Don’t rule out a college education if you are low on funds – there is a way to continue your academic path after high school without drowning in debt. Several employers in Lenawee County offer tuition reimbursement for those who work for their company.

Employers are paying their workers to further their education, which is a benefit to keeping an eye out for when applying for a job.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Docking, president of Adrian College tuition reimbursement is a great opportunity for people to build upon their own skills and reach their full potential.

“It makes a lot of sense at times to get a job, get into a work environment find out what skills are needed that perhaps you don’t have, and then use education to gain those skills to progress both in the field that you’re in or maybe other fields that you want to get into,” he said.

Here’s how tuition reimbursement works:

  • If you are hired by a company that offers this benefit, there may be a waiting period until you are eligible for the program.
  • Once you qualify, you sign up for your courses and pay for them upfront
  • When you have completed your courses, your employer will reimburse you for the cost

According to a study published by the Lumina Foundation, employees who participate in tuition reimbursement programs compared to those who don’t are 21 percent more likely to be promoted and receive 40 percent higher wage increases.

Another benefit is that employees don’t have to claim the reimbursement on their taxes, as long it is under $5,250.

“A lot of people think actually once you graduate from high school you’re a senior you’re supposed to go to college,” said Nicole Willard, HR Manager for Adrian’s Plastic Omnium. “A lot of people don’t where they are going to get that money and provide for themselves while going to college. This is is that option. It’s a great opportunity if you don’t know what your next steps are.”

It’s important to note that every individual company that offers this benefit has different rules and policies, so make sure to check with your employer to see what their rules are.

What to ask when considering a job offer at an organization that offers tuition reimbursement:

  • How long do you have to be on the job to participate?
  • Do you have to work a certain number of hours to qualify?
  • Does the company have to approve the program of study?

The real question that many may be asking is why would your bosses offer to pay all this money for your educational success. It’s simple – a highly skilled workforce, which makes the company more productive in the long run.

Some organizations within Lenawee County that offer some form of a tuition reimbursement program include:

  • Sodexo at Adrian College
  • ProMedica Hickman Hospital
  • Gleaner Life Insurance Society
  • Adrian Steel Company
  • Anderson Development Company
  • Autokiniton
  • Ervin Technologies
  • General Broach Company
  • GLOV Enterprises LLC
  • Glycon Corporation
  • IDIDIT, INC.
  • SEDCO Division of Primore, Inc.
  • Ross Design TM and Engineering
  • Plastic Omnium

Daniel Myers is a cost analyst at Plastic Omnium and has participated in the tuition reimbursement program.

“I really wanted to further my education and try to become a bigger asset to the company and be able to grow as an individual,” he said. “So far it’s been a great experience.”

Myers has been taking classes for two years and he only has about three or four more to complete.

“It’s been an awesome thing to be able to continue my learning and also working a full-time job,” he said.

Lillian Brueckman also works at Adrian Plastic Omnium and will be pursuing her master’s degree at Michigan State University through the tuition reimbursement program.

“Finding a job that offers a program like this will definitely make your transition into earning a degree much simpler,” she said.

For more information about Tuition Reimbursement programs in Lenawee County, visit our website, or check out this video.