Mutual of Omaha Growing Careers Through Tuition Reimbursement

At Mutual of Omaha, we understand ongoing professional development supports our associates in growing professionally and helps us build a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce. That belief is at the heart of our employee tuition reimbursement program.

Tuition reimbursement

Mutual of Omaha’s tuition reimbursement program reimburses up to $400 per credit hour and up to the IRS limit of $5,250 per calendar year to employees for eligible coursework taken at an accredited university. The benefits are tax-free and reimbursed directly to their paycheck.

University partnerships

We’ve formed strategic partnerships with several universities, including the University of Nebraska Omaha, Bellevue University, Clarkson College and the University of Arizona-Online.

These partnerships provide unique benefits and support to Mutual of Omaha employees, enhancing their educational pursuits beyond what is generally available and offering additional financial aid and academic resources tailored to the needs of the workforce.

Each university partnership offers distinct advantages:

• University of Nebraska Omaha Career Advancement Partnership (UNO CAP) is geared toward information technology, data science, finance and other coursework identified as skills the company needs as it moves into the future. The partnership allows for discounted tuition rates and the waiving of other fees for eligible classes taken through the school by eligible Mutual of Omaha employees.
  
• Bellevue University’s Campus@Work doubles the existing tuition reimbursement benefits for employees and provides additional financial support for eligible family members. Immediate family members may also be eligible for up to $2,500 per year.
  
• Our Clarkson College partnership gives employees, their spouses and eligible dependents a 30% tuition savings, automatic acceptance into online programs and the opportunity to apply for Clarkson College academic scholarships and financial aid.
  
• University of Arizona-Online gives a 10% reduction for bachelor's and graduate programs, as well as an application fee waiver and a dedicated team to help with enrollment. This program is also available to eligible family members of Mutual of Omaha employees.
  

“Each of these partnerships was carefully vetted to fit specific criteria we were looking for strategically — one of those criteria being accessibility to associates outside of the Omaha area,” said Human Resources Specialist Mark Saldivar.

The two most popular partnerships, UNO CAP and Bellevue Campus@Work, have current out-of-state participation rates of 23% and 26% respectively.

Micro-credential reimbursement option

Micro-credentials and certificate-based learning have become increasingly popular education options for both students and employers. Micro-credential, or a certificate that is taken for credit and through an accredited university, will likely be eligible for Mutual of Omaha’s tuition reimbursement program.

“Our partnership with University of Arizona-Online allows access to dozens of graduate and undergraduate certificates in a variety of disciplines that are eligible for tuition reimbursement,” Saldivar said.

Additionally, the company’s partnership with Bellevue University has recently been expanded to offer its Workplace Learning Portfolio. This portfolio offers employees the ability to take individual classes or small packages of classes while earning college credit.

This creates stackable learning opportunities that gives employees the flexibility to receive the learning they want in the way they want it — from single classes to certificate up to earning a degree.

Success stories

Customer Care Analyst Selina Lozano, who is enrolled in the University of Arizona Global Campus pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, said the financial support she’s received from Mutual of Omaha has helped ease the stress of going back to school.

“Tuition reimbursement is a great program I’m extremely grateful for,” Lozano said. “Not only does it help students be able to reduce reliance on student loans, but if you’re paying school out of pocket, it makes it easier on the individual.”

After she graduates, Lozano aspires to move to Mutual of Omaha’s financial department.

Like Lozano, Senior Benefit Claim Specialist Lelia Baker, said the program has helped alleviate the financial burden of attending college, which has allowed her to stay focused on her job and her studies.

“The tuition reimbursement program through Mutual of Omaha is a great program,” Baker said. “Right now, I am paying for school out of pocket, and it helps to be able to get reimbursed because schooling isn’t cheap.”

Baker is pursuing a degree in psychology and hopes to one day work in Mutual of Omaha’s employee assistance program.

Mutual of Omaha prides itself on fostering a learning culture that minimizes financial barriers to education. The company encourages employees to leverage these benefits to add value to their careers without pushing them toward any specific educational institution, aiming to provide meaningful and impactful educational opportunities.