In this day and age, it’s undeniably important to stay informed in order to lower the cost of life in all aspects. One of the greatest expenses is definitely college education. No one wants to finish school with a huge $100,000 debt! While you can try getting grants and scholarships, they might not cover all your costs, especially as college fees keep going up. This is where companies that can help pay for your college come in. A smart idea is to find a job with a company that will pay for your education while you work. It’s like solving two problems at once = win-win!
You might know that Starbucks helps with college costs, but there are other companies that do too. It’s surprising how many companies offer to help with college education, but most people don’t know about it. Also, it’s a good idea to look into colleges that don’t charge tuition fees, and they might have other benefits for students too.
👉 No student should have to struggle with money, so before you start college, download the Free Stuff Finder App. It can help you save money on groceries and other things you need.
Below is a list of some jobs that help with college costs. You can find more details about each one, including who can apply and what you need to do to qualify.
40 Companies That Pay For College 💸
1. Amazon
Amazon launched the Amazon’s Career Choice initiative in January 2022. It enables eligible employees to have their college tuition, fees, and textbooks covered by Amazon after completing just 90 days with the company. The funds are allocated annually for the duration of their employment with Amazon.
Additionally, the program supports employees in completing high school, obtaining GEDs, and acquiring ESL certifications. Employees can also participate in Amazon’s internal training program to receive technical education and certifications directly on-site.
2. Walmart & Sam’s Club
Walmart, including Sam’s Club, has established itself as one of the leading companies offering college payment assistance through its Live Better U program. Associates have the opportunity to pursue degrees in fields such as business, supply chain management, and cybersecurity without going into debt, as Walmart covers 100% of tuition and book expenses.
In addition to that, employees can gain college credits for participating in paid training at Walmart Academies. This way, associates have collectively earned over $317 million in college credits.
Here’s a list of colleges covered by Live Better U: Bellevue University, EnGen, Ivy Tech Community College, Johnson & Wales University, Kenzie Academy, Louisiana State University, Morehouse, College, North Carolina A&T State University, Oregon State University, Penn Foster, Pathstream, Rio Salado College, Smart Horizons, Southern New Hampshire University, Spelman College, Springboard, University of Arizona, University of Denver, University of Massachusetts Global, University of Arkansas, and Wilmington University.
3. Starbucks
Renowned for its commitment to education, Starbucks stands out as one of the most generous employers covering college expenses. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) has been operational for nearly a decade, serving as a collaboration with Arizona State University, making it a compelling incentive to serve coffee.
Both full- and part-time employees who clock in at least 20 hours per week become eligible after three months. And here’s the kicker: full tuition reimbursement for every year of college! However, it’s important to note that this perk is exclusively for those pursuing their initial bachelor’s degree.
And another thing: there’s no need to pledge your allegiance to Starbucks forever. There’s no obligation to remain with the company post-graduation. How fantastic is that?!
As a bonus, Starbucks extends the same SCAP benefit to one family member (besides the employee) if they are a member of the military. This means veterans and active-duty service members could potentially send a child to college tuition-free!
4. Target
Target introduced their “Dream to Be” program in the fall of 2021 – a program offering tuition coverage for qualified full-time and part-time employees. To qualify, individuals must enroll in a Guild network college or university. With over 40 participating institutions available, employees can pursue eligible programs such as business management, design, operations, computer science, and others. Additionally, reimbursement is available for educational expenses like textbooks and course fees.
5. Lowe’s
Similar to Target, Lowe’s stands out as one of the top companies providing college tuition assistance. Through Guild, they offer debt-free education opportunities.
Lowe’s Tuition Reimbursement Program is available to full-time employees who have completed at least one year with the company. To qualify for debt-free education, individuals must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Beyond this, studies are eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,500 per year.
6. Papa John’s
In collaboration with Purdue University, Papa John’s Dough for Degrees tuition reimbursement initiative now offers full reimbursement of tuition for any corporate employee. Eligibility requires working for 90 days at a minimum of 20 hours per week. Papa John’s covers undergraduate and graduate courses in business, business administration, and information technology, all of which are conducted online.
7. The Home Depot
After completing 90 days of service, Home Depot associates become eligible for tuition reimbursement. Part-time hourly employees enrolled in this program can receive up to $1,500 annually. Full-time hourly employees are eligible for up to $3,000 per year, while salaried employees can receive up to $5,000 annually.
Home Depot allocates half of the reimbursement amount towards books and course fees, with the remaining half covering tuition-related expenses.
8. Chipotle
Chipotle provides educational support through Guild Education, extending eligibility to both part-time and full-time employees. The program offers up to $5,250 in annual tuition assistance, with instances where they may cover the entire cost, depending on the chosen degree.
There are also additional advantages. Employees can complete a third of their degree without physical classroom attendance. Plus each promotion earns credit hours toward the degree.
Employees who have completed at least 180 days of service are eligible for these benefits.
9. Best Buy
To qualify for Best Buy’s tuition assistance program, you need to be an active, full-time employee, which entails working a minimum of 32 hours per week and completing six months of employment.
If you meet these criteria, Best Buy will reimburse up to $3,500 annually for approved undergraduate expenses. For graduate-level coursework relevant to your job, you can receive up to $5,250 per year.
Best Buy has established partnerships with specific colleges and universities, potentially providing tuition discounts for your child as well.
10. UPS
Since 1997, UPS has been actively involved in supporting tuition assistance, helping numerous individuals achieve their college aspirations over the years.
Remarkably, even part-time UPS employees can benefit from tuition assistance through the UPS Education Assistance Program. This program offers $5,250 per calendar year, with a lifetime cap of $25,000 in assistance. What’s particularly appealing is that eligibility starts on the first day of employment.
UPS employees also have the opportunity to utilize UPS training programs to enhance their career prospects within the company.
11. FedEx
To be eligible for FedEx’s tuition assistance program, your course of study must be relevant to your job, aligning with their aim to support career advancement opportunities within the company. According to Glassdoor, part-time employees can receive up to $2,500 annually, while full-time employees are eligible for up to $5,000.
12. Kroger
To be eligible for Kroger’s “Feed Your Future” program, you must have been employed there for a minimum of six months. However, upon meeting this requirement, you become eligible to receive $3,500 towards college expenses annually for up to eight years. This equates to a total of $21,000 throughout your employment with Kroger.
13. Publix
To qualify for Publix’s tuition reimbursement program, you need to have an average of ten hours of work per week.
Once you meet this requirement, Publix will reimburse you for courses directly related to enhancing your performance in your current role. Therefore, focusing on occupational or technical programs can better prepare you for future opportunities within the company.
For employees enrolled in four-year colleges or universities, the annual reimbursement can reach up to $4,000, with a lifetime cap of $16,000. If you’re attending a two-year community college, technical program, or individual course program, you can receive up to $2,200 annually, with a lifetime limit of $4,400.
14. Meijer
Although Meijer supermarket chain doesn’t provide a universal tuition assistance program, it does offer scholarship opportunities. Team members, including their children, are eligible for the Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarships, which are available in increments of $5,000 and $10,000.
15. CVS
CVS offers full-time employees up to $1,500 annually for educational expenses, with the condition that the degree pursued is relevant to their job.
16. McDonald’s
Under McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity initiative, full-time managers such as Store Manager Trainees, Certified Swing Managers, Department Managers, and General Managers can receive up to $5,250 annually in tuition assistance.
For employees working at least 15 hours per week in other roles, such as Floor Supervisors, Shift Manager Trainees, Restaurant Crew, and Primary Maintenance, up to $2,500 is available. The only requirement is a minimum of 90 days of employment with the company.
McDonald’s reimburses tuition and fees not covered by scholarships or grants.
17. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures scholarship program provides two annual scholarships: the True Inspiration Scholarship valued at $25,000 and the Leadership Scholarship worth $2,500. In a single month, Chick-fil-A awarded over $19 million in total, with 12 team members each receiving $25,000.
Recipients can use the scholarship funds for any field of study at accredited universities, including 2- and 4-year colleges, online programs, and technical or vocational schools.
18. Apple
Although Apple does not publicly disclose the details of its tuition assistance program, it does offer one.
According to Glassdoor reviews from Apple employees, individuals who maintain a “B” grade average are eligible for up to $5,000 in tuition assistance per year.
19. Google
Google unveiled a new initiative aimed at alleviating the burden of student loan debt among its employees in 2021. This program involves matching employees’ student loan payments, providing up to $2,500 per year.
They also continue to offer their existing tuition reimbursement benefits, which extend up to $12,000 annually for employees who achieve As or Bs in their studies.
20. Microsoft
Tuition assistance is among the listed employee benefits at Microsoft. While the official website doesn’t provide specific details, employees report that Microsoft offers up to $10,000 per year in tuition assistance. Eligibility requires a minimum of two years of employment with the company.
21. Oracle
All regular, full-time employees at Oracle are eligible to take part in the education tuition reimbursement program. The chosen course of study must be relevant to the employee’s current job or a prospective role within the company, and a minimum grade of B- or higher must be achieved in the course.
22. Intel
Intel shows its commitment to supporting employees with their educational pursuits, establishing itself as one of the leading companies in college tuition assistance. Through their in-house training initiative, “Intel University,” which boasts over 7,000 courses, employees can align their learning with their career aspirations. Additionally, Intel extends financial aid opportunities for job-related courses beyond their internal offerings.
Under Intel’s tuition assistance program, participants receive up to $50,000 per program, covering tuition, books, and specific fees.
23. GAP Inc.
Gap Inc. employees, including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta, become eligible for the tuition reimbursement program following one year of service with the company.
Subsequently, Gap covers the cost of two classes and provides two books per term, with a maximum allowance of $5,000 per calendar year.
24. JetBlue
JetBlue’s tuition assistance program, known as the Master’s Pathways program, presents crew members with an array of benefits. These include tuition discounts and access to support services through partnerships with Thomas Edison State University, CUNY, and other institutions.
The airline also provides online courses and personalized coaching to crew members pursuing an undergraduate degree.
25. Chevron
Chevron Station offers a significant benefit with its tuition reimbursement program, specifically designed for employees pursuing studies aligned with their career trajectory. The program covers a substantial portion of expenses, reimbursing 75% of the total costs.
26. Pilot Flying J
The truck stop chain provides a generous college assistance benefit of up to $18,000. The eligibility criteria apply, but the positive aspect is that both part-time and full-time employees qualify for this benefit.
27. BP
BP provides tuition assistance for qualified employees and their children. Full-time employees can access this benefit immediately upon hire, which is uncommon and remarkable. Additionally, BP offers reimbursement of up to 90% for tuition, books, and other eligible expenses incurred through accredited institutions.
However, there are a couple of requirements to consider: you need approval from your manager before enrolling, and you must earn a grade of C or higher in your classes to be eligible for reimbursement.
28. Verizon Wireless
Verizon’s Tuition Assistance Program provides reimbursement and support for approved courses or degree programs taken through accredited institutions.
Through a collaboration with Bellevue University, Verizon extends annual benefits of $13,250 for full-time employees and up to $8,000 for part-time employees. Additionally, immediate family members are eligible for up to $2,500 per year, which is fantastic!
29. AT&T
Part-time and full-time AT&T employees who meet the eligibility criteria can receive up to $5,250 annually in tuition aid. The amount may differ for union-represented employees.
30. Wells Fargo
There isn’t detailed information available regarding Wells Fargo’s maximum limit or the criteria for “eligible tuition expenses.” Nevertheless, Wells Fargo does provide employees with up to $5,000 annually, along with scholarship opportunities for their children, which can amount to up to $3,000 per year.
31. Bank of America
Through the Bank of America Tuition Assistance program, all tuition-related expenses for job-related programs are covered at 100%, up to $7,500 per year.
To qualify, you must have been employed by Bank of America for at least six months and work a minimum of 20 hours per week. It’s important to attend an accredited school listed on the American Council on Education website to be eligible for this benefit.
32. Fidelity
Fidelity’s Tuition Reimbursement Program is available to full-time employees who have completed at least six months of service, according to Glassdoor. Under this program, employees can receive reimbursement for 90% of specific expenses, up to $10,000 annually, provided the courses taken meet certain criteria. These criteria include being enrolled at an accredited college or university and having relevance to one’s work. Even courses that are part of a work-related degree or certification program may qualify for reimbursement.
33. Capital One
Based on Glassdoor reviews, Capital One’s Education Assistance program offers full-time employees reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually. This benefit encompasses all courses taken at accredited institutions, regardless of whether they are work-related. Any courses aimed at personal or career development are eligible for reimbursement.
34. Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble’s tuition reimbursement program provides an 80% reimbursement for pre-approved tuition and fees, with a lifetime maximum of $40,000.
Eligibility for this benefit requires selecting courses or programs that are relevant to current or potential positions at Procter & Gamble.
35. Smucker’s
While the J.M. Smucker career and benefits page lacks specific details regarding their tuition assistance program, information from an HR representative indicates that the company reimburses up to $5,700 annually for approved courses.
To be eligible for reimbursement, you must maintain a grade of B or higher. Additionally, you should apply for the program through your manager.
36. Deloitte
According to Glassdoor, Deloitte’s tuition assistance program provides up to $10,000 per year after one year of employment.
Moreover, “top-performing professionals” have the opportunity to participate in the Deloitte Graduate School Assistance Program, which offers full tuition reimbursement for postgraduate studies after two years of employment. Eligible employees also receive a “technology allowance” for computer-related purchases and the chance to return to Deloitte as a Senior Consultant. Deloitte also negotiates discounts for graduate school entrance exam preparation classes.
As a bonus, Deloitte offers a student loan consolidation and refinancing program, allowing employees to merge their existing loans into a single loan with one monthly payment.
37. CarMax
CarMax’s tuition assistance program offers reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually for full-time associates and up to $2,500 for part-time associates. This assistance covers tuition, books, and any related fees and can be utilized for any field of study, provided an average grade of “C” or higher is maintained.
38. Qualcomm
Qualcomm offers reimbursements to eligible employees based on the approved program of study. For continuing education, 2-year degrees, 4-year undergraduate degrees, or certified programs, employees may receive up to $5,250 per year.
Employees pursuing graduate and postgraduate degree programs can receive up to $10,125 per year. Higher grades lead to increased reimbursement amounts.
39. Chili’s
Chili’s provides coverage for up to 25% of tuition costs for employees who have completed at least three months (90 days) of employment. Additionally, employees must be pursuing a job-related certificate or degree to qualify for this benefit.
40. Work for College = Get Free Tuition!
Who would have thought that your own workplace could include your school among the companies that support college education? If you’re employed full-time at any of the 672 private universities worldwide that participate in the tuition exchange network, you’ll have your full tuition and fees covered. Not only for yourself, but also for your partner and dependents. And this isn’t limited to the university where you work; it applies to dependents attending any university in the program.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professor or teacher. Any full-time staff position qualifies, whether you work as an office assistant or on the grounds crew. This means you can attend some of the most expensive and exclusive private schools in the world 100% tuition-free.
Some of the participating colleges include: Pepperdine University, University of San Diego, Syracuse University, Gonzaga University, Tulane University, George Washington University, Franklin University in Switzerland, and many more.
This is an amazing list! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
I love this! Thank you!!
You’re so very welcome Jenn!