Get Your Boss To Pay!

I have mentioned before in Getting Something For Nothing: Lowering the Cost of Tuition and Rent that if you get a full-time position at a college or university that often you get free tuition as part of your compensation for the job.  Working for a college or university is not the only way of getting your employer to pay for school.

If you have completed an Associate’s degree or the equivalent there are many positions open in local government that you can qualify for.  These positions often have tuition reimbursement programs to help their employees move up to higher positions.  These programs are often found in law enforcement and social services type positions.  Usually the reimbursement only occurs when you earn B’s or better, and sometimes the amount reimbursed is dependent on the grade.  For instance you might get 100% refunded if you get an A, but only 80% if you get a B. 

I have also learned from one of The College Wallet readers, Bethany, that some employers can also utilize something called Educational Assistance Program (EAP).  Even if you are working for a family (as a nanny, housekeeper, or other service worker) this can be an option. These programs allow employers to pay for tuition and school related expenses for employees up to $5,250 per year without tax penalty.  If you find an employer that offers this program take advantage of it.  If your employer doesn’t mention participating in this program ask the HR department or make the suggestion that they should.  Some employers would love to help their employees continue their education because they see it as a way to further develop their workforce. There is more information available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.

If any of you know of programs that are useful to other college students to help pay for school feel free to contact me.  You can either leave a comment or email me through my profile!