Question: Employer Tuition Reimbursement

[me2]

Posted: 11/4/09 at 9:24pm

I just love this board. Where else can I go when I have these bizarre questions I have no idea of where to find out the answer?

I am contemplating entering an MBA program, and I am thinking about employer tuition reimbursement. I work for a small business, and when I was hired, I read that they were open to tuition reimbursement. The problem is that if I get my MBA, I would probably not stay forever at this company simply because they could not afford to pay me enough to pay back my tuition and because my passion is to become involved in producing. I love my job, but the reality is that I make a pretty meager living in comparison to my potential.

So . . . What are the benefits to employers of doing tuition reimbursement? Is it fair for me to even mention the idea when I don't think I could stay there forever? Are the short-term benefits worth it for the employer?

I work for two of the greatest men ever, and they are tremendously kind and are amazing business owners. I would NEVER take advantage of them. But I would appreciate getting feedback to know how to plan. Sometimes I am so careful not to impose or take advantage of people, the one who gets taken is me! No, make that always.

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/4/09 at 9:37pm

I'm not terribly experienced in this arena, so I can't offer much advice other than if you respect these men so much, then don't take advantage of the situation. After all, they'd be your references for your future job. Could you get a better job without the degree?

Also, good for you for continuing your education.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/4/09 at 9:40pm

I imagine you sign some sort of contract stating that if you don't stay with the company for x amount of time then you are responsible for paying them back.

[me2]

Posted: 11/7/09 at 3:06pm

Like I said, I would NEVER take advantage of them, but I don't know what the standard is . . . Plus, I could end up working for them for 5 years while they benefit from my expensive knowledge.

[blueroses]

Posted: 11/7/09 at 3:43pm

Expensive knowledge that they will have paid for.

It's worth looking into. Don't go into a whole song and dance and reassure then how you will never take advantage of them. Just be polite and professional and ask them about their policy regarding tuition reimbursement, and if there is any literature you can read. If they ask why, just say you're considering furthering your education. Don't go into details or your concerns about how long you'll have to stay there. Just get the information you need.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/7/09 at 5:28pm

If there is a tuition reimbursement program, take advantage of it. As someone who is researching MBA programs (though I am in very, very early stages), I know how expensive they can be, so it is good that your company offers this program.

It is completely normal to have these concerns. The company might have some sort of contract, as Phyllis stated. If there isn't a contract, then you have every right to leave the job if you find something better. They should understand too, especially if they decide not to push forth some sort of contract. As long as your an employee, it is your right! Good luck.

What schools are you looking into, out of curiosity?

[me2]

Posted: 11/8/09 at 4:13pm

I think the best bet is to approach the idea only if it seems like my knowledge is benefiting the company in a tangible, financial way. Again, I would be very open about my plans.

Thanks for the input!

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 11/8/09 at 4:18pm

When I decided to go to design school, the company I was working offered to pay for part of my tuition. They didn't make me sign anything. Once I was done with school, of course I wanted a full-time design job (mine was 1/2 time design, 1/2 time admin) and they could not offer me that. They understood when I left 3 months after getting the degree.