Many employers are now willing to pay for their employees to get Masters degrees. Whether you’re currently searching for a job or negotiating a raise, the ability and desire of your employer to pay for your degree is an important consideration.

Ask Questions

Before you begin a job, ask questions about the employers’ stance on higher education. If they are really gung ho about their employees increasing their knowledge and going back to school, there’s a good chance that they would be willing to pay for your higher education. Never be afraid to ask whether they would consider paying since that will show your initiative and love for the profession.

Get It In Writing

If you are told by your employer that the company is willing to pay for your Masters degree, be sure to get everything in writing. Find out how long you have to work for the company to get this benefit and how long you’ll need to stay with them. If you leave before the appointed waiting time, what happens? Do you have to pay the company back all the money you borrowed with interest or just a portion of the money? Know everything and get it in writing you can before starting on your Masters degree.

Sell Them

Perhaps your employer thinks it would be great for you to get a Masters degree… on your own dime. You still have hope – they think it’s a good idea. You now need to sell them on how your degree will benefit them. What would the arrangements be? How would your increased knowledge add to their profits? Sell them on what you know to be true and come to a fair agreement for all parties.

Matching Programs

If your employer won’t pay for the entire degree, at least see if they won’t match you hour for hour. This way if you’re working on a 36-hour program, you would only be paying for half the classes, books, and miscellaneous fees. For a reluctant boss, this may be the only way they’re willing to help you with your schooling.

If you really want to get your company to pay for your Masters degree, do the following:

Ask Questions

Get the Facts in Writing

Sell them on the Plan

Consider a Matching Program