

• Have completed 90 days of employment
• Work an average of 20 hours or more per week
• Remain in good standing

Eligibility applies to both clinical and non-clinical employees. Because Ascend is designed to support workforce mobility, many entry-level employees use it to transition into higher-paying clinical or technical roles.

How to Apply for UCHealth Tuition Assistance

The application process depends on whether you’re enrolling in a Guild-supported Ascend program or requesting traditional tuition reimbursement.

How to Apply for the Ascend Career Program

The basic steps to apply for the Ascend Career Program include:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Make sure you’ve completed 90 days of employment and work at least 20 hours per week on average.
2. Log Into the Ascend Portal: Access the UCHealth Ascend Career Program portal through the employee intranet or HR system.
3. Explore Approved Programs: Browse fully funded and partially funded programs within the Guild catalog. Programs are organized by career pathway and workforce need.
4. Connect With a Guild Specialist: Speak with a Guild Specialist for one-on-one guidance on program selection, admissions requirements, and funding details.
5. Apply to the School: Complete the school’s admissions process with Guild support. For fully funded programs, tuition is paid directly to the institution.
6. Begin Classes: Once admitted and approved, start your program. Required books and eligible fees are covered or reimbursed up to the program funding cap.

How to Apply for Traditional Tuition Reimbursement

If you're looking at a more traditional tuition reimbursement option instead of a fully-funded program, the general steps will look like this:

1. Review the Tuition Policy: Confirm your program qualifies and that it aligns with your current role or future career path at UCHealth.
2. Submit a Preapproval Request: Obtain approval from your manager or HR before enrolling in courses.
3. Enroll and Complete Coursework: Maintain required academic standards (typically a C or better).
4. Submit Documentation: Provide transcripts, proof of payment, and required forms within the stated deadline.
5. Receive Reimbursement: Approved funds are issued up to the annual $5,250 limit.

How UCHealth Compares With Other Hospital Systems

Many hospital systems offer tuition reimbursement, but not all provide prepaid, fully funded options. Below, we've broken down the basics of how UCHealth's education benefits match up with those of competitors.

UCHealth vs. HCA Healthcare

Both partner with Guild and offer prepaid tuition for select programs.

UCHealth vs. CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit primarily offers capped reimbursement, while UCHealth provides fully funded clinical pathways.

UCHealth vs. Banner Health

Banner offers tuition assistance, but UCHealth’s tiered funding structure may provide more substantial coverage for priority programs.

Key Differences to Consider

• Prepaid vs. Reimbursement: Fully funded options eliminate upfront payment.
• Tiered Funding: Some programs receive $10,000 annually, others $5,250.
• Workforce Focus: Priority clinical pathways receive 100% coverage.
• Minimum Hours Requirement: 20 hours per week average.
• Start Timeline: Eligibility begins after 90 days.
• Coaching Support: Guild Specialists provide structured guidance.

FAQs About UCHealth Tuition Assistance

UCHealth’s Ascend Career Program and tuition reimbursement benefits offer multiple funding tiers and pathways, which can raise important questions about eligibility, coverage, and flexibility. Below are answers to common questions employees may have when considering using their education benefits.

When Do UCHealth Employees Become Eligible for Tuition Assistance?

Employees may become eligible for the Ascend Career Program after completing 90 days of employment, provided they work an average of at least 20 hours per week and remain in good standing. Traditional tuition reimbursement may follow similar eligibility timelines, though employees should confirm specific requirements with HR before enrolling in any coursework.

Does UCHealth Really Pay 100% of Tuition?

Yes, UCHealth offers 100% tuition coverage for select priority programs, including certain clinical pathways, certificates, high school diplomas, and RN to BSN programs. For other approved programs within the Guild catalog, employees may receive up to $10,000 per year or up to $5,250 per year depending on the degree level and funding tier.

Are Books and Fees Covered?

For programs within the Guild network, required books and eligible fees are typically covered or reimbursed up to the program’s funding cap. For traditional tuition reimbursement programs outside the Guild catalog, coverage for books and fees may vary and should be confirmed during the preapproval process.

Can UCHealth Employees Use the Benefit for Online Programs?

Yes. Most Ascend programs are offered online with flexible start dates to accommodate work schedules. As long as the institution is accredited and the program is approved within the Guild catalog or through the tuition reimbursement process, online and hybrid options are generally eligible.

Can You Use Tuition Assistance for Career Changes?

UCHealth designs its education benefits to support career mobility within the organization, especially in high-demand clinical and operational roles. Employees may pursue programs that prepare them for new roles, provided the pathway aligns with workforce needs and receives appropriate approval before enrollment.

Explore Accredited Degree Programs

If you're considering using UCHealth’s Ascend Career Program, explore accredited online degree programs on Learn.org to find options aligned with your health care career goals. Log in to your Guild account to learn more about tuition assistance options.