Is It Smart to Ask My Employer to Pay for My MBA?

It is smart--especially if you want to stay out of debt. MBA programs are expensive and often require multiple loans to pay for. Getting someone else to pay for your MBA is almost always better than having to pay for it yourself. But there are drawbacks that should be considered. Not every employer will be willing to pay for your part-time MBA without being assured something in return. Some employers may ask you to sign a contract saying that you will stay with the company for a certain number of years after graduation. Others will require you to maintain a specific grade point average while you are in school. If you are unable to keep your end of the bargain, your decision may come back to bite you.