Do you want to return to school but you're worried about the financial commitment? Are you wondering how you will pay for tuition, especially with the economy in flux?

Pursuing graduate education is an investment in yourself and your future. 
Considering the depreciation of cars, electronics, and other consumer goods, one of the best investments you can make is in pursuing an advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Temple University’s Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance graduate program has an international reputation and is the leader in the field. 

By obtaining a master’s degree in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (RAQA) from Temple, a top-ranking insitution in the field, you are expanding your knowledge of the industry and enhancing your credentials. Unlike a cell phone that might stop working in two years, the graduate degree you earn will stay with you the rest of your life. Plus critical thinking skills you acquire along the way will serve you every day, by preparing you to analyze the validity of arguments.

How do you juggle the finances of returning to school, when tuition bills are due at the beginning of the semester and often company reimbursement is paid after final grades are submitted? 

Review Your Company’s Reimbursement Policies.

• Some companies pay tuition at the end of the semester but have credit unions which offer low-interest loans to employees.
• Some companies participate in third-party billing. This means that they accept responsibility for student tuition bills at the beginning of the semester. As long as the student obtains a specific grade (usually B- or higher), the student never receives the tuition bill. If your company participates in this plan, contact Pam Watters at Temple University (215.204.8356 or [click-for-email]). Ms. Watters cannot convince your company to accept third-party billing, but she can help you with processing the correct paperwork if they do.
• Some companies pay for books, RPNow fees, and graduate application fees.

Whether your company provides 100% tuition reimbursement, 50%, a fixed amount over the year, or tuition reimbursement based on your final grade, it is a great benefit and gift from your employer.  Let your HR department know how much you appreciate this benefit and explain how your graduate courses have helped you to perform better in your job. Good feedback usually brings positive results. 

Review your course choice with your supervisor, selecting a curriculum that will enhance your performance in your current position. When you have finished a course, take the time to explain the skills and knowledge you acquired. Everyone likes a good investment. 

Obtain Financial Aid through the University:
Temple offers Financial Aid to graduate students, allowing you to take advantage of low-interest loans. However, you must take a minimum of two courses per semester to be eligible. The amount you receive may depend upon whether you financed your undergraduate education through federal aid. For more information, explore Temple’s Financial Aid website. Then call Rozina McFadden at 215.707.4448 or email her at sasido@temple.edu. Ms. McFadden handles the Financial Aid requests for School of Pharmacy students.

Familiarize yourself with Temple billing policies:
Always refer to the RAQA website concerning RAQA registration procedures and tuition due dates. This information varies each semester and is published under Schedule Notes on the Schedule link.

Make sure you pay your bill by the stated deadline (to avoid a $100 late payment fee).

We recommend you pay your tuition with a check (or with an electronic check) to avoid any fees. Using a credit card incurs a convenience fee of 2.75% of the tuition bill. Please send tuition checks directly to the Bursar’s Office at Temple University Ambler, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA 19002. Make sure you include your TUid on the check. 

Register early and before the first class meeting. If you register late, Temple may impose a late registration fee.

Still have questions about financing your return to school?
Contact the RA and QA Office at 267.468.8560 or qara@temple.edu, and we’ll be glad to help. If you're a new student and are having trouble making your initial payment, please let us know.