Explore FAQs UK Online Social Work Tuition: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a 529 savings plan can be used for qualified education expenses during graduate school. Proceed with caution, however, because 529 funds used for non-qualified expenses will result in a tax bill and a 10% penalty on the earnings portion of your withdrawal. Learn more about 529 plan rules from the IRS.

A 529 plan can cover a range of qualified higher education expenses beyond tuition, including mandatory enrollment fees, books, supplies, and equipment or technology required for courses. Living expenses may also be covered if you’re enrolled at least half-time, and they don’t exceed your program’s published cost of attendance. Keeping receipts and confirming 529 plan rules from the IRS can help you avoid an unexpected tax bill.

Your 529 plan will be reported as a student asset on the FAFSA and could reduce your aid eligibility by up to 20% of the account’s value. If the 529 plan is owned by a parent, it is assessed at a lower rate — up to 5.64% of the value. In practice, the impact on your financial aid package depends on your overall financial picture, and for many graduate students, the benefit of having 529 savings outweighs the relatively modest reduction in aid eligibility. Learn more about 529 plan rules from the IRS.

Yes, the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is a federal tax credit available to graduate students. Unlike the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the LLC has no lifetime limit and applies to graduate-level coursework. Income limits also apply, so be sure to confirm your eligibility each year based on your modified adjusted gross income for tax purposes.

You can only claim the Lifetime Learning Credit on expenses that you actually paid out of pocket — expenses covered by tax-free employer tuition reimbursement (up to the $5,250 annual limit) cannot also be claimed for the credit. If your employer reimburses you more than $5,250 in a single year and the excess is included in your taxable income, that portion may be eligible for the credit. Navigating the intersection of these two benefits can be complex, so consulting a tax advisor is a smart move if you are using both.

You cannot claim the Lifetime Learning Credit on the same expenses you paid with tax-free 529 withdrawals — doing so would mean claiming a double tax benefit on the same dollars, which the IRS does not allow. To use both, you will need to allocate different expenses to each: for example, using 529 funds for tuition and claiming the LLC on separate out-of-pocket costs like fees or books. Keeping detailed records of which expenses were covered by each funding source is essential, and an accountant or tax advisor can help.

Yes. If you have completed a term of service with an AmeriCorps program, you can apply your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award toward an MSW degree. Awards are valid for seven years from the date they are earned, and can be applied toward tuition, fees, or existing student loan balances. The timeline may also be extended in some circumstances. Learn more at the AmeriCorps website.

Block tuition allows you to pay one flat tuition rate in a given semester regardless of how many credits you take. Rather than paying per credit hour, you’re charged a fixed amount once you enroll with a qualifying number of credits. Block tuition can save you money compared to the per-credit rate and enable you to take additional courses at no extra cost.

UK graduate students must enroll in at least 9 credit hours per semester to qualify for a block tuition rate. Once you meet or exceed that threshold, you’re charged the flat tuition rate rather than per credit.

If dropping a course leaves you with total credit hours below the minimum required for block tuition, charges may be recalculated at the per-credit rate. This could result in a balance due. To get an idea of how dropping a course will impact your flat-rate tuition, speak with your financial aid counselor or student advisor before taking action.

Block tuition reduces your cost every time your enrollment meets or exceeds the qualifying credit threshold, because you’re paying less per course overall. The savings can add up quickly when you take extra courses beyond the minimum number of credits required for flat-rate tuition in multiple semesters.

Financial aid is awarded based on your income, household size, enrollment status, and total cost of attendance. Your aid package will generally reflect the per-credit tuition cost each term based on whether you are a full- or part-time student, rather than the block tuition rate. If you are taking enough courses to qualify for flat-rate tuition on a consistent basis, check in with your financial aid advisor to ensure your aid package still meets your needs.

If you pay flat-rate tuition rather than per-credit, your employer still reimburses you based on actual tuition charges. Some employers cap reimbursement at a set annual dollar amount, so the block tuition rate may fall within or exceed that cap depending on the semester. Review your employer tuition reimbursement policy and check with HR to confirm how they handle block tuition payments.

Yes, you can enroll in additional courses after meeting the minimum credit requirement without incurring extra charges. This makes flat-rate tuition appealing if you want to accelerate your progress. Policies vary, so confirm whether your program has a maximum credit cap.

At UK, it does. All online students pay in-state tuition rates, so block tuition will apply regardless of where you live. Universities charging out-of-state tuition may have different rules when it comes to flat-fee tuition options.

VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill^®, cover tuition and fees up to the applicable maximum for your benefit level. If your degree program offers block tuition, the VA will typically pay for your courses based on the flat-rate tuition charged. Connect with your veterans services office for additional information about military education benefits.

Sometimes—it depends on your employer’s policy and UK tuition payment deadlines. Most employer tuition reimbursement programs require employees to pay for courses up front, and UK requires tuition to be paid before your enrollment is finalized each term. To bridge the gap, you can use financial aid or set up a UK payment plan to cover tuition while you wait for reimbursement from your employer.

Employer tuition reimbursement is a benefit many companies offer to help employees earn a degree or complete another form of education. Typically, you pay for your courses up front, complete them, then submit documentation to your employer for reimbursement. Some workplace tuition assistance programs also include other eligible expenses, such as textbooks. Review your employer’s policy for further information on specific requirements.

Under IRS guidelines, employers can provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance, including tuition reimbursement. Amounts above that level are considered taxable income, which is reported on your year-end W-2.

Employer tuition reimbursement policies vary by company or organization. Some programs cover tuition alone while others include education costs such as books and fees. Speak with an HR representative at work to get a clear picture of your employer’s policies and learn more about IRS employer-provided educational assistance here.

Many employers include a service agreement in their tuition reimbursement program, requiring you to remain with the company or organization for a set time period after receiving the benefit. If you leave your job sooner, you may be required to repay part or all of the funding provided. Review the terms of your employer’s program or speak with your HR department to determine whether a service agreement will apply.

The first $5,250 in education costs paid or reimbursed by your employer each calendar year are not taxable under federal law, therefore several factors will determine how much that benefit will cover. Tuition rates, the number of courses you take, and the duration of your program are all variables to consider. If your education costs exceed $5,250 in a single tax year, any extra costs paid or reimbursed by your employer will be considered taxable income and reported as income on your W-2. Learn more about IRS employer-provided educational assistance.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online. Be sure to use the University of Kentucky’s Federal Student Code (001989) when completing the FAFSA application.

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form you complete so that schools can determine your eligibility for government-based student aid such as work-study jobs, grants, scholarships (which do not require repayment), and loans. Sallie Mae loans are private loans offered through the Sallie Mae Bank or a lender partner. Private loans are based on your credit and have different repayment terms than FAFSA loans backed by the federal government.

The University of Kentucky’s FAFSA/Federal School Code is 001989.

You can apply for federal financial aid as a graduate student using the FAFSA form, and you may qualify for Unsubsidized Direct Loans. Some states and institutions also use FAFSA information to determine scholarship awards and eligibility for other forms of aid.

The FAFSA form and process doesn’t provide funding on its own. However, submitting a FAFSA each year helps UK determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Graduate student loans are the most common form of aid awarded to master’s and doctoral students, but the results of your FAFSA may also qualify you for need-based grants or scholarships.

Federal Pell Grants are not available to graduate students. However, completing the FAFSA may help you qualify for other types of need-based grants.

There is no specific limit on the number of years you can receive federal financial aid for graduate school, as determined by the results of your FAFSA submission. However, there are annual and aggregate limits on the amount you can borrow in federal graduate student loans. You must also remain enrolled at least half-time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and continue to qualify for aid each academic year based on your FAFSA. Visit the Student Aid website for the most up-to-date information.

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form used to determine your eligibility for federal aid including loans, grants, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also used by many states and institutions to award other forms of financial assistance such as scholarships.

Yes, financial aid may be used for textbooks, cost-of-living expenses, and other educational costs associated with earning your degree. Learn more about financial aid for online students.

You can pay for your degree program using different types of financial aid such as grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study employment. You may also be able to use your military education benefits or take advantage of an employer tuition reimbursement program. Some states offer specific programs designed to help students save for college or pay tuition costs. Learn more about financing your online degree.

Federal financial aid consists of subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, Pell grants, and work-study employment. UK also offers institutional aid through scholarships or grants. In addition to financial aid, you may have employer tuition reimbursement as a workplace benefit or be able to use military education benefits to pay for school if you are military affiliated through any branch of service.

The amount of financial aid you receive depends on several factors, including your income, the total cost of attendance for your degree program, whether you will enroll full- or part-time, and whether others in your household are also in college. The financial aid office will review your FAFSA and communicate the different types of aid and amounts for which you qualify in your award letter.

Most students fund graduate school through a combination of sources. Federal graduate student loans are a common starting point, but you may also qualify for institutional scholarships or grants. Employer tuition reimbursement is another option worth exploring if you have this workplace benefit. Other funding pathways include military education benefits, aid programs supporting residents in your state, a 529 savings plan for education, and personal savings.

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Be sure to designate that you are interested in a student loan before you submit your aid application. Read more about applying for financial aid.

No. Federal Pell Grants are limited to undergraduate students and are not available for graduate-level study, including the UK online MSW and DSW programs.

Federal Direct Loans used to pay for your online MSW degree may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness if you are eligible for the program. Learn more about current requirements for PSLF.

Federal student loans are funded by the U.S. government and come with fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment options, deferment and forbearance protections, and potential eligibility for forgiveness programs such as PSLF. Private student loans are offered through banks, credit unions, or other lenders and have a variety of terms and interest rates. They may also have fewer repayment options, depending on the lender. Private loan borrowers do not qualify for PSLF and may not be eligible for other loan forgiveness programs.

Private loans can fill a funding gap, but there could be important trade-offs. Unlike federal loans, private loans may not come with income-driven repayment options and certain borrower protections, and you will be ineligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. Before turning to private loans, it’s worth reviewing your federal loan eligibility, applying for institutional scholarships, and looking into employer tuition reimbursement. If private loans are necessary, compare lenders carefully and borrow only what you need.

Many private lenders do offer in-school deferment, allowing you to postpone payments while enrolled at least half-time. Deferment policies vary by lender, however, so review the repayment terms carefully when comparing private loan options.

Federal student loans carry fixed interest rates set annually by Congress, which provides predictability over the life of your loan. Private loan rates can be fixed or variable and are determined by your credit history, income, and the lender’s terms — meaning they can be different for each borrower and over time.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill^® provides education benefits for military spouses of active-duty service members and reservists. Eligibility requirements apply. Learn more about military benefits at UK.

GI Bill funding may be used for graduate education, including master’s and doctoral degrees. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, textbooks, and supplies. Learn more about applying for VA education benefits.

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover tuition and fees that exceed the Veterans Administration’s standard capped benefit rate for each state. UK is proud to match the VA’s contribution dollar for dollar. If you qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at 100%, you are automatically eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship.

Military Tuition Assistance from the Department of Defense and GI Bill^® benefits through the Veterans Administration may be used together, but they cannot overlap to pay for the same education costs at the same time, including tuition, housing, or textbooks. If you plan to take advantage of both federal programs while earning your degree, learn more about these resources here.

GI Bill^® benefits are limited to 36 months. If you exhaust your benefit before completing your degree, other funding options may include federal student loans, institutional aid, or employer tuition reimbursement, if you are eligible. A payment plan may also be available to help you manage the extra costs each semester.

A tuition payment plan allows you to spread your semester balance across multiple monthly installments rather than paying the full amount upfront at the start of each term. Most plans are interest-free, although some schools charge a small enrollment fee.

Yes, UK offers an installment plan that allows you to divide your semester balance into equal monthly payments. Visit the UK Student Account Services installment payment plan site to review eligibility requirements and learn more.

The UK Student Account Services installment payment plan is interest free as long as you meet the terms and continue paying the amount due each month.

If you do not pay the monthly amount required for your UK Student Account Services installment payment plan by the due date, your plan will be cancelled and the remaining balance will be due immediately, along with a late fee of 1.5% of the total unpaid balance. A registration hold will also be placed on your account until you are able to resolve the issue.

Yes, payment plans and financial aid may be used together. If your aid disbursement is late or does not cover all of your education costs for a given semester, a payment plan could be a good short-term option to ensure you have the required funds. Just remember to make your installment payments on time while waiting for your aid disbursement.

Yes, scholarships are available for students completing the online MSW program. Discover social work scholarship opportunities here.

Yes, UK is pleased to offer social work scholarships for bachelor’s students. Learn more about social work scholarship opportunities.

The online DSW program offers a number of social work scholarships. Complete the application online and you will automatically be considered for all available UK social work scholarship opportunities.

Social work scholarship deadlines vary but submitting applications before or shortly after you apply for admission is a good strategy. Many institutional scholarships follow financial aid deadlines, while external scholarships may accept applications at other times during the year. Complete the UK social work scholarship application online and you will automatically be considered for all available opportunities.

UK offers a number of social work scholarships, including awards for incoming students. Each has different criteria. Eligibility may be based on your enrollment status (full- or part-time), academic progress or GPA, or factors such as the financial need demonstrated in your FAFSA or your interest in a specific area of social work practice. You will automatically be considered for all available scholarships after completing the application.

Yes, there are scholarships specifically designated for MSW students.Awards may be funded by the university or sponsored by alumni, donors, or special endowments. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and other nonprofit organizations also offer social work scholarships for graduate students, in addition to state agencies and local healthcare systems.

Complete one UK social work scholarship application to be considered for all scholarships available to students at your degree level. GPA requirements vary by scholarship program, but academic performance is just one consideration. Scholarships are also designated to help students meet financial needs, prepare for social work practice with different populations, or conduct research, among other opportunities.

Tuition does not usually cover textbooks, but financial aid and other types of education funding can be used to pay for textbooks. Professors will provide a book list for every course, and you can decide whether to rent, buy, or borrow the required materials.

Most fees are included within tuition costs, but students are assessed a $10 per credit hour Distance Learning Fee as well as course-specific fees and other mandatory program fees. Learn more about MSW Tuition & Fees.

Students are assessed a $10 per-credit-hour Distance Learning Fee in addition to tuition, mandatory course fees, and other applicable fees. Learn more about BASW Tuition & Fees.

While most fees are included in tuition costs, DSW students are assessed a $10 per credit hour Distance Learning Fee, in addition to course-specific fees and other mandatory program fees. Learn more about DSW Tuition & Fees.

The cost per credit is $790. Students who enroll in nine or more credits in a semester are eligible for the block tuition rate of $7,092.50. Published tuition costs may differ from your estimated total cost of attendance, which includes the amount you choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal items or activities each academic year. Learn more about MSW Tuition.

Tuition is $654 per credit hour, regardless of whether you are in-state or out-of-state. Published tuition costs may differ from your estimated total cost of attendance, which includes the amount you choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal items or activities each academic year. Learn more about BASW Tuition & Fees.

The cost per credit is $790. Students who enroll in nine or more credits in a semester are eligible for the block tuition rate of $7,092.50. Published tuition costs may differ from your estimated total cost of attendance, which includes the amount you choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal items or activities each academic year. Learn more about DSW Tuition & Fees.

Tuition for the Regular Standing MSW program is $47,400. Advanced Standing MSW tuition is $23,700 based on a part-time course load. You can reduce your total tuition cost by taking nine or more credit hours in a semester, which qualifies you for the block tuition rate of $7,092.50. Published tuition costs may differ from your estimated total cost of attendance, which includes the amount you may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal items or activities each academic year. Learn more about MSW tuition and fees.

Total tuition for the 120-hour online BA in Social Work depends on the number of courses you take and any transfer credits you can apply to the degree. Tuition is currently $654 per credit hour for all students, regardless of residency. Visit the online BASW tuition page for a full cost breakdown including block tuition savings. Published tuition costs may differ from your estimated total cost of attendance, which includes the amount you choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal items or activities each academic year.

Total tuition for the 42-credit program is $33,180. You can reduce your total cost by taking nine or more credit hours in a semester, which qualifies you for the block tuition rate of $7,092.50 for that semester. Published tuition costs may differ from your estimated total cost of attendance, which includes the amount you choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal items or activities each academic year. Learn more about DSW tuition and fees.