A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Tuition Reimbursement in Municipal Government

Abstract

An evaluation of the tuition reimbursement program for a mid-sized mid-Atlantic city was undertaken using both surveys and quasi-experimental techniques. Contrary to recent criticisms of tuition reimbursement programs, the survey findings indicate generally perceived benefits of the program among participants, supervisors and non-participant co-workers. The quasi-experi mental phase of the research determined a 56% higher promotion rate among participants than among non-participants; moreover, program participants were much more likely to remain in city employment than were non-participants.