How to Convince Your Employer to Reimburse Your Tuition

To remain at the head of your profession, it's important to keep training and advancing your skills as a professional. While this can often be obtained on the job, certain types of skills require formal teaching in a school setting. If you are currently employed, it can be challenging to find the time and money to go back to school, but by carefully developing and delivering your case, you may be able to convince your employer to finance your education.

Determine which skills you want to learn and which of these require further education. If you have a technology job, this may include training on new technologies, while office workers may benefit from management training. If you are a trade worker, additional certifications can increase the types of work you can perform, and even increase contractual opportunities for your organization. The best classes are both valuable to your career and to your current job.

Before you can approach you employer, you'll need to know how much your education will cost. Calculate the total tuition investment necessary to obtain your target skills. Schools and universities usually offer this information on their websites, so it should not be difficult to locate.

Check employment guidelines at your organization to see if tuition reimbursement is already available. Larger organizations typically realize the value of educating their staff and offer continuing education tuition reimbursement. If this is available, contact your human resources representative about taking advantage of the reimbursement.

If no tuition reimbursement program is in place, you need to do some rough calculations of the value of further education. Consider the scope and implications of the training you're seeking. List any additional responsibilities you can take on or value you can create for your organization with this training. You can make a stronger case if you have even a ballpark estimation of the monetary value these skills will bring.

Present your proposal to your boss and be prepared to negotiate the terms of your reimbursement. If you were passed over for a raise recently, suggest this as an alternative solution in which both sides can gain a desirable outcome. Be sure to concretely explain how these additional skills will increase your productivity in your current position and potentially free up time for others who are currently responsible for that task.

When negotiating for tuition reimbursement, ask open ended questions to keep the conversation moving. Rather than forcing your boss to make an immediate decision on your request, ask what they would need in order to approve the request.