Are you discouraged by the soaring costs of college education? What if we told you that some employers are willing to help pay for your tuition?
By working for one of these 12 forward-thinking companies, you could significantly reduce or even eliminate the burden of student loan debt.
These innovative companies are redefining the concept of education financing, offering diverse opportunities and benefits to their employees.
Amazon
Unlocking Your Educational Journey The Amazon Career Choice program provides comprehensive support for associates who have been with the company for at least 90 days. Whether you aspire to earn a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, pursue job training in high-demand fields, or obtain certifications like your GED or ESL, Amazon has got you covered. Enroll through a partner institution to explore the available options.
Boeing
Elevating STEM Education Boeing, the aviation industry giant, prioritizes individuals pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Through their tuition reimbursement program, they generously support employees’ undergraduate and graduate education. Scholarships for dependents of employees are also available. Balancing work and school is essential, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the hourly work requirements.
Chipotle
Crafting Your Path to Higher Education Chipotle offers education benefits tailored to your work schedule. By working a minimum of 15 hours per week for four months, you become eligible for their program, which covers the costs of associate’s or bachelor’s degrees at partner institutions. If attending classes in person is not feasible, you can access online courses offered by their partner institutions. Alternatively, you can still benefit from tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually.
Discover
Unlocking a World of Education At Discover, employees can access a remarkable education benefit by participating in online partner programs. Their offering includes a wide range of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, with the potential for up to 100% tuition coverage. Even if you choose a program or school outside their partner network, Discover provides up to $10,000 per year in tuition funding. This benefit is available to all employees.
Disney
Enchanting Your Educational Journey Full-time and part-time employees at Disney can leverage the Disney Aspire program to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees. By attending partner schools, employees enjoy coverage of not only tuition but also textbook costs. After 90 days of employment, you can take advantage of this program, and Disney directly handles the payments, eliminating the need for upfront expenses and reimbursement.
Papa John’s
Savoring the Opportunity for Education Through the Dough & Degrees program, both part-time and full-time workers at Papa John’s can receive financial assistance for college. While availability varies depending on the store, corporate-owned locations primarily offer this benefit. Work a minimum of 10 hours per week for 60 days to check if your store provides this opportunity. The program focuses on online degrees from prestigious institutions like the University of Maryland and Purdue University.
Starbucks
Brewing Success Through Education Starbucks’ College Achievement Plan aims to support employees in covering college costs beyond scholarships and financial aid. To qualify, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and accept financial aid from your chosen school. Starbucks covers the remaining tuition expenses for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. After working at least 240 hours over three consecutive months, you become eligible for this program.
Taco Bell
Fueling Your Education Journey Taco Bell offers 100% paid tuition for select degrees, high school diplomas, and college preparation courses for corporate employees. Partner programs ensure that your costs are covered upfront, eliminating reimbursement concerns. If you are a franchise employee or opt for a non-partner program, you can still access up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement. Graduate students can also benefit from this program.
Target
Hitting the Bullseye in Education Target supports its U.S. employees in pursuing higher education through partner institutions and specialized degree programs. Whether you prefer in-person or online learning, Target has associate’s and bachelor’s degree options, as well as certifications. Master’s degree students within Target’s partner network can receive up to $10,000 annually towards their studies.
T-Mobile
Connecting You to Educational Opportunities Full-time T-Mobile employees have the opportunity to pursue full tuition coverage by enrolling in degree programs offered by partner schools. Additionally, full-time students can receive $5,250 for tuition at other institutions. Part-time employees are eligible for up to $2,500 in financial assistance to support their education.
Verizon
Empowering Your Educational Pursuits Verizon provides financial assistance to full-time and part-time employees seeking a degree at Bellevue University. Full-time employees can receive up to $13,250 per year, while part-time employees can receive up to $8,000. Moreover, Verizon extends this benefit to immediate family members of employees, who can receive up to $2,500 each year towards their education.
Walmart
A Gateway to Affordable Education Walmart’s Live Better U program offers full tuition coverage at partner universities for undergraduate programs. Explore this opportunity to pursue your desired degree without worrying about the financial burden.
What is Employer-Paid Education called?
Employer-paid education is commonly referred to as “tuition reimbursement” or “tuition assistance.” Many companies include these programs as part of their comprehensive benefits packages, aiming to support their employees’ educational endeavors.
How much Financial Assistance do Companies Typically Provide for Tuition Reimbursement?
The majority of companies set a cap of $5,250 per year for tuition reimbursement in their employer tuition assistance programs. Any amount exceeding this limit is generally considered taxable income, requiring the employee to cover the associated tax obligations.
How Can I Request Tuition Reimbursement from my Employer?
If your employer doesn’t currently offer a tuition reimbursement program, it’s best to initiate a formal negotiation with your manager or supervisor. Prepare a well-crafted message that highlights the ways your continued education will benefit both you and the company. Be ready to address any concerns your boss may have.
The Bottom Line
Numerous companies are committed to supporting your educational and professional growth by offering various education benefits. By exploring these opportunities, you can pursue your educational goals without succumbing to overwhelming debt. Take the time to research and qualify for these programs, and you’ll discover affordable ways to continue your education.