Mercy Health and Youngstown State University (YSU) are expanding their partnership to support Mercy Health employees attending YSU health care programs.

Initially, Mercy Health students attending YSU would be eligible to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket tuition expenses by Mercy Health and then pay their tuition back over an extended period.

However, students who could not afford the initial out-of-pocket expense could not participate in the programs.

This new program, known as deferred tuition, is designed to rectify that by ensuring employer funds are ready up front when a student's tuition comes due.

Deferred tuition is available to all Mercy Health employees, including full-time, part-time, or pro re nata (when needed) employees, as soon as their first day as part of Mercy Health's education benefits program. 

"This expanded partnership with Mercy Health removes financial barriers and enables more students to pursue their academic and professional goals without the burden of upfront tuition costs," stated Sara Michaliszyn, dean, Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, YSU.