Hey there, students! If you’re trying to figure out how to pay for college without drowning in debt, tuition reimbursement and assistance programs are something you should know about. Many companies out there are ready to invest in your education, making it a win-win for both of you. Here's a breakdown of what these programs are all about and which companies offer the best deals.
What is a Tuition Reimbursement and Assistance Program?
In simple terms, a tuition reimbursement and assistance program is when your employer pays for a part or all of your college expenses. This can include tuition fees, books, and other related costs. The idea is to help you gain skills and knowledge that can benefit both your career and the company.
How Does It Work?
Eligibility: You may need to meet certain criteria like working a minimum number of hours and being employed for a set period.
Application: Apply through your company, showing how your course will benefit your job.
Payment: Companies may pay upfront (tuition assistance) or reimburse you (tuition reimbursement) after you complete the course.
Grades: You might need to maintain a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Commitment: You might need to stay with the company for a certain period after completing your education.
Top Companies Offering Tuition Reimbursement or Assistance Programs
Here’s a list of some cool companies that offer tuition reimbursement and assistance programs. Check out the details and see if any of these match your career goals. Keep in mind, this isn’t an exhaustive list—there are many more companies out there offering similar benefits, so be sure to explore all your options!
1. Amazon
Program: Career Choice
Details: Prepaid tuition for associate and bachelor’s degrees, industry certifications in industries like tech and transportation, English language learning, high school completion and GED programs, along with career coaching.
Eligibility: After 90 days of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: careerchoice.amazon
2. Apple
Program: Education Reimbursement
Details: Up to $5,250 per year for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple plus various classes, seminars and beyond-the-classroom tools through Apple University.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Employee Type: Full-time.
URL: apple.com/careers
3. AT&T
Program: Tuition Assistance
Details: Up to $5,250 per year for college degrees, along with industry-leading training for skill development and career growth through AT&T University.
Eligibility: After six months of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: att.jobs
4. Bank of America
Program: Tuition Reimbursement
Details: Up to $7,500 (up to $5,250 tax-free) annually for eligible undergraduate or graduate courses, discounts at a number of universities, and free unlimited individual academic advisory services.
Eligibility: After six months of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: bankofamerica.com
5. Best Buy
Program: Tuition Assistance
Details: Up to $3,500 per year for undergraduate studies and $5,250 per year for graduate-level coursework related to your job, plus tuition discounts, special scholarship opportunities, and reduced education fees.
Eligibility: After six months of employment.
Employee Type: Full-time employees (32+ hours/week).
URL: jobs.bestbuy.com
6. Capital One
Program: Educational Assistance
Details: Up to a $5,250 per year upfront for course-specific tuition, required books, and eligible course-specific fees. Tuition discounts at over 200 selected schools and programs.
Eligibility: All associates.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
7. Chick-fil-A
Program: Scholarships and Tuition Discounts
Details: Tuition discounts and grants through Scholarship America.
Eligibility: All employees.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: chick-fil-a.com
8. Chipotle
Program: Tuition Assistance
Details: 100% tuition paid for select programs. Undergraduate and master's degrees, certificates, HS completion, college prep, and English language learning. Up to $5,250/year for other programs.
Eligibility: All employees.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
9. Comcast
Program: Tuition Assistance
Details: Up to $5,750 annually.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Employee Type: Full-time employees.
URL: jobs.comcast.com
10. Disney
Program: Disney Aspire
Details: 100% tuition paid upfront for a range of program types from high school completion, English language learning, college prep, and undergraduate and master’s degrees. Required books and fees are reimbursable.
Eligibility: After 90 days of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: disneyaspire.com
11. FedEx
Program: Tuition Reimbursement
Details: Up to $5,250 per year for college, trade, vocational or technical school. No lifetime cap.
Eligibility: Package handlers after 60 days.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: careers.fedex.com
12. Home Depot
Program: Tuition Reimbursement
Details: Up to 50% of tuition, fees and other approved expenses, with a maximum of $5,000 per year for salaried employees, $3,000 for full-time hourly, and $1,500 for part-time hourly.
Eligibility: All employees.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: mythdhr.com
13. Kroger
Program: Continued Education & Tuition Reimbursement
Details: Up to $3,500 annually, with a maximum of $21,000 over the employee’s career. Covers GED courses to Ph.D. programs.
Eligibility: All employees.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
14. Lowe’s
Program: Tuition Reimbursement
Details: 100% tuition-paid select programs and up to $2,500 per year for additional programs.
Eligibility: Full-time employees after one year.
Employee Type: Full-time employees.
15. Macy's
Program: Tuition Reimbursement Program
Details: 100% tuition-paid select programs.
Eligibility: Available to all colleagues.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
16. McDonald’s
Program: Archways to Opportunity
Details: Up to $5,250 per year for full-time employees, $2,500 for part-time employees. Covers eligible course expenses (tuition and course fees) that are not covered by scholarships or grants.
Eligibility: After 90 days of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time (15+ hours/week) and full-time employees.
17. Papa John’s
Program: Dough & Degrees
Details: 100% tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.
Eligibility: After 60 days of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time (10+ hours/week) and full-time employees.
URL: papajohns.com
18. Starbucks
Program: College Achievement Plan
Details: Full tuition for Arizona State University online degrees.
Eligibility: After 240 paid hours, minimum 20 hours per week.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: starbucks.asu.edu
19. Taco Bell
Program: Education Benefits
Details: Up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance for various educational pursuits, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, high school completion, and college prep courses. Covers 100% of tuition costs for select programs. Includes the Live Más Scholarship and GED certification program.
Eligibility: Available to all team members from day one.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: tacobell.com
20. Target
Program: Tuition Assistance
Details: Up to $5,250 per year for undergraduate degrees and up to $10,000 for master’s degrees.
Eligibility: Based on position, average hours and time with Target.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: jobs.target.com
21. T-Mobile
Program: Tuition Assistance
Details: Full tuition for partner online programs; up to $2,500 per year for part-time employees, $5,000 for full-time employees at accredited colleges.
Eligibility: After 90 days of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
22. UPS
Program: Earn & Learn
Details: Up to $5,250 per year. Lifetime maximum of $25,000.
Eligibility: All employees.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: jobs-ups.com
23. Verizon
Program: Tuition Assistance Program
Details: Up to $8,000 per year.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Employee Type: Full-time employees.
URL: mycareer.verizon.com.
24. Walmart
Program: Live Better U
Details: Covers 100% of college tuition and books. Short-form certificates, bachelor’s degrees, high school completion and more.
Eligibility: Eligible on day one of employment.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
25. Wells Fargo
Program: Tuition Reimbursement
Details: Up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees and up to $2,500 for part-time employees for eligible career-related classes and expenses.
Eligibility: All benefits-eligible employees.
Employee Type: Part-time and full-time employees.
URL: wellsfargo.com
Tuition reimbursement and assistance programs are excellent ways to handle your education costs while gaining valuable work experience. These programs can significantly reduce your expenses, but they might not cover everything. That’s why filling out the FAFSA is so important. The FAFSA helps you see if you qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, and student loans.
Many companies offer their employees some form of educational assistance, so if you don't know if your company offers these benefits, ask! When exploring these opportunities, consider asking the following questions:
When will I be eligible to start receiving tuition reimbursement/assistance?
How many hours a week do I need to work to qualify?
Are there any grade requirements to keep receiving tuition reimbursement/assistance?
Do I need my manager's approval to join the program?
How long do I have to stay with the company after I finish my education?
What schools and programs can I choose from with this benefit?
Make the most of this opportunity to advance your education and career. Invest in yourself and your future—start exploring these opportunities today!
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