Teammates will not be able to access these benefits or the InStride portal to begin applications until January 15, 2026. This is a preview of the upcoming new Education Assistance Benefits for teammates.
Starting Thursday, January 15, these new Education Assistance Benefits will be available for all eligible teammates across the enterprise. Through our partnership with InStride, Advocate Health will deliver one harmonized plan with direct pay options, loan support and expanded “no-cost” education pathways.
A new and exciting addition! With InStride Upfront Tuition, you do not have to pay out of pocket or wait for reimbursement. Advocate Health partners with InStirde to pay your tuition directly to your school -- no reimbursement or applications to receive payment required.
| How it works |
You can choose from over 1,300 flexible online programs, including:
Advocate Health pays your tuition directly to your school. |
| Coverage amounts |
Full-time teammates: $5,250 annual coverage for most programs; $7,500 for Franklin University nursing degrees or certificates. Part-time teammates: $2,625 annual coverage for all programs including Franklin University nursing degrees or certificates. |
| Eligibility | Benefits-eligible, full-time and part-time teammates. PRN, temporary, contract or contingent teammates are not eligible. |
| What’s covered | Tuition, plus any eligible books and fees included in your tuition bill. Coverage use is tracked by date of payment by Advocate Health. |
| Requirements |
Maintain good academic standing, remain employed with Advocate Health for 12 continuous months after tuition is paid and repay a prorated amount if you leave or are terminated for cause within 12 months. |
| How to get started |
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Pay out of pocket for courses at accredited schools and get reimbursed after successful completion.
| Coverage amounts | Full-time teammates: $5,250 annually Part-time teammates: $2,625 annually |
| Eligibility |
Benefits-eligible, full-time and part-time teammates. PRN teammates are not eligible. |
| What’s covered |
Tuition, books, application fees and course or exam fees |
| Requirements |
Apply within 30 days of course start, earn at least a C (C- eligible) or Pass, submit documentation within 60 days of course end and stay employed 12 months after payment. All expenses for one course must be submitted in a single reimbursement request. |
Pay out of pocket and get reimbursed for completing Continuing Education Units (CEU) from accredited organizations such as ACCME, ACPE, ANCC or AAPA.
| Coverage amounts | $1,500 annually (counts toward overall tuition limit) |
| Eligibility |
Benefits-eligible, full-time and part-time teammates and PRNs |
| What’s covered |
Course fees, exam fees and registration costs |
| Requirements | Submit documentation within 60 days of course end and remain employed for 12 months after payment. All eligible expenses must be submitted together. |
Formerly known as Direct Pay, CourseCa$h™ allows you to use funds through a digital card for select partner schools and programs. This digital card enables teammates to pay schools directly, simplifying the payment process.
| How it works |
For tuition: Advocate Health issues funds through a digital card. For books and eligible fees: Teammates request reimbursement. |
| Coverage amounts |
Varies by program, see below. |
| Eligibility |
Benefits-eligible, full-time and part-time teammates |
| Available options |
Please note, if you previously used Direct Pay, check that your school appears on the updated partner list to ensure eligibility. |
| Requirements |
Apply within 30 days of course start, remain eligible throughout, stay employed for 12 months after tuition is paid and submit proof of completion and receipts within 60 days of course end. |
Advocate Health helps pay down your existing student loan debt through direct payments to your loan servicer.
| How it works | Payments are made directly to the loan servicer in monthly installments. |
| Coverage amounts | Full-time teammates: Up to $5,250/year (lifetime max $21,000) Part-time teammates: Up to $2,625/year (lifetime max $10,500) |
| Eligibility |
Med Surg nursing, Imaging and Respiratory Therapy roles are eligible. Non-Med Surg nursing roles and leaders who were previously enrolled as of Oct. 31, 2025, will be grandfathered into the program. |
Please note: Some legacy programs were consolidated or eliminated as part of the harmonization process. If your previous program is now available through InStride Upfront Tuition, you can transfer to this option. If your program no longer exists, you can use CourseCa$h™ at a preferred partner school, or tuition reimbursement.
Approved Schools for Workforce Development Upskilling Pathways & Advocate Health Direct Pay Network
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Approved Schools for Nursing Preferred Partner
Approved Schools for Nursing Voucher
