A few years ago, you would be lucky to find an employer that offered some sort of tuition assistance. The amount was usually capped at a few thousand dollars. Although any amount to
pay for college is extremely helpful, it’s nothing compared to what employers are offering now.
In order to entice younger employees, major companies have begun offering massive college tuition benefits, like tuition reimbursement. Some of them are even paying for all
college costs.
If you are planning to work though college anyway, why not start your career with an employer that will make attending college less expensive for you? This is a great summer, part-time job idea! Additionally, you’ll gain invaluable
work experience that could mean a full-time position within the company – or elsewhere – after graduation.
Below, you’ll find a few of your options that will help you pay for college. A few of these companies are offering these student-focused perks to part-time employees, too!
Companies that Cover All Tuition
In recent years, more and more companies have announced that they will begin covering 100% of
college tuition for their employees. These are big name companies that likely have a retail center, office space, or distribution center near you.
Target Tuition Reimbursement: Target offers its employees
free college tuition to 40+ colleges and universities across the United States. The retail giant will also cover course fees and textbooks. This perk is available for part-time employees.
Amazon Tuition Reimbursement: Amazon isn’t just covering college tuition for employees. It will also provide funding for course costs, textbooks, and fees. After 90 days of work, employees can have their
semester pre-paid by Amazon.
Walmart Tuition Assistance: Walmart employees can earn high school diplomas, college degrees, skilled trades, and professional certificates at no cost. The company will cover all costs for select online programs from universities like,
The University of Arizona,
University of Denver, and
Purdue University. This perk is available for part-time employees.
Companies that Provide Tuition Reimbursement
Although the below companies don’t cover the entirety of college costs, they still provide significant tuition assistance for their employees. Typically, you can claim tuition assistance for each year that you are in school; however,
tuition assistance is oftentimes capped with a lifetime maximum amount. Below are just a few of the companies that are likely located around you with tuition benefits.
Home Depot Tuition Reimbursement: At
Home Depot, tuition assistance is a family affair. Full-time employees can receive up to $6,000 a year, part-time employees $3,000, and immediate family member are eligible for $2,500 per year.
UPS Tuition Reimbursement: UPS employees can claim up to $5,250, with a lifetime maximum of $25,000, and are eligible for tuition assistance on the first day that they’re hired.
Publix Tuition Reimbursement: Publix offers tuition assistance to employees that take courses that contribute to their job performance, enroll in occupational or technical programs, or acquire undergraduate degrees in select majors. Employees can claim up to $3,200 per year and a lifetime maximum of $12,000. For other courses, programs and majors outside of what Publix has specified, employees can receive up to $1,700 per year and a lifetime maximum of $3,400.
Lowes Tuition Reimbursement: Full-time employees at
Lowes are eligible for up to $2,500 per year to assist with tuition, fees, and books. Tuition assistance can be applied to Associate, Bachelor’s, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.
Apple Tuition Reimbursement: At
Apple, full-time employees can receive up to $5,250 per year toward college costs. Employees can also take advantage of free courses at Apple University to enhance financial, software, and business skills.
Wells Fargo Tuition Reimbursement: Wells Fargo employees will be awarded up to $5,000 per year toward education expenses. They also provide scholarships for dependent children of employees that range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Whether you’re a high school, college, or graduate student, think strategically about your job search. There are a plethora of employers who can help you pay for college. It may be worthwhile to explore those opportunities but ask questions about their tuition reimbursement programs to be sure it aligns with your higher education plans.
At the same time, if you’re applying for a specific job that doesn’t highlight tuition assistance, just ask! Your potential employer may offer tuition reimbursement that is not advertised, or it may be a benefit that they’re willing to try in order to get new employees.
Finally, ask future employers about scholarship opportunities, like the ones below:
Scholarships from Employers
Feeding Student Success Scholarship
Deadline: 2/28/22
Award Amount: $5,000
The Feeding Student Success Scholarship Program is open to Black and other minority students who reside across Whataburger's footprint in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas.
Archways to Opportunities Program
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Up to $5,250
The Archways To Opportunities Program is open to restaurant managers, office staff, and crew members employed by participating McDonald’s Franchise Owner / Operators in the United States. You must be working an average of 15 hours per week to be eligible for this award.
Remarkable Futures True Inspiration Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Up to $25,000
The Remarkable Futures True Inspiration Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are team members of Chick-Fil-A. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be active in your school and community, demonstrate a strong work ethic, leadership abilities, good teamwork, and a desire to succeed to qualify for this award.
