7 Reasons to Take Advantage of Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is more widely available than you think. In fact, according to a recent survey from Accountemps, a staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance, 94 of senior executives interviewed said their firms offer tuition reimbursement benefits for employees, and 95 percent said their companies reimburse for other forms of professional development.

Haven't taken advantage of your employer's tuition reimbursement benefits yet? Here are seven reasons why you should.

1. Update your skills.
Through continuing education courses, you can acquire and brush up on a host of technical skills as well as communication skills. These are tools you can take with you wherever you go -- whether higher up in your current organization or in a new company altogether.

2. Complete your degree.
If you're a few classes shy of your degree or if you're just a few classes in, utilize tuition reimbursement benefits to finish what you started. You could even take the opportunity to earn an advanced degree or certificate.

3. Increase your job satisfaction.
One of the best ways to fight boredom at work is to take advantage of continuing education to learn new ways to do your job. This will increase your ability to take on greater responsibility and become a more in-demand employee. Of course, this is not just a benefit to your boss -- it's inherently satisfying to be good at what you do.

4. Boost your workplace cachet.
The way your boss perceives you matters. When you take advantage of tuition reimbursement, you'll be seen as a go-getter, and you'll develop a reputation as a hard worker. Plus, if your company requires a contract of service in order to take advantage of tuition reimbursement, you're demonstrating a commitment to the company by accepting the offer.

5. Maintain your motivation.
Depending on the company, your level of tuition reimbursement may be affected by the grades you receive. Perhaps you'll get 100 percent reimbursement for an A and only 80 percent for a B, for example. This is powerful incentive to study hard and keep your grades up.

6. Experience intellectual stimulation.
Beyond the benefits to your career, continuing education is an investment in yourself. It enables you to become a well-rounded individual and keep your intellectual and academic abilities from getting rusty.

Last but not least ...

7. It's free! (or close to it)
If you've ever wanted to take a class, the best way to do it is on someone else's dime. Your employer is handing continuing education to you on a proverbial silver platter -- the least you can do is take it.

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