Hiring is expensive. Turnover is even more costly.
For many organizations, the challenge isn’t just finding talent — it’s keeping it, developing it and preparing teams for what’s next. That’s why more employers are investing in education as a long-term workforce strategy.
From tuition assistance to university partnerships, supporting employee education can improve retention, close skills gaps and strengthen your organization from within.
Here’s how education benefits employers, and why it is becoming a business priority.
Improve retention and reduce turnover
Employees are more likely to stay when they see a future with your organization.
Education benefits help create that path forward. Instead of leaving to advance their careers, employees can build new skills and move into new roles internally. That sense of opportunity increases loyalty and reduces turnover.
Investing in employee education can:
- Increase retention by creating clear growth pathways
- Encourage internal mobility instead of external job searching
- Reduce the high costs associated with hiring and onboarding
Replacing employees takes time and resources. Investing in the people you already have is often more efficient — and more effective — than starting over.
Close skills gaps and build workforce capability
Many employers are navigating persistent skills gaps, especially in fast-changing fields like healthcare, business and technology.
Education allows organizations to respond directly. Rather than competing for limited external talent, employers can develop their existing workforce in ways that align with real business needs.
This often includes:
- Upskilling employees in their current roles
- Reskilling employees for new or evolving positions
- Building capabilities that align with long-term organizational goals
Over time, this creates a workforce that’s more adaptable and better prepared for change.
Strengthen performance through applied learning
One of the most immediate benefits of education is how quickly it shows up on the job.
Employees often apply what they learn right away — whether that’s improving processes, communicating more effectively or approaching problems with a new perspective. This kind of real-time application strengthens performance without requiring a long ramp-up period.
Learning becomes part of the work, not separate from it.
“I have been able to use the information that I am learning in the program immediately. I had to pitch an idea for a class. My thought process was financial freedom for the new airmen. I put that into use, which was a big surprise I didn’t realize until later on. It’s been very useful for my job.” – Shawn Bernal, online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management student.
Offer a benefit employees truly value
Employees are thinking beyond their current role. They want to know if they have the skills to grow, adapt and stay relevant in a changing workforce — and many aren’t confident they do.
- 39% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2030
- 58% of employees want to learn new skills but don’t know where to start
- 87% of executives report skills gaps in their workforce
- 60% of businesses say those gaps are slowing transformation
Source: Ed Assist
Education helps close that gap from both sides. It gives employees a clear, structured way to build in-demand skills while helping employers develop the talent they already have. Whether it’s finishing a degree, gaining leadership experience or building technical expertise, education provides direction at a time when many workers feel stuck or uncertain.
That’s why it’s one of the most valued benefits employers can offer. In fact, 94% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invests in their education. The value isn’t just access — it’s what that access represents: a real investment in their future and a clear path forward.
Manage costs while maximizing impact
For employers, education benefits need to deliver clear value.
Programs that are flexible, efficient and transparent help organizations see a stronger return on investment. When employees can complete degrees faster, and apply what they learn along the way, the impact is both immediate and long term.
Boise State Online supports this by offering:
- No out-of-state tuition
- Fully online programs designed for working adults
- Credit for prior learning to reduce time to completion
- Dedicated advising and support
These features help employees stay on track while minimizing disruption to workflow.
Partner with a university that understands employers
Education is most effective when it aligns with workforce needs.
Boise State Online partners with employers to create pathways that support both business goals and employee success. Tools like Tuition.io can simplify how education benefits are managed, making it easier for employees to access and use them.
Employers consistently value skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability. These are the same skills employees build through well-designed online programs.
Learn more about Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses to help you make your educational dreams a reality — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.