Convincing your employer to pay for your degree

Managers value employees who have career goals and the desire to acquire new skills, and many companies have education reimbursement programs. But before you discuss an MBA with your boss, it’s best to be prepared, do your research and understand the policies and procedures to secure support. 

Managers value employees who have career goals and the desire to acquire new skills, and many companies have education reimbursement programs. But before you discuss an MBA or business master's degree with your boss, it’s best to be prepared, do your research and understand the policies and procedures to secure support.

Gather knowledge from colleagues

You can learn a lot by talking with co-workers, managers who are a rung or two ahead of you in the organization, and those who have received promotions. Ask if they have a master's, how they balanced work and school, and how it has benefited them and the company. The more you learn from others, the stronger your case when you talk to your supervisor.

Research company policies

Check your employer's website and/or the employee handbook for any information regarding formal tuition reimbursement or scholarship programs before seriously discussing it with your supervisor. And double-check that those policies are still in place by contacting human resources. Even if your company does not have an official corporate reimbursement policy, corporate America invests millions of dollars annually to help employees reach their full potential through tuition reimbursement, so there is a chance that your employer could, too.

Discuss with your boss

As you would with any important meeting, create a game plan before you talk to your supervisor about getting an degree. You’ll want to express why an MBA or business master's helps the organization as much as it could help you, and why now is the right time to go back to school. Get feedback on where you fit within the company over the next couple of years and the skills you'll need to get there. You’ll want to share common ground about your development goals, which can often lead to a discussion about how much the company values an advanced degree. Be prepared to discuss the following topics:

• Program cost, reputation, and duration
• The curriculum and class schedule
• How a degree will improve your job performance
• Why the organization should pay for it
• What you're willing to give in return for tuition assistance

Is It smart to ask your employer to pay for your education?

It is smart, especially if you want to stay out of debt. Master's programs are expensive and often require multiple loans to pay for. Getting someone else to pay for your degree is almost always better than having to pay for it yourself. Some employers may ask you to sign a contract saying that you will stay with the company for a certain number of years after graduation. Others will require you to maintain a specific grade point average while you are in school. Make sure you’re as willing to compromise as the organization is when it comes to your post-graduation plans. ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business has a dedicated financial services team to help you navigate the details of financial aid and corporate reimbursement.

Learn more

With more than a dozen ways to earn your MBA or master's degree, the W. P. Carey School can help you accelerate your career. Discover all our degrees and find the one that's right for you.