Tuition reimbursement lets employers cover your college costs—tuition, books, and fees—saving you $5,000–$40,000 annually. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or a new hire, these programs cut student debt and boost your career. Below, explore the most popular, lesser-known, and mid-tier programs, with clear steps to act fast.
Top Tuition Reimbursement Programs
These industry giants offer robust, widely used benefits:
- Amazon Career Choice Covers 100% of tuition, books, and fees for high-demand fields (e.g., IT, healthcare) after 90 days. No lifetime cap.
Action: Apply at amazoncareerchoice.com and enroll in a partner school.
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan Funds 100% of tuition for online bachelor’s degrees at Arizona State University for employees (20+ hours/week) after 90 days.
Action: Check eligibility at starbucks.asu.edu.
- Walmart Live Better U Pays 100% of tuition and fees for select programs at 40+ partner schools after 90 days, with a $1/day fee.
Action: Explore options at Walmart.
- Target Dream to Be Covers 100% of tuition for 250+ programs at 40+ schools, plus up to $5,250 (undergrad) or $10,000 (graduate) from day one.
Action: Visit target.com/education-benefits.
Stat: In 2023, 80% of large U.S. employers offered tuition reimbursement, spending $28 billion.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Programs
These under-the-radar programs deliver big savings:
- Publix Reimburses up to $3,200/year for part-time employees (10+ hours/week) after 6 months for select undergrad programs.
Action: Check publix.com/benefits or contact HR.
- Kroger Offers up to $3,500/year or $21,000 lifetime for full- and part-time employees pursuing degrees or certifications.
Action: Apply via kroger.com/employee-benefits.
- Desert Financial Credit Union Covers 100% undergrad tuition at ASU and up to $10,500/year for graduate programs for full-time employees.
Action: Review benefits at desertfinancial.com/employee-benefits.
- Voya Financial Reimburses up to $5,250/year for degrees or professional courses aligned with career goals.
Action: Visit voya.com/careers.
Stat: Only 2% of eligible employees use these benefits due to low awareness.
Solid Mid-Tier Programs
These programs balance generosity and accessibility:
- Chipotle Cultivate Education Covers 100% of tuition for select degrees via Guild Education and up to $5,250/year for other programs after 120 days (15+ hours/week).
Action: Check options at chipotle.com/education.
- Home Depot Reimburses $5,000/year (salaried), $3,000/year (full-time hourly), or $1,500/year (part-time) from day one.
Action: Apply at homedepot.com/benefits.
- AT&T Reimburses 50–100% of tuition up to $5,250/year for employees (6+ months, part- or full-time) at accredited schools.
Action: Visit att.jobs/benefits.
- McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity Offers $3,000/year (30+ hours/week) or $2,500/year (15+ hours/week) after 90 days for accredited programs.
Action: Explore at mcdonalds.com/archways.
How to Get Tuition Reimbursement
- Ask HR: Review your employee handbook or ask about tuition reimbursement policies.
- Verify Eligibility: Most require 3–12 months of employment, 15–40 hours/week, and a minimum GPA (e.g., B).
- Choose a Program: Enroll in accredited schools or employer-partnered programs.
- Get Pre-Approval: Submit course details to HR before starting.
- Pay and Reimburse: Pay upfront, complete courses, and submit receipts/grades. Some (e.g., Amazon) cover costs upfront.
- Stay Employed: Remain with the company 1–2 years post-course to avoid repayment.
No program at your job? Propose one to HR, highlighting benefits like retention and tax savings.
Tips to Maximize Reimbursement
- Leverage Tax Breaks: Up to $5,250/year is tax-free; higher amounts may be taxable unless job-related.
- Pick Strategic Fields: Choose degrees in business, tech, or healthcare to align with employer goals.
- Use Partner Schools: Programs like Starbucks or Target offer full coverage at specific schools.
- Stack with FAFSA: Combine reimbursement with FAFSA grants or scholarships to reduce costs further.
- Negotiate Flexibility: Request exceptions to study at your preferred school if restricted to partners.
Why It Matters
Tuition reimbursement slashes college costs and boosts career prospects. In 2024, 84% of employees said these benefits influenced job choice, with participants 10% more likely to be promoted. With 76% of employees staying longer due to education perks, you’re investing in your future while saving thousands. Start now to claim your share of $28 billion in annual benefits.