Should you pay for classes needed for a promotion?

[Joggernot]

Long ago, when I went to college, there were only the basic computers (CDC w/transistors, 64k memory, and card/tape readers).  So I went back and got my two-year degree in computer science along with MS certifications.  I paid for these myself and went at night and weekends.  Here is why.

[Sibley]

Ideally you can get your employer to pay for the classes, or at least part of them.

[CheapskateWife]

I have always been of a mind that I needed to "move my own cheese" so to speak (this only works if you have read, Who Moved My Cheese)  If I pay for my own classes, its my skill, my education, and mine to use or take elsewhere if I so chose.  If my employer pays, I am now obligated to employer either by contractual requirements or implied social construct to stick around to let employer enjoy the benefit of my improvement.

So regardless of the math (solid example by the way) I still pay my own way. 

I do find however, that where I work there are employees of an older generation (closer to OP's age) that hold on to the idea that the employer needs to pay for their training.  Those folks do tend to stagnate at the office and not get offered promotions.  Me...the star is rising rapidly.

[Joggernot]

I have always been of a mind that I needed to "move my own cheese" so to speak (this only works if you have read, Who Moved My Cheese)  If I pay for my own classes, its my skill, my education, and mine to use or take elsewhere if I so chose.  If my employer pays, I am now obligated to employer either by contractual requirements or implied social construct to stick around to let employer enjoy the benefit of my improvement.

So regardless of the math (solid example by the way) I still pay my own way. 

I do find however, that where I work there are employees of an older generation (closer to OP's age) that hold on to the idea that the employer needs to pay for their training.  Those folks do tend to stagnate at the office and not get offered promotions.  Me...the star is rising rapidly.

Well said!!  My skill.  I took it to another company for a raise when my original employer said "the raises you got while getting the degree/certificate factored in the degree/certificate", even though they didn't pay a dime for them.