Paying for Training
When it comes to paying for professional development, there are lots of ways to ease the financial cost. Here's a breakdown of some options:
Would you like to complete an OWLL IT training program at no cost, and get connected with local employers? If you are trying to enter or re-enter the workforce, a Connecticut resident, over age 18, hold your GED or high school diploma, and are a US Citizen, you may be eligible for funding through the WorkPlace. Current funding opportunities include:
- AI Foundations for Workplace Success
- AWS Digital Cloud Practitioner
- CMMC CCA
- CMMC CCP
- Google Could Digital Leader
- Google Project Management
- Python I
- Python II
Contact OWLL@SouthernCT.edu to receive more information and to apply for funding.
Employer Reimbursement Programs
According to the 2023 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey, 79% of employers offer formal training or education for upskilling or reskilling employees, and 82% offer training to keep skills current. Employers also cover the costs of Professional memberships (87%), Certification or recertification (78%), and Professional licenses (77%).
Tuition assistance offers you tax benefits. To learn more, view the IRS rules and regulations.
If you’re working, check if your company offers training reimbursement. Many employers are willing to pay for training related to your job or professional development. Talk to your HR department to see if you qualify and what the process involves. This can be a great way to enhance your skills without footing the bill yourself! Don’t be afraid to ask!
Personal Funds
If you have savings or income, using your own money is a straightforward way to pay for training. This means you won't have to deal with debt or outside funding restrictions. Of course, this requires careful planning and budgeting, but it gives you full control over your expenses and the freedom to pick courses that match your goals. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use some of all the cost of your training as an educational tax credit or business deduction (if you own your own company.)
Additional Funding
There are various other places to look for funding, like private scholarships, workforce boards, and personal loans. Scholarships are especially helpful since they don't need to be repaid and can significantly reduce costs. Government programs (offered through local workforce boards) aimed at skill development might offer financial help or subsidies for college courses. Finally, student loans can cover what’s left, though they must be repaid eventually.
Students may be eligible for additional funding for some non-credit workforce training through the American Job Center or CareerConneCT. These organizations help unemployed or underemployed students to get training that leads to jobs in specific career tracks.
Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit Card: Students have the option to pay by credit or debit card* through the registration and payment portal by clicking on the Register Now button or may arrange to pay by check through the Office of the Workforce and Lifelong learning.
- Checks: Personal checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks must be made payable to Southern Connecticut State University, and should always include the student’s name and name of the training in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to SCSU, Attn: Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515. Personal checks may be scanned and turned into electronic payments. Checks returned as uncollectible will be assessed a $20.00 fee, and after 3 occurrences, payments by check will no longer be accepted on the account.
SCSU accepts all payments in United States currency and does not assume any liability for losses that may result from foreign exchange rate differences. All payments must be received prior to the start of each module.
* Credit/Debit card transactions are currently assessed a 2.95% non-refundable convenience fee, and we accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Refund Policy
If you wish to withdraw from a training program, you must submit a formal request to the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning, by email at OWLL@southernct.edu or telephone (203) 392-7276. Refunds will vary depending upon the timing of the request as follows:
To receive a full refund (100%) of the program fees, students must request a formal withdrawal at least five business days prior to the start of the class. Refunds of books or class materials cannot be returned if they have been opened.
Withdraw requests within five business days of the start of a training will receive a credit towards a future training program.
Enrollees will not receive a refund once the training has officially started.
Enrollees who feel there are extenuating circumstances and who wish to appeal this policy must do so in writing within 24 hours of notice of their withdrawal.
Refund Policy for MindEdge Courses
You may request a refund up to seven days from the purchase date. The registration fee will only be refunded if less than 10% of the course has been completed.
OWLL reserves the right to limit the number of students registered in a training course or cancel/make changes to a training course due to insufficient enrollments/emergency. In the unlikely event that a course is canceled, students will be notified by email and telephone approximately prior to the scheduled start date, and full refunds issued.