Your complete resource for educational success this year

If you’re following the conventional schedule, the school year is potentially about to begin with the upcoming fall semester. It can be both an exciting and daunting time for adult learners, especially if this is your first experience with continued education in a few (or more!) years.

We know that choosing a program and paying for a degree are perhaps the hardest parts of getting started with continuing education, but it’s important that adult learners have the support they need to succeed long-term. As a result, EdAssist™ has multiple resources that can help you not only pay for tuition but thrive in your continued education experience.

From managing existing debt to planning your career trajectory and more, EdAssist provides the support and information you need to make your educational goals a reality. Here's everything you need to know about how we can help you take that next step.

Comprehensive financial support

Getting the financial support you need to pursue continued education— whether it’s a certificate program or a complete degree— can be critical to your success. That may include both tuition coverage and the repayment of existing loans. EdAssist has programs that can help with both.

Tuition Assistance Benefits

Through EdAssist, many employees have access to substantial tuition assistance benefits that can significantly reduce the financial burden of returning to school. In some cases, you’ll be reimbursed for tuition at the end of the semester. In others, employers may take advantage of EdAssist’s direct pay option, which involves the payment being made directly to the school. To calculate your potential upfront and out-of-pocket costs, be sure to research your employer’s policy.

EdAssist also has a large network of partner schools. Some of these schools offer discounted tuition for EdAssist learners, which can help you stretch those tuition reimbursement dollars even further. You can view partner schools and tuition rates through your EdAssist portal.

Student Loan Repayment Support

One of the most innovative aspects of EdAssist's offerings is comprehensive student loan repayment assistance.

Rather than viewing existing student debt as a barrier to further education, EdAssist can help you manage and eliminate this debt strategically. This support might include employer-sponsored repayment programs, refinancing guidance, or integration with retirement matching offers.

The goal is to help you comfortably continue your educational journey without the overwhelming burden of accumulated debt. For some families, this may mean that they can save for retirement when they couldn’t have done so otherwise. For others, it may mean quitting a side job that was needed to repay that debt, allowing you to better focus on your full-time job and while still pursuing additional education.

Expert coaching: Your personal education support team

One of the most valuable resources available through EdAssist is our expert coaching program.

We understand that returning to school involves complex decisions that extend far beyond simply choosing a major, so we offer three distinct types of coaching: academic and career coaching, policy coaching, and financial coaching. You can check your EdAssist portal to see if your employer’s program offers these coaching services.

Academic and career coaching

Our academic and career coaches bring extensive backgrounds in higher education and adult learning to help you navigate the practical aspects of your educational journey.

These experts can assist you with course selection, program evaluation, and academic planning strategies that align with your career goals. Whether you're unsure about which degree program will best advance your career or need help understanding different learning formats and schedules, our coaches provide the guidance you need.

Career coaching goes hand-in-hand with academic planning. Our coaches help you identify upskilling opportunities that will have the most significant impact on your professional growth. They can help you understand how different educational paths connect to career advancement opportunities and assist in developing a long-term strategy that balances your current responsibilities with your future aspirations.

Policy coaching

Understanding your employee education benefits can be complicated— especially because each employer has their own unique programs. 

Policy coaching sessions help you interpret and maximize the education assistance programs available to you. During these sessions, you'll learn exactly what benefits you're eligible for, how to apply for them, and how to leverage them most effectively. 

Our policy coaches ensure you're making informed decisions about your educational investments and taking full advantage of the resources available to you.

Financial coaching

Perhaps the most significant barrier for many professionals wanting to return to school is financial concern. Our financial coaches specialize in helping adult learners navigate the complex landscape of education funding.

They can guide you through:

• FAFSA applications.
• Understanding student loan assistance and repayment programs through your employer.
• Developing debt management strategies that align with your personal financial goals.
• How to budget to return to school and pay for continued education outside your tuition assistance benefits.

Strategic Career Pathways

Education should always be purposeful, especially for adult learners who are balancing multiple responsibilities. You don’t need to get a degree or certificate just for the sake of getting one.

To help adult learners make strategic decisions, some employers work with EdAssist to create Career Pathways. These pathways provide clear guidance regarding what experience and education you need to qualify for certain positions, giving you a roadmap for how to get there.

Our Career Pathways support includes industry trend analysis, skill gap identification, and strategic planning that considers both your current position and your long-term professional aspirations. Whether you're looking to advance within your current company, transition to a new field, or develop specialized expertise, EdAssist can help you choose educational opportunities that will have the greatest impact on your career trajectory.

If your employer has created Career Pathways, you can find them in EdAssist’s portal.

Extensive resource library

Adult learners often worry that they’ll struggle in school, even if they didn’t before. How will they find the time now that they’re working forty hours a week and have personal responsibilities? And what if they’ve forgotten how to study?

Having the skills and confidence to tackle ongoing education is imperative, so we have the resources you need to excel as you head back to the classroom. These resources include:

• Blog articles that cover everything from study strategies for working adults to industry-specific tips with advice from our academic coaches.
• Educational webinars through our LevelUp™ Studio.
• Audio resources on Spotify to help you learn on-the-go.

Your EdAssist portal: Everything in one place

Managing your educational journey requires organization, and the EdAssist portal serves as your central hub for all program-related activities.

Through the portal, you can access coaching sessions, view Career Pathways, track your benefits usage, explore available programs, and connect with the resources you need.

The portal is designed with adult learners in mind, recognizing that you need efficient, straightforward access to information and services. Everything is organized intuitively, allowing you to quickly find what you need without unnecessary complexity.

Taking the next step

The decision to return to school is significant, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

EdAssist provides comprehensive support that addresses every aspect of the adult learning experience, from initial planning through graduation and beyond. Whether you're just beginning to consider further education or you're ready to take concrete steps toward enrollment, EdAssist's resources can help you succeed.

Ready to pursue continued education to support a career change? Get advice on how to start through EdAssist’s coaching services.