Our company has a formal tuition reimbursement policy that includes graduate work. However, associates seeking a graduate degree must also obtain executive management committee approval. We are looking for common practices for master degree approvals from other employers.

Does your organization reimburse master's programs under its tuition policy? If so, is the eligibility criteria the same as for bachelors or are other factors considered, such as tenure, job performance or career growth potential? Is the maximum annual benefit higher than for undergraduate programs?

Our tuition reimbursement plan includes undergraduate and graduate work. We require that all participants receive approval from the senior manager of the department who is usually a vice president-level person.

The maximum amount eligible for reimbursement is 4500 / calendar year. We also require them to sign a 2 year promissory note that says if they leave employment before the expiration of the note, they will be required to pay us back.