Will My Employer Pay for My Tuition?

The world of work is changing. Today, the rapid pace of innovation means that professionals are continuously learning and adapting to new roles and responding to emerging challenges, issues and trends.

If you’re wondering what you can do to get ahead, you may be surprised to learn many organizations offer educational benefits for their employees, such as tuition assistance or reimbursement.

Why? By investing and promoting employee education, organizations can ensure that their employees are prepared to meet the workforce demands of the future. In short, making it easier for employees to further their education can be good for business.

Are you taking advantage of your employer-provided educational benefits? If not, here’s what you should know:

1. Times change

Educational requirements for many roles have shifted due to changes in the labor market. For example, many healthcare organizations now prefer nurses with a bachelor’s degree over an associate degree. Many working nurses are returning to college for their bachelor’s so that they can stay competitive in the current job market. Continuing your education can help you hone the skills you’ve developed on the job and ensure that you learn the skills you need to stay relevant in your industry.

2. A promotion may require more education

Earning your master’s degree can equip you with the transformational leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills you need to succeed in a management role. In fields like information technology or healthcare, a master’s degree can demonstrate that you have specialized knowledge and advanced skill sets that set you apart from the competition for leadership positions.

3. Differentiate yourself with degrees and certifications

Furthering your education can help you gain a fresh perspective on the job you’ve been doing for years, whether that’s understanding how technology can play a role in improving your business, or how current industry trends are affecting your organization and your customers. It can help you contribute new solutions, raise important questions and bring more value to your team and your organization.

How do I find out more about my company’s educational benefits?

If you have questions about whether your employer offers educational benefits, talk to your supervisor or someone from your human resources department. Your employer might offer tuition assistance, such as tuition reduction scholarships, enrollment fee waivers, complimentary credit evaluations and direct access to college/university contacts.

Keep in mind, however, that inquiring about employer-provided educational benefits will undoubtedly raise the question of why you’d like to return to school. You can discuss how furthering your education will allow you to bring more value to the organization by generating new ideas, learning more about the future of your industry, developing your leadership skills and so much more.