Full-time employees who have been with Desert Financial, Define Mortgage, SwitchThink Solutions and Wealth Management for at least 90 days are eligible to participate in the InvestED Program which includes:

• 100% coverage for skill-building courses 
• 100% tuition coverage for undergraduate degrees
• Up to $10,500 tuition coverage per calendar year for graduate degrees or graduate certificates

Employees are responsible for the cost of any application fees, books and/or any additional costs

Degree programs require application and admittance to ASU and provide students with a depth of knowledge in a given field or area of study. Graduate certificate programs require application and admittance to ASU and provide students with specific and practical skills related to a given career or field. Skill-building courses allow students to add to or enhance their professional skills.

You can only enroll in one degree or graduate certificate program at a time, and one skill-building short course at a time. In order to enroll in another learning option, you must complete your original course, certificate or degree program.

If you choose to enroll in a graduate program and reach the $10,500 limit in a calendar year, you will be responsible for paying ASU the remaining tuition and fees. Through our partnership with ASU, eligible employees will receive a 15% scholarship on tuition that will be applied before you are charged your remaining balance. You should research the cost of your graduate program before enrolling. Please note that funds are applied first in Spring.

Your organization can provide up to $5,250 in education assistance tax-free per calendar year. Any amount of educational assistance provided to you by Desert Financial over $5,250 will be subject to taxes and will be included on your Form W-2 for the year.

You’re encouraged to reach out to your HR or payroll department or a tax professional for information and advice on navigating your individual tax obligations.