How to Get Your Boss to Pay Your Tuition
Just ask…
Do you want to return to school but lack the cash to go? Are you stuck in a less-than-challenging assignment because of the economy? Would taking a few classes help you stay interested in your job?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, you MUST read this article. Good stuff man.
I completed undergrad and graduate school with only $14k in student loans because my first employer paid for my graduate degree. I always wanted an MBA from a reputable state school, but I knew I couldn’t afford it. When I finally asked about the process, I learned that I had to prepare a written explanation of how the degree would benefit the organization. That was a piece of cake. Then the hard part began. I had to attend class, maintain a B average, and do what I said I was going to do at work. No tenure agreement, no reimbursements, etc. I registered, they paid, I attended class, showed proof of my grades, rinse and repeat. After two years, I completed an MBA and earned 2 consecutive promotions.
At my current employer, everyone complained (and still does) that training funding is limited. After four months on the job, I began to explore my options. When I decided what I wanted to do, I presented my training plan to my boss. Initially, he gave me the run around, so I went straight to the source – the financial officer. As expected, I was told funding was limited – but – I also asked about the budget for the next fiscal year. He told me when funding “might” be available, which gave me plenty of time to do more research and modify my training plan if necessary. One month after that conversation, I reminded my boss of what I wanted and he knew I was NOT going to let him brush me off. Shortly after, he presented my plan to his boss (otherwise, I was going to do it myself) and was granted approval. Two months later, I received funding to complete 3 leadership courses (need 1 more to complete the certificate) and a recommendation to apply to a highly regarded leadership development program.
In both scenarios, I had several colleagues tell me “they don’t do that here.” Hmph. Then they wonder how I always get what I want. Instead of self reflecting, they prefer to accuse my boss(es) of favoritism. Whatev. The only difference between me and them – I ask for what I want.
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I know that’s right. My new employer provides $5k a year for education to every employee and if there are extra funds at the end of the year, that amount is increased.
I bet there are only a select few who know when there are “extra funds” at the end of the year to get their annual allotment increased. [-SM]
Great post! I think the real take away is not to just ask for what you want, but to do it in such a way that presents the best possible argument on how what you want would also benefit your employer. When people are complaining about how they can’t get what they want even when they ask, they sometimes forget that they ask for what they want in such a way that the employer can easily say no or even has no choice but to say no (to avoid showing favoritism).
One example at my place of employment is people who want to telecommute a few days a week. Ok, but then the reason they give for wanting to has to do with their commute time or family obligations and then they cry foul when they are told no. I am amazed at how people shoot themselves in the foot sometimes.
Yes, I agree. Your request must present a benefit to the employer. Even if it’s BS! [-SM]
AMEN.. my current employer did not pay for my tuition as stated in my offer letter.. so I kindly brought that up AGAIN as I have and I was told due to budget.. WELL it was in WRITING.. so now they have to pay for my education or training.. I made sure that was included in my offer because I knew what I needed to get done.. it’s a mutual benefit.. so we shall see what direction they go in this year :)
great post..
I understand budget constraints, especially in this current economy. You may need to get creative in your approach and explain to them WHY you believe it’s a mutual benefit. Otherwise, what they promised in writing won’t mean a thing if budget constraints result in layoffs. [-SM]
I basically paid for graduate school myself because back then my employer was offering very little in the way of reimbursement. (The amount covered books and a very small portion of one class!) Now they have increased the amount; however, they are smart about it. They DON’T pay the tuition upfront, you do. After you achieve the required grade, they then reimburse you. So you still have to come up with the money upfront, and risk not being reimbursed if you don’t achieve at least a B.
I definitely agree with asking for what you want, but sometimes you have to still take matters into your own hands and have an alternate plan.
I am fortunate in this sense because I work at a large university. If I decide to pursue a graduate degree (and continue working here full-time), the university will pay for one course there per semester. In addition, my office is required to let me leave work an hour early once a week if necessary to attend a class (the hour would not be deducted from my paid time off).
Yes, you are very fortunate. Are you working on an advanced degree? [-SM]
That being said, I’m terrible at asking for what I want (i.e., a raise). Blargh!
As always, you are my hero!
If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I owed you money. :-) [-SM]
Thanks for bringing up this point. My company paid for a personal development class that I asked for last year. We are coming up on review time and I’m seeking out a women’s leadership dinner series to ask for this year.
It keeps my personal skills up-to-date and gets me out socializing with other women professionals. (I’m a sales rep with my nearest colleague in SoCal and my boss in Houston; it can sometimes be lonely out here!!)
As always thanks for your work here.
I love networking at leadership programs! The actual coursework has taught me more about myself than actual leadership skills & techniques though. Most of it is practical knowledge, but it’s the self reflection (i.e. learning when to adjust my preferred management style) that has taught me how to effectively communicate and influence different people. [-SM]
you were more persistent than the others :)
Is that your indirect way of calling me a B****? LOL [-SM]
I needed that today Single Ma. Sometimes, I think people know they need to ask for what they want, but they either don’t do it or do it ineffectively because they don’t know HOW to ask in a way to give them the best chance to get what they want. My job that previously was so fun and engaging has become utterly stagnant and, at times, unbearably boring. I have my evaluation and goal setting today, so this post alone will help me pitch a couple of things I’ve been thinking about. So THANK YOU!
You’re very welcome. How did the eval go? [-SM]
My firm pays for professional development training/seminars, but does not offer tuition reimbursement. However, I made a decision to complete my education, therefore, I pay for it out of my own pocket with the belief that its an investment in me.
I truly believe education is an investment, but I couldn’t afford it, so I had to be solution oriented to get what I wanted instead of going into debt. The answer “no” or “they don’t offer xxx here” was not an acceptable answer for me. To each his own. [-SM]
great post, as always an inspiration! if i ever get my butt in gear and start my grad school application i will definitely be thinking of this post when i go to HR about the employee tuition reimbursement plan!
It might help to get buy-in from your boss before going to HR. S/he may give you the extra ammunition you need. Good luck! [-SM]
When I took the bar exam, I didn’t pay for the prep course. I got my job to pay, by asking. We had a deal – they’d give me half the money upfront, and when I passed, they would pay the balance. Worked out great!
I have decided that if I go back to school for any reason, someone else is going to have to pay for it.
^5 Sounds like a plan to me! [-SM]
Great post!
So true. I never rely entirely on what others say. I always do my own investigation.
Anyhoo my employer provides $5K a year towards education for every employee but your required to have worked with them for 6 months before you can take advantage of the tuition reimbursement. What some employee don’t know is that if you came in as an incumbent then your time with the predecessor counts towards those six months. I hit that 6 month mark on January 27. I already have my plan laid out on what I want to do. I am going for a Project Management Certificate and will talk to my boss on Monday.
My former employer has a tuition remission program, but my experience with it leads me to point out that it is imperative to read the fine print! I was granted time off from work to attend a course (with the understanding that human resources would be reimbursing the tuition)… but then when I returned from the course, the HR leadership denied my reimbursement because I was away from work during that time. The decision was appealed by my department head, but nothing ever came of it. So, yeah… make sure everyone has signed off on your course before you take it, so you have some insurance that you will get reimbursed!
Jerry
I would really like to read your letters of application/request. I am going through a similar process and am having a hard time putting my thought on paper.
thanks, Lien