Plan Ahead: How to Talk To Your Employer About CWRU Tuition Assistance

Earning an advanced degree can help computer science professionals stand out in today’s competitive job market. However, returning to school, even part time, can be financially challenging. 

Fortunately, many businesses offer tuition assistance, an employee benefit that has proven effective in attracting and retaining top talent, both critical to success: as McKinsey puts it, “Having the right talent in the right roles—and giving employees the support and opportunities they need to succeed—is critical to achieving returns.” According to SHRM’s 2022 Employee Benefits Survey, nearly half of surveyed employers offered undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance. 

Unsurprisingly, employees also benefit from tuition assistance programs. According to EdAssist, nearly 60% of surveyed employees earned a promotion, new opportunities within their organizations or other benefits within two years of completing their tuition-assisted programs. In that same study, 80% reported a stronger allegiance to their current employer because of the tuition assistance benefit. 

Students who enroll in a part-time, online program—like the online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Case Western Reserve University—can continue working while pursuing their degree, which may qualify them for employer tuition assistance. This article features tips on maximizing employer sponsorship opportunities while reducing out-of-pocket costs.

How Does Employer Tuition Assistance Work?

Employers offer tuition assistance for various reasons. In addition to recruitment and employee retention benefits, these initiatives provide tax savings. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 127, qualified education assistance programs allow employers to deduct up to $5,250 per employee in tuition reimbursements. 

Tuition assistance programs vary by employer. Some companies cover the total cost of a degree program, while others only pay a portion. Employers may pay the institution directly or reimburse their employees on a per-semester basis or after earning their degrees. Due to variations in tuition assistance programs, it’s best to discuss your options with your employer. 

What You Can Expect from Your Employer 

Students typically must meet specific criteria to qualify for employer tuition assistance programs. Researching your company’s requirements should be the first step in your tuition assistance process. 

Here are several questions you can ask your employer to determine whether you qualify for benefits:

• Does the degree need to relate to my current role?
• Are all employees eligible for tuition assistance?
• If not:
  • Does the benefit require a minimum number of years with the employer?
  • Is this benefit open to employees at all job levels or only those above a minimum level?
  • Do I need to attend a specific university to use this benefit?

Once you have this information, you can determine whether your employer will pay for your online MSCS. If you qualify, you can then speak to your employer about funding. 

Starting the MSCS Funding Conversation With Your Employer

Research the program you want to enroll in before speaking with your employer about funding. You may need to explain why you want to pursue this degree and how your education will benefit your employer. Focus on how the skills you gain through the program will make you an even more valuable employee. For example, prospective online MSCS students to CWRU’s program can highlight the curriculum’s focus on computer science trends, current issues, and best practices [e.g., security and privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and data mining]. 

While funding conversations will likely focus on why your employer should pay for your degree, you should also ask the following questions to understand how the benefits work: 

• Which expenses will be covered? Will your employer pay the full tuition or only a portion? Will the employer cover costs such as books and study materials? 
• Do you need to maintain a certain GPA to maintain funding? (Note that some employers offer a tiered benefit; students with higher grades receive additional reimbursement.)
• Will the employer pay the university directly or refund you? 
• If you need to make a claim back for funds paid, when can you do so? At enrollment or after graduation? 
• Do you need to remain with your current employer for a specified period after graduation?

Remember to ask about all necessary paperwork and deadlines. You can contact the CWRU tuition and financial aid department for assistance. 

Maximizing the Benefits of Your Online MSCS Program

Online MSCS programs—including the online MS in Computer Science at CWRU—can help you broaden your expertise and qualify for top computer science jobs while excelling in your current role. You may qualify to capitalize on your employer’s reimbursement benefits to cover some or all of your tuition costs. 

The CWRU online MSCS program helps students gain the fundamental technical knowledge necessary to succeed in computer science. CWRU offers two learning tracks based on experience level: 

• A pathways track for students who need foundational computer science coursework
• An advanced track for students with existing foundations in computer science

The program also helps students develop critical communication and teamwork skills for workplace success.

Interested applicants can contact an enrollment advisor to learn more about the program, the application process or tuition assistance guidance.