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Do You Qualify for Tuition Reimbursement?  |
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(ARA) – Looking to finish a degree or seeking a new one to advance your career? If you are, you’re probably wondering how you’ll pay for your education. You may be surprised to find out you could qualify for financial aid, in the form of tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Most full-time and part-time employees don’t realize there is money available for them to take courses, finish a degree, and advance their career. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit, and if a company does not currently offer it, adult students can often make the case that it’s a worthwhile benefit.
“Employees who enrich their education and bring their increased knowledge back to the company are a valuable asset to the business,” says Greg Titus, CEO of CourseAdvisor Inc. “Employers often view the resources allocated to helping employees with education costs as a win-win situation, benefiting both the company and the student.”
Companies offer tuition reimbursement because they know that employees with an advanced education can offer new skills. These employees can also stay in the company to move up the career ladder, saving the business the time and money of training new hires. Employers also recognize that employees who feel their company invests in its workforce and supports their personal goals have improved morale and better work performance.
When asking your company for tuition reimbursement, follow these steps:
1. Find out if your company has a tuition reimbursement program in place. If so, talk to the appropriate people to find out if you qualify and how to follow the proper procedures to apply. If the company has no such program, arrange to speak with key decision makers and persuade them that it’s in their best interest to provide tuition reimbursement for employees.
2. Enroll in classes. The most efficient way for adult learners to attend college is online. Classes, exams, and homework can be done on your timeline, in a location of your choice--and online programs can be surprisingly affordable. A web site like CourseAdvisor.com has an education search service to guide you through programs, degrees, and schools to find the online university that’s right for you.
3. Make sure your degree will benefit both you and your employer by taking classes that will directly benefit your career. If you work in IT, your tuition likely won’t be reimbursed if you pursue a degree in history. If you’re changing careers, examine other options for financing.
4. Collect paperwork. Your company won’t just hand out free money. You’ll be required to provide documents such as registration and finance forms, receipts, and transcripts.
5. Most companies pay anywhere from 25 percent to 75 percent in tuition reimbursement, not the full amount. If you need to, arrange for additional financial aid to make sure you can complete your degree.
Employers have a vested interest in making sure their employees have the skills and knowledge that will help them succeed at work. Earning a degree in your job field will not only help you become a more valuable employee, but could also increase your salary and your opportunities for promotion.
To choose the right online education program for you, visit CourseAdvisor.com. For more information on education financing options for adult learners, visit the CourseAdvisor Financial Aid Resource Center.
Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.
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