Avoid Paying For Graduate School. Part 1: How to Find Employers Who Will Foot the Bill. Whether you are considering pursuing a graduate degree to get your foot in the door, take your career to the next level or just to satisfy a desire for lifelong learning, you are faced with a big decision. Graduate school is a commitment to yourself and your future, and it also requires a substantial commitment of time, effort and money (especially money). With so much of your time and money on the line, why not look for an employer who's willing to help foot the bill? Why Employers (Will or Should) Pay.
Employers who support their employees continued education do so for many reasons. Some see the opportunity to expand their organization's intellectual and organizational capacity, some see the opportunity to reward a good employee, some are purely after increased employee retention, and some see a tax write- off. Whatever their reasoning may be, it makes sense to take advantage of every last dime available.
Good employers realize that no matter how they attract highly- educated talent, they have to pay for it. In many instances, it can be cheaper and more beneficial for the employer to support you through school than to replace you with someone externally who has their graduate degree. Of course, typically employers are going to be looking for you to take courses related to your job or their business. MBAs are one degree that typically fit any employer (it is a generalist degree by nature, though many programs have started adding specialist tracks). Graduate business degrees were the 2nd most popular degree with over 1.
- Earning a graduate degree can mean a big pay bump if you choose wisely. Find out how hundreds of graduate school programs rate by alumni salary.
- Find the best graduate program for you using the US News Best Graduate Schools rankings. Our tips and tools help you explore your options for grad school financial aid, including scholarships, grants and loans. Quiz: Graduate School Financial Aid.
- Use These 5 Strategies to Pay for Graduate School Potential sources of financial support range from your boss to Uncle Sam.
- 5 graduate degrees that don't pay off In today's tough job market, many recent college graduates are enrolling in graduate programs to enhance their credentials and gain an edge with hiring managers. In some cases, the tactic may lead to lucrative job opportunities.
- Evening and Weekend Programs Read more 'Where the only prerequisite is desire!' Instructor Opportunities at Graduate School USA Read More Join our team, and bring your professional experience into the classroom. New and Updated Courses.
- Home > Resources > After College > Graduate And Professional School > Paying For Graduate School Paying for Graduate School. Graduate School Programs Paying for Graduate School Preparing for Graduate School Should You Go to Grad School?
NCES. Do you wonder why education was probably first? Most schools will pay for their teachers to go back for Masters Degrees. Likewise, teachers typically get an automatic pay increase once completing their degree. What Employers are Willing to Pay. Employers who have programs to help you get your degree typically call these programs continuing education or tuition reimbursement programs. Traditionally, you pay your tuition up front, then they pay you back later.
More progressive employers will develop cohorts and pay the tuition up front for you (that's a concept Pfizer has used in the last few years within their accounting department and also means ZERO out- of- pocket expenses for you). Some employers have pre- established limits, such as they will reimburse . You can expect most employers (though not all) not to cover the cost of your books and materials, but that cost can be kept minimal through some strategic spending on your part, compared to tuition costs. Finding an Employer that is Willing to Pay.
Below are several strategies you can use to target employers with these programs. Many of the companies on this list are great places to start looking for continuing education dollars. The companies obviously realize that investing in their employees is worthwhile, and put a lot of time into internal and external training for their staff.
Expand your expertise with master’s degree programs from The New School. Our graduate studies coursework is designed to challenge students pursuing ongoing education. Graduate Programs The New School offers some of the nation's most distinguished. Getting into graduate school is one thing, paying for graduate study is another. Look here for information and suggestions on sources of financial aid and funding for graduate study. FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid Free Application for Federal.
Out of all of the strategies presented here, this is probably your BEST place to start. Use The Fortune 5. List as a Jump Start . Remember, many small employers would love to help (and many do in varying ways), but in order to ensure an employer can and will foot the bill, you have to find employers who can afford to do so.
Target Fortune Magazine's Top Companies to Work For . Likewise, educational institutions almost always offer educational opportunities. Why You Can Feel Good About Expecting an Employer to Pay. As you compare your options for potential employers, keep in mind that your skills and capabilities make you a valuable commodity, and that gives you negotiating power when it comes to tuition reimbursement as a benefit. If continued education was not on your mind and you were comparing two employers, you would certainly want to work for the one that provided a 4.
K with employer match, health insurance, and paid time off as opposed to the one who didn't. Educational programs are exactly the same as any other benefit . And remember rule #1 in negotiations.