Employers
"Degrees as an employee benefit" is a company program that partially or fully covers tuition for employees pursuing higher education, with the expectation that these new skills will benefit the company.
Key points about degrees as an employee benefit:
Attracting and retaining talent
Companies use this benefit to attract high-quality candidates and encourage them to stay with the organization by supporting their professional development.
Increased skills and productivity
Employees with advanced degrees may gain valuable skills and knowledge directly applicable to their job, leading to improved performance and productivity.
Tax Free benefits
Under the U.S. tax code, Section 127 Educational Assistance Program:
Employers can offer up to $5,250 per calendar year in educational benefits without the employee having to pay taxes on that amount.
Employers can receive tax credits for providing educational assistance.
Career advancement opportunities
By supporting employees in pursuing further education, companies can create pathways for promotion to more senior roles.
Economic upward mobility
Academic Pathways empowers workers through economic mobility, aligning education with workforce needs, and collaborating with universities to create customized degree programs for corporate partners and employees.
Meaningful Outcomes
Companies have reported positive outcomes. Students enrolled in Academic Pathways programs experience higher retention rates, and frontline employees who participate are more likely to advance into management roles.