Pursuing a Harvard Business School Online certificate is a powerful career step; the results speak for themselves. In a recent survey by market research firm City Square Associates, 24 percent of learners reported that HBS Online helped increase their salary by an average of $20,466—an 11-times return on their course investment.
The real question isn’t whether it’s worth it—it’s how to make it happen without disrupting your financial planning.
Online learning delivers a transformative experience that combines flexibility, affordability, and tangible value. In fact, 70 percent of students choose online learning specifically for its cost-effectiveness. Since everyone’s financial situation is different, HBS Online offers multiple pathways to participation.
Whether you’re self-funding, leveraging employer support, or applying for grants, there’s an option designed to fit your budget and goals. Explore ways you can pay for HBS Online’s certificate programs to choose the option that works best for you.
Ways to Pay for HBS Online
1. Grants and Loans
HBS Online is committed to broadening access to world-class education, offering grants to eligible participants in most of our certificate and credential programs, opening doors for lifelong learners worldwide, including:
- Income-Based Grants: First-time HBS Online participants facing financial constraints may qualify for an Income-Based Grant. These need-based awards ensure that ambition and professional growth aren’t limited by economic background, ensuring talented professionals can pursue an HBS Online program regardless of their current financial situation.
- Military Grants: Active-duty service members and U.S. veterans are eligible for a Military Grant, applicable to a single enrollment in CORe or a certificate program. These grants honor your service while supporting your continued educational advancement.
If you’re interested in exploring loans, there are options available that must be approved, certified, and disbursed before you start your program. You can learn more on our Payment and Financial Aid page.
2. Flexible Payment Methods
HBS Online offers a variety of secure payment options to suit different needs, including:
- PayPal: Our newest payment offering provides flexibility and buyer protection
- Credit and debit cards: HBS Online accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express
- Wire transfers and Western Union: Convenient options for international payments
- Bank loans: Available through select lenders, subject to approval
For those who prefer to split their payments, HBS Online provides easy solutions:
- Divide your payment across two separate credit card transactions
- Send a payment link to someone else to complete the payment on your behalf
These flexible approaches ensure that the payment process is straightforward and never a barrier to enrollment.
3. Employer Reimbursement
Corporate employees seeking to enhance their skills may qualify for employer reimbursement.
According to the same City Square survey, 71 percent of HBS Online learners report improved job performance after completing a course, contributing to organizational value. About one-third of HBS Online learners have received financial support from their employers, and many others can do the same with a thoughtful approach.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or looking to strengthen critical workflows in your current role, HBS Online’s flexible format allows you to apply new knowledge immediately while maintaining your full-time responsibilities. You learn, your organization benefits, and everyone wins.
Acquiring employer reimbursement requires some preparation: researching your company’s policies, crafting a compelling pitch for your supervisor, and timing your request strategically. Given the potential payoff for your career and your organization, the effort is often worthwhile.
Invest In Your Future with HBS Online
Investing in your professional development shouldn’t require choosing between career growth and financial security. With grants, flexible payment options, and employer reimbursement opportunities, an HBS Online education is genuinely accessible.
Don’t let cost stand in the way of your potential. Explore which payment options best align with your situation.
Are you ready to move forward with your HBS Online experience? Explore HBS Online’s certificate and credential programs and payment options, and download our online learning success guide to discover how to prepare for your next HBS Online course.
