Free College? These 10 Companies Will Pay Your Tuition

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College tuition prices aren’t slowing down — climbing by about 4% at private colleges for the 2022/2023 school year. To help pay for higher education expenses, some companies offer their loyal workforce full or partial tuition coverage as part of an employee benefits package. However, some companies partner with certain schools, so it may not be possible to go to the school of your choice.

Here are 10 of the most popular companies with programs to help pay your college tuition.

1. Amazon

More than 750,000 Amazon employees are eligible for fully funded associate's and bachelor’s degrees, including the cost of classes, fees, and books, through the online retailer’s Career Choice program. Amazon also offers to cover the cost of high school diplomas, GEDs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency certifications for its U.S. front-line workers — even for those who have been with the company for as little as three months. 

2. Boeing

Boeing workers, when pursuing a Boeing-approved field of study, can take advantage of the company’s Learning Together Program at hundreds of accredited colleges and universities online and worldwide. The company offers its employees up to $25,000 per year for graduate degrees. But, if employees enroll in eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degree and certificate courses, then there is no annual limit on tuition assistance. 

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3. Chipotle

Through the Guild Education program, Chipotle will pay 100% of tuition costs upfront for select degree programs, high school diplomas, and college prep courses. Employees can also get up to $5,250 per year of tuition covered or reimbursed for a wider selection of programs.

4. Discover

Discover’s College Commitment pays 100% of tuition for its employees to pursue select associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields like business and technology at in-network schools. Up to $5,250 per year is offered for a wider selection of bachelor's degree programs and up to $10,000 per year for graduate degree programs, both when at in-network schools.

5. Disney

Disney’s Aspire program pays 100% of tuition costs for full-time and part-time hourly U.S. workers pursuing a skilled trade, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from a Disney partner university in one of its "hand-selected, high-outcome programs." Disney also covers the cost of books and fees.

6. Kroger

Kroger offers up to $21,000 to part-time and full-time associates through its tuition reimbursement program, whether it's for a GED, bachelor's degree, or even a PhD. According to the Kroger Family of Companies in 2021, 6,000 associates have benefited, with hourly workers making up 87% of those who have taken advantage of the program.

7. Starbucks

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan offers part- or full-time workers full tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. There are over 100 undergraduate degree programs available, and while the program does not cover other educational expenses, such as the cost of books or a computer, the company says financial aid may help fund these costs.

8. Taco Bell

Taco Bell employees can go to school with 100% tuition coverage for select degrees, high school diplomas, and college preparation courses or receive up to $5,250 per year to go towards tuition for a wider selection of programs. For in-network programs, the fast food chain covers all mandatory fees and required books.

9. Target

Target offers U.S.-based front-line hourly full-time and part-time team members full tuition coverage for more than 250 “business-aligned” programs at over 40 schools, colleges, and universities. Target also helps pay for in-network advanced degrees, paying up to $10,000 annually.

10. Walmart

Through Walmart’s Live Better U program, Walmart and Sam's Club hourly part- and full-time employees that meet the eligibility criteria and salaried associates in a field facility get 100% tuition and books coverage for specific degrees and professional certificates at partner universities. Employees can take advantage of the program on their first day at the company.

Featured photo courtesy of Starbucks