Getting accepted to The University of Texas Permian Basin is a big milestone. If you’re a working professional, the next step—asking your employer about tuition reimbursement—can feel a little intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.
Most organizations want employees who grow, stay, and contribute at a higher level. And many companies offer tuition reimbursement, tuition assistance, or educational assistance programs as part of their employee benefits.
With a clear, well-prepared approach, you can shift the tuition reimbursement conversation from asking for money to showing how your education aligns with company goals.
Tuition reimbursement, sometimes called employer tuition assistance, is an employee education benefit where your employer pays back some or all of your college tuition after you successfully complete your courses. Many organizations include tuition reimbursement programs as part of their professional development or employee retention strategies.
To get tuition reimbursement, it’s important to present your program’s costs and benefits to your employer, then follow their reimbursement process.
Here are the steps to take when you’re ready to reach out.
Always do your homework. Start by finding out whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement, tuition assistance, or educational assistance benefits. Look in your HR portal or employee handbook, since this information is often tucked away inside HR policies. Take note of:
Some companies reimburse after you complete your courses. Others offer support upfront. Requirements might vary based on your role or length of employment. For example, some employers expect three to 12 months of tenure or full-time status.
Getting familiar with these benefits helps you plan and shows your employer you take the opportunity seriously.
Pro tip: Print or save the policy and highlight the sections that apply to you. Bringing that copy to your meeting shows you’re organized and prepared.
A 2024 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation brief found that 90% of surveyed business leaders viewed tuition assistance as a strategic investment that builds competitive edge. By choosing to continue your education, you’re already matching that mindset.
Now help your employer see this connection.
Ask yourself:
If your program strengthens areas like leadership, analytics, SEO, finance, or health administration, say so. Try something like, “This program builds the exact skills our department needs, and I can use them right away.”
Fully online programs like those offered by UT Permian Basin are designed for working professionals, which means:
This frames the conversation around long-term value, not just cost.
Pro tip: Bring one concrete example of a current project where your new skills would save money, time, or outsourcing costs.
Before you walk into your meeting, have your numbers ready. (Seriously—nothing impresses an employer faster.) Gather the basics:
Then suggest a funding plan that fits most tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs, like:
Make sure to mention whether you’re hoping for upfront assistance, post-completion reimbursement, or a mix of both. It’ll make your employer’s decision much easier.
Pro tip: Treat this like a business pitch: Be confident, organized, and straightforward. Your employer will appreciate that you’ve already done most of the work for them.
Your employer will have questions. Try to anticipate them ahead of time and practice your responses. (This is a great time to get a friend into the mix for some practice rounds.)
Some questions to think about:
“Will this affect your work performance?”
Online classes make it easy to keep your workflow steady. Let them know you’ll plan ahead for busy weeks and stay on top of deadlines. You could even start with one course to show how smoothly the process works.
“What if you leave after we pay for it?”
Point out that education benefits increase retention—and you’re willing to show commitment, whether that’s maintaining a strong GPA or staying with the company for a set period after finishing.
Pro tip: Make the ask easy with a simple format. Using a “before and after” map to show how your role will grow makes you look prepared and forward-thinking … because you are.
Try customizing some of the scripts below to make your case for tuition assistance:
Education is an investment for both you and your employer. When you connect your education to business needs and come prepared with costs and solutions, you turn a potentially awkward ask into a strategic partnership.
Key steps:
Did you know that about 60% of employees using tuition reimbursement are enrolled in online programs? UT Permian Basin’s fully online, accredited programs are designed for working professionals balancing school, family, and career growth.
UTPB offers more than 40 online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Students benefit from:
Furthering your education shouldn’t interrupt your career—it should accelerate it. UTPB’s flexible online programs make it possible to advance professionally while earning a respected degree on your terms.
When you’re ready, choose your dream program and join the Falcon Family.
Sources:
https://www.instride.com/insights/tuition-reimbursement-statistics
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/employee-tuition-reimbursement-most-tuition-152437822.html
https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w12975/w12975.pdf
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