Financing Your MSL: Exploring Employer Sponsorship and Tuition Assistance Options

A graduate degree can deliver a significant return on investment by opening doors to higher-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities. However, earning this valuable credential still requires an upfront investment. That’s why it is essential to carefully consider how you’ll finance your degree.

Fortunately, prospective graduate students have options that can reduce, or even eliminate, their financial commitment. Employer tuition assistance or sponsorship is one of the most valuable financing strategies, one that is too often overlooked by candidates exploring assistance alternatives.

 If you plan to enroll in the George Washington (GW) Law online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program, you may be an excellent candidate for employer sponsorship. An MSL is a professional degree that can benefit both its recipient and their employer; this is particularly true for individuals working in compliance, policy, procurement, or risk-related roles.

This article explains how to approach your employer to request tuition assistance and explores additional aid options available through George Washington University. 

Understanding Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs vary by employer, so you will need to contact your HR department to determine what your company offers. Employers typically offer one of two tuition assistance options: 

• Tuition assistance: The employer pays the university directly. This benefit is often restricted to specific universities with which the organization has formed a partnership. 
• Tuition reimbursement: The employee pays the cost of their degree upfront; their employer refunds (reimburses) them after they have successfully completed either a term or the entire program. 

Tuition assistance and reimbursement are valuable perks,  making it more financially viable for employees to upskill by earning additional degrees and qualifications. In turn, the employer benefits from improved employee retention, attracting top talent, and access to more skilled workers. 

Making the Case to Your Employer

Before applying to your employer’s tuition assistance program, ask the following critical questions to ensure you know what to expect: 

• How do you qualify for the program? Is eligibility restricted by position, length of employment, or type of academic program?
• How much does the company cover? Is there a maximum amount per year or course?
• Which expenses are covered? Some employers only cover tuition; others pay for books, supplies, fees, etc. 
• How will the money be paid? Directly to the institution at the beginning of a term, or is it refunded later? How long does reimbursement take?
• What is the tax status of the benefit? Is it tax-free, or are you required to pay income tax on the benefit?
• Does the degree program have to be related to your current job role? 
• Do you have to maintain a certain GPA to retain your funding? 
• Do you need to commit to staying with the company for a specific period after completing your degree? 

Once you have gathered all the necessary information and are ready to proceed, prepare a concise and professional request to initiate the conversation with your employer. 

Your application for tuition assistance should include: 

• Information about GW Law and the MSL program, clearly demonstrating its value.
• An explanation of how the program aligns with your professional development and career goals, clarifying why you want to earn this degree. 
• A description of how your employer will benefit from your participation in the program, highlighting connections between the degree and your current role, future responsibilities, or departmental objectives. 
• A detailed breakdown of associated costs, including tuition, fees, books, and materials, and the amount of financial assistance you are requesting. 
• Information on any additional sources of funding or scholarships you have secured or plan to pursue.

Exploring GW Law’s Financial Aid Options

GW Law students have access to various types of financial aid, which they can combine with employer tuition assistance benefits to offset the cost of their degrees. Key options to explore include: 

• Federal aid: GW Law students are eligible to apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans. Both types of loans require repayment with interest, but their interest rates and repayment terms are more favorable compared to private loans. To apply for federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 
• GW Law need-based grants: GW Law offers grants that do not require repayment to students who demonstrate financial need. Students must complete the GW Law Financial Aid Request Form to apply.  
• Merit scholarships: The GW Law Admissions Office automatically considers all admitted applicants for law school merit scholarships based on the information in their admission files; no additional information is needed. 

Additional Financial Resources and Strategies

Aside from GW Law’s financial resources, students can explore additional funding options, including external scholarships and grants. Private companies or professional associations often award scholarships and grants to promote education in a specific field. Prospective students should visit scholarship search sites, such as Scholarships.com or Fastweb, to research available options.

Regardless of your financial route, early budgeting and planning are essential to make paying your tuition more manageable. 

Conclusion: Ready To Invest in Your Future?

Funding your graduate degree may seem daunting at first, but the process can be quite manageable with proper planning. Employer sponsorship can make financing your degree much easier, so be sure to explore this option early on in your degree research and application process. 

The GW Law MSL is a respected graduate program designed to help professionals deepen their legal knowledge and expand their impact. MSL graduates are often recruited and employed by prominent government agencies, private corporations, and nonprofits like Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Department of Defense. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in advancing your career, connect with an enrollment advisor to discuss the admissions process, program details and next steps.