The Queen Creek Unified School District and Northern Arizona University recently entered a memorandum of understanding allowing district employees to receive a graduate degree at a discounted rate.

The agreement between the district and Arizona Board of Regents  covers  current teachers looking to land advance degrees, including master's and doctorates.  The agreement covers programs offered in Flagstaff, online or through NAU's various satellite campuses.

Teachers who meet the criteria will receive 10% off the standard tuition rate while they remain in an approved area of study, remain employed by QCUSD and maintains academic expectations of the NAU graduate college.

The deal does not include a reduction in university or program fees, according to documents from the district.

NAU officials will oversee the program and provide student services and marketing of the program to teachers.

QCUSD's role will be to promote the program among its teachers, help with verification that those applying are district employees and have a district liason with NAU, according to the agreement.

The deal will run through Dec. 31, 2025, and it can be terminated at any time with 30 days notice from either side, according to the agreement.