That’s why many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs, in addition to other employee benefits. Companies and human resources departments are well aware that benefits can impact whether candidates apply for a role, as well as whether they opt to accept or reject a job offer. Here are some of the top employers that provide tuition benefits, as well as tips for how to find jobs with tuition assistance programs.
What Are Company Tuition Assistance Programs?
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits package. Here’s how it typically works: an employee pays upfront for college, graduate, or continuing education classes. Then, once the class or semester is complete, the employer will refund a portion of the money spent—or the full amount.
Why Employers Offer Tuition Benefits
There are several incentives for companies to offer this perk:
Like any benefit, it helps attract and retain the best employees.Relevant coursework can sharpen workers’ skills and knowledge, strengthening the company.Tuition reimbursement is tax deductible up to $5,250 per employee per year, making this program cost-effective for companies.
How Tuition Reimbursement Programs Work
Implementation of this program varies significantly from company to company. Some reimburse any educational classes. Others require that coursework is done through specific schools to be eligible for reimbursement. Some companies may only cover tuition costs for approved classes. Companies may require a certain job grade to qualify for reimbursement, or that employees remain with the company for a set period of time following the completion of the class to qualify for reimbursement. Some companies may cover the costs associated with classes, such as textbooks or fees.
Companies Offering Tuition Benefits
From fast food chains to telecommunications companies to banks, here are some of the top companies that pay workers’ education costs.
AT&T
As part of its benefits package, AT&T offers tuition assistance—it’s available only for approved education costs, and the company does not offer details on how much assistance is available or other details on the program. The company spends millions each year on the program. In 2021, AT&T spent $13 million on tuition reimbursement.
Chipotle
Chipotle has a partnership with Guild Education, which offers classes, programs, and degrees from a variety of universities. Through this partnership, Chipotle employees can receive tuition reimbursement for career certificates, as well as college and master’s degrees. Coverage may be up to $5,250 or may cover costs completely, depending on the program.
Elevance Health
Employees at this health benefits company are eligible for up to $5,000 a year in reimbursement for tuition, textbooks, and other education-related fees. Part-time workers can receive $2,500 each year.
Home Depot
Tuition reimbursement rates for Home Depot employees vary by role—salaried employees can get up to $5,000 annually, while full-time hourly employees are reimbursed up to $3,000, and part-time hourly employees can get up to $1,500 back.
JetBlue
The airline runs a program known as JetBlue Scholars—employees can apply to enroll and, when accepted, take approved online courses. To be eligible, employees must have worked at JetBlue for two years.
P&G
P&G—makers of a vast range of consumer and household goods—offers what it describes as a “generous” tuition reimbursement program.
The J.M. Smucker Company
The J.M. Smucker Company makes more than jam—its brands include big names like Folgers, Pillsbury, and Meow Mix. The company offers reimbursement for some tuition costs for company-approved college courses.
Starbucks
All benefits-eligible United States employees of this coffee purveyor can have their full-time college tuition covered—essentially a free bachelor’s degree. One important note on this program: Employees can only study at Arizona State University’s online program.
UPS
Part-time UPS employees who work in package handling can participate in the company’s Earn and Learn Program, covering up to $25,000 in college expenses (each year, the program reimburses a maximum of $5,250 per employee). According to the company website, employees are eligible for this perk from their start date. Other education assistance programs are available for employees in different roles.
Wells Fargo
The banking giant offers up to $5,000 in annual (and eligible) tuition expenses, as well as scholarships for children of employees.
How To Find Companies That Offer Tuition Assistance
What’s the best way to find employers with paid tuition programs? You’ll be able to learn about companies offering tuition benefits as you search for a job. Use advanced search options. When you’re searching for jobs, use the advanced search options to find positions that are a match. Use terms such as “tuition,” “tuition assistance,” and “tuition reimbursement” to generate a list of open jobs that provide tuition as a company benefit. Check the job description. When you’re reviewing job postings, check the details. Many employees list benefits in the position description. Review the company website. Check the careers section of the company website. You should be able to find details of the employer’s benefit offerings, including tuition reimbursement if it’s offered.
