Some organizations offer sponsorships to help employees fund their MBAs. It is important to carefully consider and fully understand the repayment terms required by your sponsor.

When evaluating a sponsorship, keep in mind:

  • If you accept employer sponsorship in your first year and decide to decline in your second year, you cannot then apply for scholarship funds.
  • Repayment options often change dramatically if you choose not to return to your sponsor after graduation.
  • You cannot use student loans to refinance or buy out a sponsorship.
  • HBS does not provide scholarship awards or loan forgiveness to cover sponsorships.
  • Loans from employers are treated as sponsorships for the calculation of need-based aid eligibility.

Some important questions to consider:

  • Will the sponsor limit where you can work in the summer between your first and second MBA year?
  • After graduation, will you return to the sponsor at your pre-MBA level and salary, or at a higher level and salary?
  • How many years of work post-MBA are required for your sponsor to forgive the cost of the sponsorship or sponsored loan?

Wondering if you should accept a sponsorship? Simply include all details of the sponsorship with your financial aid application and request that your aid awards be calculated both with and without the sponsorship amount. We are happy to help you make a well-informed decision.