I have an amount reported in box 5 of my 1098-T form which I don't know whether is a tax-free employer provided assistance or not. How can I figure that out?

[NCperson]

call the college and ask them where the money came from 

[Hal_Al]

Some colleges will put employer assistance in that box, usually only when the employer makes the payment directly to the college.  The colleges are not required to report employer assistance, as scholarships,  on the form 1098-T. 

If you don't know about any other scholarships you have, then chances are that is employer assistance. But, the only way to be sure is ask.