Puck

I can't see what you could possibly say that would make them think giving you $25k a year, while you leave the state as well as their employ, on a promise to return one day, someday, whenever you graduate, is a good idea.

The way these deals typically work is this -- You continue to work for them, you get the tuition, you sign the contract to work for them for X years after graduation, the contract stipulates that if you don't, you owe them the tuition in full plus interest, etc. Also, since they have you by the throat, they typically pay you less than the going rate for a person with that degree, and there's not much you can do about it.

Most employees want the benefit of what you're learning to be part of their working with you the whole time -- that is, you work for them while in college, and they begin to benefit from your expertise almost immediately. You're asking them to cut you loose AND pay for college. Only parents do that, not employers.

Good Luck. I strongly suggest looking into financial aid, work/study, or internship opportunities the department offers to help with tuition. ALSO, if that $25k is the out-of-state rate, I STRONGLY urge you to become a resident of that state at once -- the second you get there, get that state's driver's license, tag for your car, voter's registration card, etc. The next year, you should be eligible for the in-state rate, which will help significantly.

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"Wealth is the slave of a wise man. The master of a fool." -- Seneca