Southern’s Guide to Employer Tuition Assistance Programs (DRAFT)

Investing in your education is one of the most powerful ways to advance your career and achieve higher earning potential. Whether you are looking to earn a new degree, acquire new skills, or stay current in your field, your employer’s tuition assistance programs could help you to pursue higher education without the financial burden. 

• According to the 2023 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey, 79% of employers offer formal training or education for upskilling or reskilling employees, and 82% offer training to keep skills current. Employers also cover the costs of Professional memberships (87%), Certification or recertification (78%), and Professional licenses (77%). (UPDATE WITH 2025 data) 
• Tuition assistance offers you tax benefits. To learn more, view the IRS rules and regulations.
• Receiving tuition benefits should not prevent you from qualifying for educational loans. Always verify with the Office of Financial Aid first.  

(include link to interest-free payment plans through student accounts) 

Tuition assistance can come in many forms—the most common are:

You will be responsible for paying tuition and fees upfront. Once you successfully complete the eligible course or program, your employer will reimburse you for some or all costs related to pre-approved educational programs. 

Your employer will pay for your educational costs for pre-approved, eligible programs or courses upfront, or the costs are deferred by the university.

Carefully review the policy often found in the employee handbook or HR portal. Meet with a Human Resources representative to communicate your educational and professional goals, verify your eligibility, and ask any questions about the policy.  

Pay attention to the fine print and learn more about any conditions you need to meet, such as length of employment before and after completion of coursework, employee status (full time vs. part time), program length, and GPA. Be aware of any obligation to remain employed with your company for a certain period after completing your coursework to avoid repayment penalties. 

• Make sure that the program or coursework aligns with your career goals and your employer’s criteria. Southern offers a wide variety of graduate degrees, certificates and credentials. (Link to website) 
• Consider attending a Graduate School Open House in the spring or fall. (grad.southernct.edu/open-house)
• For those receiving direct tuition payment from their employer only (your employer pays for a pre-approved course at Southern upfront ):  

Email your employer’s letter of credit/voucher to the Student Accounts Office at studentaccounts@southernct.edu for review.  For direct tuition payment, payment by the employer must not be contingent on any conditions and payment is required directly to Southern before the end of the semester. 

https://grad.southernct.edu/admissions/ (website). (Instructions for OWLL or non degree seeking? ) 

Fill out any required tuition assistance application forms provided by your employer. Gather and submit all requested documentation, such as proof of enrollment, course syllabi, or tuition invoices. 

Secure the necessary signatures from your manager or HR and submit the application by any deadline.  

Often employer tuition assistance programs will not cover all costs. Make sure to apply for loans, scholarships, graduate assistantships (link to https://grad.southernct.edu/financing-your-education/), and grants if available. 

Once approved, enroll in your selected courses or program. Maintain copies of your enrollment confirmation, payment receipts, and any communication with your employer regarding tuition assistance. 

For Southern students receiving tuition reimbursement, make sure to maintain the academic performance standards outlined by your employer’s policy. 

Monitor your paycheck or account for reimbursement funds, ensuring they align with your agreement.