The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is sunsetting the Federal Academic Alliance (Alliance), a program that was established to encourage continuing education within the federal workforce by offering tuition discounts. The agency made the announcement in a memo issued to agency leaders.
The last day for new employees to enroll in the program using Alliance benefits is January 19, 2026. The program’s termination date will be January 30, 2026.
Why is OPM Ending the Alliance Program?
OPM is sunsetting the Alliance program because a comprehensive review showed that it had very low participation rates, with fewer than 0.2 percent of the federal workforce using it in FY 2023 and FY 2024.
The review also found that similar benefits are already available through agency‑specific training and tuition assistance programs, making the Alliance largely redundant. Ending the program will help streamline the Federal learning landscape and reduce administrative complexity for both agencies and vendors.
Transition Guidance for Federal Employees
Employees currently enrolled under Alliance arrangements can continue their education through the end of their current academic term. However, any continuation beyond that term will be subject to the agency’s standard authorities and policies, such as the availability of training and tuition assistance as per 5 CFR part 410 and agency procedures.
Employees can pursue further education through various avenues, including:
- Agency training and tuition assistance programs, subject to budget and policy constraints
- Existing government-wide or agency contracts and vehicles that incorporate learning and development
- State, local, or institution-provided scholarships and financial aid
Frequently Asked Questions for Federal Employees and Supervisors
Why is the Alliance being sunset?
OPM is streamlining governmentwide learning offerings, reducing administrative burden, and aligning benefits with agency authorities and resources.
What happens to my current program?
You may finish your current academic term under existing arrangements. Future terms will follow standard agency policies and resources.
Must I inform my supervisor that the Alliance no longer exists?
OPM recommends informing your supervisor/Human Resources Department if your agency paid for the tuition.
Can supervisors still approve tuition assistance?
Yes, consistent with agency policy and 5 CFR part 410.
Were universities/colleges notified that the Alliance was discontinued?
Yes, all Alliance school partners were notified.
Where can I get more information?
Contact your agency training office.
What is the Federal Academic Alliance?
OPM created the Federal Academic Alliance program in 2014 to provide federal employees access to post-secondary education at reduced rates. It offered discounted tuition rates to federal employees ranging anywhere from 5% to 70% and/or scholarships as a way to foster ongoing learning among the federal workforce.
OPM touted the program as one that was assisting the federal government with addressing skills gaps in occupations such as human resources, information technology, and STEM positions (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
This is a detailed description of the program that OPM had on its website:
OPM is partnering with colleges and universities as a part of the continuing efforts to provide higher educational opportunities to the Federal workforce by providing current Federal employees with the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at reduced tuition rates. This program is a benefit that Federal employees can take advantage of at their own pace to pursue or enhance their higher academic education. Some of the agreements extend the benefits to spouses and legal dependents.
The academic alliances are an additional educational resource for Federal employees and Federal agencies. The alliances address the demand for high-quality learning and development as well as the extremely fast pace of change in the learning industry.
With the endorsement of the CHCO Council, OPM began this leading effort to create relationships with colleges and universities to:
- Address current Governmentwide and agency-specific skills gaps
- Support career development for Federal employee
- Provide greater opportunities for Federal employees to obtain college degrees, certificates and/or college credits
- Provide this opportunity with colleges and universities that offer an online component to address our worldwide workforce.
- Provide current college students with a greater understanding of the Federal Government
Over time, the Alliance expanded its partnerships to include approximately 40 institutions, providing reduced tuition for bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and continuing education programs. Among the schools included in the program were Penn State World Campus, Central Michigan University, and Excelsior College.
