How to Ask Your Employer for Student Loan Assistance

The student loan market – and subsequent skyrocketing student loan debt – has influenced so much of today’s economy that it has even become a component in job search and salary negotiations. Savvy job seekers are asking employers how they can effectively help them pay off student loan debt in addition to conversations about healthcare, 401K and work-life benefits. After all, a college degree is an investment in a student as a future employee – so doesn’t it make sense for future employers to help cover college costs too? Because this is a newer trend in work benefits, it can be a little awkward to bring up in job interviews or with a current employer. However, you can push through the awkwardness by talking with your employer about student loan financial assistance with these professional tips from Forbes. Have a conversation with your boss during salary negotiations or before benefits reenrollment. Don’t wait until it’s time to sign up for benefits to have the conversation about student loan repayment assistance; start the discussion earlier. Ask your employer whether or not this benefit is offered. If they stare at you blankly, explain the benefit – that it’s an increasingly popular benefit that helps current employees pay back their student loans. Through this conversation, you can, firstly, find out whether or not your employer offers this benefit. Secondly, you may be a huge influencer in helping your company establish this offering as a benefit if they don’t already have it just by introducing the concept. Ask about Financial Wellness and advice programs. Your employer may not offer help in repaying student loans, but they still may be able to provide some guidance in how best to manage and pay off your debt. According to Forbes, these programs are two-fold. Financial professionals help to evaluate and analyze your financial situation and then develop a game plan for better money management. Whatever you do, don’t jeopardize your future by paying for your past. Many employees that are new to the workforce forego their 401k benefits to work to eliminate their student loan debt. As noble as this is, it can hurt you in the long run. That’s why talking over your financial wellness with a professional provided by your employer is a benefit you don’t want to miss. Savvy job seekers and current employees need to make the most of their jobs, both as it concerns their future and student loan debt. That’s why it’s vital that they seek money management benefits at current and future employers. After all, if your employer wants you to invest your life and time into the company, they need to invest in you too. Get a part-time job with the future in mind. While it will likely be pretty rare to find a company that offers student loan repayment assistance to part-time employees, it doesn't hurt to think and job search strategically with your impending student loan payments in mind. As you search for part-time jobs, research companies carefully to see if they offer this benefit to full-time employees. Oftentimes, part-time employees become full-time after graduation or so many months on the job. By planning strategically, you can set yourself up for student loan repayment help before you even graduate.