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Step 1
Despite the availability of tuition reimbursement programs, most employees do not take advantage of them. Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs) benefit both employee and employer. The employee gains valuable training and knowledge that will help him perform his job better, and the employer gains a more valuable, satisfied, and productive worker as well as receiving tax benefits.
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Step 2
Learn about employers in your area who offer a tuition reimbursement program. These programs can pay up to 100% of your college tuition. Since tuition can be quite expensive, larger employers such as Fortune 500 companies are most likely to offer these types of programs. Don’t look for small companies or start-ups to offer them.
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Step 3
Educate yourself on the company’s tuition reimbursement policy. For example, how long do you have to work there before you can participate? Do you have to work in a certain position or does the program apply to anyone in the company? What grades to you have to maintain to be reimbursed for your courses? What areas of study will the company reimburse? Are all courses covered, or just core courses that relate to your major?
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Step 4
The next step is to get a job with a company who offers a college tuition assistance program. This is where you will have to pay your dues. If anyone in the company can participate in the program and get a free college education, take whatever job you can afford to live on – even if it is just working in the mail room, being a courier, or another undesirable job. Remember it is not forever and you will reap the benefits in the long run. Just get your foot in the door so that you can get an education for free.
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Step 5
Once you have been hired on with the company, start your college courses as soon as you can based on the requirements of the company’s tuition reimbursement program. The sooner you start, the sooner you will finish.
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Step 6
If you already work for a large company and your field of study relates to your current or a future position with the company, they may pay for your education.
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Step 7
Remember, these programs are not free college money just handed to you. They are tuition reimbursement programs – meaning the money comes to you after the fact. You will have to pay your tuition up front, take the courses, make the grades, submit your receipts and grade report to the company’s accounting department, and eventually receive your reimbursement. Be sure you can finance your tuition up front.
Comments
jjkadaba said
on 2/4/2009 Great advice! UPS and FedEx are constantly hiring and I know they offer these programs there. Thanks for the info! 5*'s
thedogshrink said
on 12/6/2008 Good article! Good advice in there.
deepthinkin said
on 12/6/2008 Every little bit helps! Thanks for sharing.
ermabombeck said
on 12/4/2008 This is excellent advice. My husband got most of his education paid for by IBM, back in the old days. He started as a cafeteria worker as a teen, and went to school part-time. Over the years, he got his degree and moved up in the company and now does tech executive support. It can be done! 5 *'s
StacyP said
on 12/3/2008 In these tough economic times, going back to school is often a necessity. Getting tuition reimbursement from your employers is a smart way to save money on a college education. Good info to know!