For applicants
While every Cornell EMBA student is encouraged to explore, including partial or full financial support. Our program and admissions directors have developed the following tips and tools to help you navigate the sponsorship process.
Prepare to make your case
In making your case for sponsorship, confidence and preparation are critical. Download our guide to help you present yourself and your proposal in a professional and effective manner.
Download the checklist
Q&A for applicants
Explore answers to the most common questions prospective students have about the sponsorship process.
Why should my employer support my choice to pursue a Cornell EMBA?
The outstanding reputation of Cornell’s Executive MBA programs rests on our ability to impart concepts, tools and strategies that experienced professionals can apply immediately to their organizations. A cornerstone of the Johnson School is applied learning — a concept that goes back to the foundations of Cornell University. This immediate impact allows our graduates and their employers to quickly recoup the investment in the program. The breadth of industry and functional expertise that participants bring to the program creates a dynamic and engaging academic environment. The collaborative approach to teaching and learning enables students to both contribute to and gain new perspectives from others. The curriculum is relevant and experiential, creating an opportunity for students to bring situations or challenges from their organizations to the classroom.
How can I justify the program’s required time away from the office to my employer?
Cornell EMBA programs are designed to allow for students to reach a balance between their professional, personal and academic lives. A weekend-based format means that students can focus on their careers during the work week. The student experience is augmented by four residential sessions that provide unique access to resources and expanded networking time with peers and faculty.
How can I navigate the conversation about financial support with my employer?
Financial sponsorship is not required, however many employers see the cost as an investment in their company’s future. There are various ways an employer can provide financial support. Some may fund the full tuition, others split the cost with the employee, while others may reimburse the employee for part or all of the tuition. Focus on what is most important to you in your negotiation strategy, and direct the dialogue by articulating the benefits a Cornell EMBA provides to your employer and organization.
What is the return on investment of a Cornell EMBA that I should highlight when speaking with my employer about sponsorship opportunities?
From strengthening your management skills and business acumen, to applying what you learn on the weekend immediately in the workplace, you can help your employer discover all the ways their sponsorship will benefit you, your organization and your industry by highlighting the key benefits of a Cornell EMBA.
What resources can I provide to my employer for more information on sponsorship opportunities, benefits and program details?
We encourage you to download our Preparing to Make Your Case guide above before you begin the dialogue with your employer. You can also direct them to helpful information on Cornell EMBA program offerings, benefits and next steps within the For Employers section below.
For employers
A Cornell Executive MBA will enhance the leadership and strategic thinking skills of your best employees as they advance their careers and strengthen your team and organization on their way up.
Sponsorship benefits
During the program, students strengthen their management skills and business acumen in the classroom on the weekends and apply what they learn in the workplace on Monday morning. Discover all the ways your support and sponsorship of a Cornell EMBA will benefit your employee and give your organization a competitive edge.
Immediate results & impact
Enthusiastic & strategic leadership
Employee retention & enhanced talent acquisition
Broadened perspectives & network
Enhanced industry reputation
EMBA program options
This general management MBA is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance to the highest levels of leadership without sacrificing career momentum. Every other weekend, study via live, synchronous instruction and connect with peers and faculty from across the Americas.
This NYC-based MBA program is designed for ambitious, experienced professionals from any industry. Refine your business skills and become immersed in cutting-edge coursework that is critical to effective leadership in today’s global environment — all without career disruption.
Designed for experienced professionals across all healthcare industry sectors, and located in NYC, this dual-degree program caters to ambitious leaders looking to immediately apply the skills and business acumen they acquire in the classroom to their careers. This program is offered in partnership with the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
Q&A for employers
Explore answers to the most common questions sponsors ask. If you have additional questions, please contact a member of our admissions team by completing the form below.
How much time will the employee spend away from work?
Class sessions are held on alternating weekends with class commitments on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to class weekends, students attend four in-person residential sessions throughout the duration of the program.
How much will it cost?
The division of cost between employer and employee varies. Cornell EMBA students seek many different levels of sponsorship, but regardless of sponsorship type and amount, many employers see the cost as an investment in their company’s future. Companies may fund the full tuition, split the cost with the employee or reimburse the employee for part or all of the tuition.
How can I navigate the conversation about financial support with my employee?
Cornell EMBA students and graduates are eager to take on more responsibility during and following their program completion, and allowing them to grow within your organization will strengthen their desire to stay. However, many employers use length-of-service or forgivable loan agreements with sponsored candidates to encourage the employee to stay with the organization. The parameters of these agreements are entirely up to the signing parties, but they typically include a payback schedule if the employee leaves or a clause specifying the length of time that an employee will stay after the program.
How can I expect my employee to grow as a leader through a Cornell EMBA?
Senior leaders need in-depth knowledge of all the functional areas of an organization. They also need to know how those functions intersect to make sound decisions and promote a strategic vision. Each Cornell EMBA program begins with a complete foundation in core competency areas such as business essentials, finance & analytics, critical thinking, leadership and global experience. Advanced coursework, major projects and electives augment student learning to promote thinking across industry and functional lines. Senior leaders will gain the tools, skills and perspective they need to lead your organization well into the future.