Advancing your skills can transform your career, but we know funding the investment can be a barrier. Here’s the good news: many employers help with continuing education expenses. Here are three tips on how to ask your employer to fund your tuition expenses.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement as part of their employee benefits package. Check your employee manual or send a note to your HR team to find out if this is an option for you.
Even if your employer doesn't offer a formal tuition reimbursement benefit, they may still help you cover the costs of the course. Here are some tips for making a compelling pitch for reimbursement!
Prepare a clearly outlined, and professional presentation. Center your messaging around how tuition reimbursement will save or make the business money.
Here’s some employer-centered ideas for your presentation:
Include in your presentation your willingness to commit to your proposed plan. Consider offering one or more of the following:
Start with this email template. Just copy and edit to fit.
Hi [MANAGER NAME],
I would like to continue my professional growth by enrolling in this AI for HR Professionals course offered by University of South Florida, Corporate Training and Professional Education. It’s a 5-week online program with on-demand modules that I can complete around my schedule. The course is taught by HR professionals who are strategically using AI day-to-day, who understand the realities of our work, and provide practical, hands-on learning that I can apply right away.
This training matters because AI is transforming how HR teams work—helping professionals become more productive, effective, and aligned with business goals. Instead of learning AI tools informally or reacting to changes as they unfold, this course provides a clear, structured approach to using AI in ways that can streamline our HR tasks, improve consistency, and create more capacity for meaningful, people-centered work.
Here are a few course highlights:
I anticipate being able to apply these new skills immediately—even before the course is finished—to increase productivity, improve the quality of our HR communications and data insights, and support the team more strategically. I’m also happy to share what I learn so the entire team can benefit.
What do you think? I’d be happy to discuss this further with you.
Best,
[NAME]
A company that invests in your personal growth earns your return value and loyalty. It’s a win-win proposition. And remember, if you don’t ask, it’s not likely they’ll offer. The worst thing that can happen is they say no. Take the initiative—they’ll appreciate it in the long run!
