How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Your Online Course

Continuing your education can help you grow your career or transition to a new field. But a major factor in enrolling in a certificate or credential program, like those offered by Harvard Business School Online, is figuring out how to pay for it.

Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits package. Yet, research shows that while 80 percent of working adults are interested in furthering their education, only 40 percent know their employer provides a tuition reimbursement program—and just two percent take advantage of it. Some worry about fitting education into their already busy schedules. Others hesitate to ask their supervisors or fall into the category of being unaware of the perk.

The reality? Gaining new skills can fast-track career growth. According to a survey by market research firm City Square Associates, 91 percent of learners said HBS Online had a positive impact on their careers. Thirty-six percent made a career change after taking their HBS Online course, while 31 percent got promoted.

For employers, tuition reimbursement can also be an extraordinary retention tool. According to educational support services company Bright Horizons, 76 percent of employees are more likely to remain with their company because of its tuition reimbursement program.

But how do you ask your employer to fund your education? If you’re considering an HBS Online course, here are tips to help you request employer reimbursement.

Steps to Help You Request Employer Reimbursement

1. Prioritize Your Career Growth in Your Request

Managers want to understand what drives their employees—whether it’s salary, stock options, or recognition. For many, the greatest motivator is the opportunity to grow.

Ensure your manager knows career growth is important to you and seek their advice. For example, if your goal is to move into a leadership role, ask what skills are needed—whether it’s strategy execution, financial literacy, or team leadership. If data analysis is crucial for a promotion, a business analytics course could provide the skills to take the next step. Identifying these gaps can help you identify and find the right course to bridge them.

Related: Balancing Life & Learning with Flexible Online Courses

2. Do Your Research

If your company doesn’t have a publicized tuition assistance program, don’t lose hope; many organizations allocate funds for professional development. While these might go toward industry conferences, they may also cover continuing education.

Check-in with your human resources department and ask colleagues if they’ve used the benefit. For example, if a marketing co-worker was reimbursed for a digital marketing certificate, that could set a precedent for your request. Understanding how others have leveraged employer reimbursement can strengthen your case.

As you research, pay close attention to eligibility requirements, such as:

• Grading policies: Do you need to earn a specific grade, or is pass/fail acceptable?
• Payment policies: Will you need to pay upfront and get reimbursed, or does your employer cover costs directly?
• Type of institution: Does the course provider need to be accredited? Are online courses eligible?
• Additional requirements: Is there a minimum length of employment or weekly hours worked to qualify?

Knowing these details in advance will help you prepare a stronger, well-informed request.

3. Create a Strong Pitch for Tuition Reimbursement

Approach your request like a formal negotiation. Be prepared with a clear, well-structured case outlining the skills you’ll gain and how they’ll benefit your team and company.

If possible, gather supporting documents to make the process as easy as possible. For example, at HBS Online, we can offer a:

• Course syllabus
• Acceptance letter
• Letter of enrollment
• Letter confirming course completion

Consider also sharing your resume, a personal statement, and a professional development plan.

Anticipate objections and be prepared to address them. If your manager worries about the course affecting your workload, emphasize that most online programs are flexible and designed to fit around your schedule.

Related: 6 Negotiation Skills All Professionals Can Benefit From

4. Demonstrate the ROI

One of the strongest arguments is the return on investment (ROI) your employer can expect from you taking the course. Outline how it would help you be more effective in your role, enhance your skills, and directly benefit your team and organization.

For instance, an online leadership course about transforming customer experiences could help you deliver stronger service aligned with your company’s mission, vision, and values and give your business a competitive edge.

When possible, quantify the impact—such as increased efficiency, cost savings, or revenue growth—to make an even stronger case. You can also highlight success stories from past learners who have benefited from the program. Sharing real-world examples of how others have applied their education to drive results can reinforce the value of your request.

Related: What Is the Value of a Certificate from HBS Online?

5. Time Your Ask Appropriately

Choose the right moment to ask for tuition assistance. Annual performance reviews are ideal, as they naturally involve career discussions and goal-setting.

If your request is approved, clarify the terms:

• Commitment: Will you need to stay with the company for a set period after completing the program?
• Payment structure: Do you pay upfront and get reimbursed later?
• Academic requirements: Is a minimum grade required for reimbursement?

Understanding these details upfront will help you navigate the process smoothly.

Make the Case for Your Professional Growth

Securing tuition reimbursement is a powerful way to invest in your future. By demonstrating the ROI, timing your request strategically, and understanding the requirements, you can present a compelling case to your employer.

Institutions like HBS Online offer flexible, high-quality programs that can help advance your career. Whether you're aiming for a promotion or want to strengthen key skills, the investment in your education will benefit you and bring value to your team and company.

Are you interested in furthering your education? Explore HBS Online’s course catalog and download our free guide—complete with interactive workbook sections—to determine if online learning is right for you and which course to take.

This post was updated on February 20, 2025. It was originally published on July 24, 2019.