15 Companies That Will Pay for Your College Education

Written by: Jacob S.

Published on: November 12, 2025

College costs have skyrocketed over the past few decades, leaving many students and working adults wondering how they'll afford higher education without drowning in debt. If you're working while studying, have limited credit options, or want to avoid taking on massive student loans, there's a solution you might not have considered: finding an employer who will pay for your education.

Employer-paid education benefits aren't just a nice perk anymore; they're becoming a crucial tool for workers who want to advance their careers without the financial burden. These programs range from partial tuition reimbursement to full coverage of bachelor's and even master's degrees.

Key Takeaways

Tuition programs vary: some reimburse tuition up to $5,250 per year, while others cover 100% of tuition and books through partner universities.
Part-time and hourly workers can qualify at many companies, often after a short waiting period.
These education benefits can dramatically reduce or eliminate student debt, especially for workers balancing jobs and school.
Always check eligibility rules, required schools or majors, and service-commitment clauses before enrolling.
Combining employer tuition benefits with grants or scholarships can further cut out-of-pocket costs.
For readers facing tight budgets or bad credit, working for a company that pays for college can be a smart alternative to borrowing.

Important note: Education benefits can vary significantly based on your employee status (full-time vs. part-time), location, specific program, and company policies that may change. Always verify the current details directly with the employer's HR department or benefits portal before making career decisions based on these programs.

Company Profiles: 15 Employers With College-Paying Jobs

1. Amazon

Company Overview: Amazon is the global e-commerce and logistics giant that's revolutionized online shopping and delivery services.

Education Benefit: Amazon's "Career Choice" program covers tuition, fees, and books for a wide range of educational paths, including GEDs, high school completion, certificates, and bachelor's degrees.

Eligibility: You'll typically need to work at Amazon for about 90 days before accessing the benefit. The program covers education in certain approved fields and partner institutions.

Strengths & Limitations: One of the strongest aspects of Career Choice is its broad accessibility—it's available to hourly workers, not just corporate employees. However, you'll need to choose from approved degree fields and partner schools, which may limit your options if you have a specific program in mind.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working part-time or in an hourly position while trying to earn credentials, Amazon offers one of the most accessible paths. You don't need a traditional corporate job to qualify.

Application Tip: After your 90-day waiting period, reach out to HR or check your employee portal for Career Choice information. Confirm which schools and programs are eligible before enrolling anywhere.

2. Starbucks Corporation

Company Overview: The world's most recognizable coffee chain, operating thousands of locations across the globe. Education Benefit: The "Starbucks College Achievement Plan" partners with Arizona State University to provide 100% tuition coverage for online undergraduate programs.

Eligibility: Both part-time and full-time employees can qualify, though you'll need to meet minimum hours thresholds and choose from ASU's online program offerings.

Strengths & Limitations: This is one of the most generous programs available—full tuition coverage is hard to beat. The main limitation is that you must attend Arizona State University online and select from their approved undergraduate programs. If you have your heart set on a different school or a very specialized major not offered by ASU, this option may not be suitable for you.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in food service or retail while pursuing your degree, Starbucks offers a realistic path to a bachelor's degree with zero tuition cost. The flexibility of online classes means you can schedule coursework around your shifts.

Application Tip: Once you're eligible, explore ASU's online program catalog and find a major that interests you and fits your career goals. Plan your work schedule in coordination with your course deadlines to avoid conflicts.

3. Target Corporation

Company Overview: One of America's largest retail chains, known for affordable consumer goods and strong employee benefits.

Education Benefit: Target's "Dream to Be" program, delivered through Guild Education, offers tuition-free degrees at eligible partner schools, plus reimbursement up to $5,250 per year or more for other approved programs.

Eligibility: Available to both full-time and part-time employees who meet the program requirements.

Strengths & Limitations: Target offers access to multiple partner schools through Guild Education, giving you more flexibility than single-school programs. You'll still need to verify that your chosen school and major are in the network.

Why It Matters for You: Retail work is one of the most common jobs for students, and Target recognizes this by offering substantial education support. You can build your resume with retail experience while earning your degree debt-free.

Application Tip: Contact Target's benefits office or HR to get the current list of Guild Education partner schools and confirm your intended major is covered before you enroll.

4. Chipotle Mexican Grill

Company Overview: A national fast-casual restaurant chain known for customizable Mexican-inspired food.

Education Benefit: Chipotle offers tuition reimbursement through Guild Education, covering up to approximately $5,250 per year, with debt-free degree options in certain approved fields.

Eligibility: After working for about 120 days and meeting minimum hour requirements, you can access the benefit.

Strengths & Limitations: This is a solid option if you're working in the fast-casual restaurant industry, which offers flexible scheduling for students. However, degree fields and schools are limited to Guild's network, and you'll need to verify your location participates—franchise locations may have different policies than corporate-owned stores.

Why It Matters for You: Fast-food and restaurant work often provides the schedule flexibility students need. If you're working part-time at Chipotle and aiming for a bachelor's degree, this benefit can substantially reduce your costs.

Application Tip: Confirm whether your specific location participates in the program (franchise vs. corporate matters) and whether there's a minimum service commitment after completing your degree.

5. The Home Depot

Company Overview: America's largest home improvement retail chain, serving contractors and DIY consumers.

Education Benefit: Home Depot offers tuition reimbursement for eligible employees pursuing associate's, bachelor's, or master's degrees at approved institutions.

Eligibility: Both part-time and full-time employees can qualify, but you'll need to meet minimum hours and length-of-service requirements.

Strengths & Limitations: The program is accessible to retail associates, not just management. However, you'll want to clarify the annual reimbursement caps and ensure your degree program qualifies.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in retail or want to advance into store leadership or technical fields like construction management, Home Depot's benefits can help you get there while earning a paycheck.

Application Tip: Choose your degree program early and try to align it with a Home Depot career track—whether that's moving into management, merchandising, or specialized product knowledge areas. This alignment can help with approval and future advancement.

6. United Parcel Service (UPS)

Company Overview: One of the world's largest package delivery and logistics companies.

Education Benefit: UPS's "Earn & Learn" program provides tuition assistance up to $5,250 per year, with a lifetime maximum cap of approximately $25,000.

Eligibility: Even part-time employees can qualify in many cases, and some locations offer the benefit immediately upon hire.

Strengths & Limitations: The clear annual and lifetime caps help you plan financially. The benefit is available to both union and non-union employees, though specifics may vary by location and bargaining agreements.

Why It Matters for You: If you're a student working part-time in shipping, warehouse, or delivery roles, UPS offers a straightforward path to degree funding. The physical work may be demanding, but the educational payoff is real.

Application Tip: Check with your local hub about union versus non-union policies, as benefits can differ. Also clarify whether your benefit begins immediately or after a waiting period.

7. Discover Financial Services

Company Overview: A major financial services company best known for its credit card products.

Education Benefit: Discover's "Shine Brighter U" program offers tuition assistance for employees pursuing degrees, with coverage up to $5,250 per year for bachelor's degrees and potentially more for master's programs in relevant fields.

Eligibility: Some benefits begin on day one of employment, and both full-time and part-time employees may qualify.

Strengths & Limitations: Working in a corporate finance environment while studying business or technology fields creates excellent alignment. The immediate or near-immediate access to benefits is a major advantage compared to programs with long waiting periods.

Why It Matters for You: If you're pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in business, finance, or technology, working at Discover gives you relevant industry experience while funding your education.

Application Tip: If you're part-time, inquire specifically about minimum hours required to maintain benefit eligibility. Also, ask about grade requirements and whether you need manager approval for your chosen program.

8. Walmart Inc. & Sam's Club

Company Overview: The world's largest retailer and its membership-based warehouse club subsidiary.

Education Benefit: Walmart's "Live Better U" program offers full tuition and book coverage for certain degrees at partner institutions for eligible employees—one of the most comprehensive programs available.

Eligibility: Both full-time and part-time associates can qualify, though you'll need to work a minimum number of hours.

Strengths & Limitations: Full tuition coverage is exceptionally strong and can save you tens of thousands of dollars. The main limitations are that degree options and schools are restricted to specific partners, so you'll need to be flexible about where you attend and what you study.

Why It Matters for You: Walmart employs millions of people, making this one of the most accessible large-scale education programs in America. If you're already working retail and want to upgrade your credentials, this benefit is hard to beat.

Application Tip: Research which partner schools participate in Live Better U and verify that your intended major is covered before enrolling. Also, confirm you're meeting the minimum hours requirement each week to maintain eligibility.

9. Boeing Company

Company Overview: A leading aerospace and defense manufacturer producing commercial aircraft, defense systems, and space technology.

Education Benefit: Boeing's "Learning Together Program" covers up to 100% of tuition and books for STEM programs, with annual limits for degrees in other areas.

Eligibility: Typically available to full-time employees starting from their hire date, though you'll need to attend approved schools and pursue approved programs.

Strengths & Limitations: If you're in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), this is one of the strongest benefits available—potentially covering your entire degree cost. The limitation is that it's less flexible for part-time employees and for those pursuing non-STEM degrees.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working and pursuing engineering, computer science, or related technical credentials, Boeing offers a top-tier benefit that can eliminate your tuition burden.

Application Tip: Align your degree choice early with Boeing's approved STEM fields and maintain strong work performance. The company invests heavily in employee education because it wants to develop talent internally—take advantage of this by choosing fields relevant to aerospace and technology.

10. T-Mobile US, Inc.

Company Overview: A major wireless telecommunications provider and network operator.

Education Benefit: T-Mobile offers tuition assistance up to approximately $5,250 per year for full-time employees and around $2,500 per year for part-time employees. Some fully covered degree options are available through partner schools.

Eligibility: Typically begins after about 90 days of employment; both full-time and part-time employees are eligible.

Strengths & Limitations: The benefit amounts are solid, particularly for full-time employees. Part-time workers get a lower cap, which may not cover full tuition at many schools. The program requires regionally accredited institutions.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in retail telecommunications or technology roles, T-Mobile provides a practical path to degrees in business, technology, or related fields while you gain industry experience.

Application Tip: Confirm that your chosen school is regionally accredited—this is a common requirement that can trip people up.

11. Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Company Overview: A major home improvement retailer competing with Home Depot in the DIY and professional contractor markets.

Education Benefit: Lowe's offers tuition reimbursement and debt-free degree options through Guild Education for associate's and bachelor's degrees, with annual amounts up to approximately $2,500 or more, depending on the program.

Eligibility: Full-time employees with at least one year of service typically qualify, though specific requirements vary.

Strengths & Limitations: Good for retail employees wanting to improve credentials while staying in the field. The annual cap is more modest than some competitors, and the one-year service requirement means you'll need to stick with the company before accessing benefits.

Why It Matters for You: Working at Lowe's while pursuing a degree in business, management, or skilled trades creates a logical career progression within the home improvement industry.

Application Tip: If you're part-time, specifically check whether you qualify for Guild network degrees and how the service-year requirement is calculated. Some benefits may be available sooner than others.

12. Kroger Co.

Company Overview: One of America's largest grocery chains, operating stores under multiple brand names nationwide.

Education Benefit: Kroger's "Feed Your Future" program provides up to approximately $3,500 per year for up to 8 years, totaling around $21,000 in potential education funding.

Eligibility: Employees need at least 6 months of service to qualify.

Strengths & Limitations: The multi-year structure and decent total amount make this valuable for employees willing to stay with Kroger long-term. Working in grocery retail provides stable, essential employment even during economic downturns.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in a grocery store and need flexibility while pursuing your degree, Kroger offers a realistic path. Grocery work often provides varied scheduling options that can accommodate class times.

Application Tip: Plan to maintain your employment over the long term to access the full benefit potential. If you're strategic about your course load, you can maximize the annual benefit each year you're enrolled.

13. Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Company Overview: An employee-owned supermarket chain primarily operating in the southeastern United States.

Education Benefit: Publix offers tuition reimbursement for courses "directly related to your job," focusing on technical or occupational programs rather than general liberal arts degrees.

Eligibility: Employees must average at least 10 hours per week.

Strengths & Limitations: The low hours requirement makes this accessible even for part-time workers. However, the "job-related" requirement means you'll need to pursue credentials that clearly connect to your current or next role at Publix—general degrees in unrelated fields won't qualify.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in grocery retail and want to move into management, pharmacy, bakery, or other specialized departments, this benefit can help you get the necessary credentials.

Application Tip: Choose a credential that clearly aligns with your current role or a position you're targeting within Publix. Work with your manager to show how the education will benefit your performance and advancement potential.

14. Waste Management, Inc.

Company Overview: North America's largest environmental solutions provider, handling waste collection, recycling, and disposal.

Education Benefit: Waste Management provides tuition assistance covering GED programs, college prep, certain undergraduate programs, and master's degrees with coverage up to approximately $12,000 per year in some cases.

Eligibility: Employee-dependent, and job-related programs may be required for approval.

Strengths & Limitations: The master's-level benefit is particularly strong compared to many employers. However, the industrial nature of the work and job-related requirements may limit flexibility in what you can study.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in industrial, environmental, or trades roles and seeking higher education, Waste Management offers substantial support, particularly for graduate degrees.

Application Tip: Verify which degree fields qualify and whether there are service-commitment requirements after completing your program. Some employers require you to stay for a set period or repay benefits.

15. Best Buy Co., Inc.

Company Overview: The leading consumer electronics retailer in the United States.

Education Benefit: Best Buy offers tuition assistance up to approximately $3,500 per year for undergraduate studies and up to about $5,250 per year for graduate programs with job-relevant coursework.

Eligibility: Full-time employees with at least 6 months of service, pursuing company-approved degrees or courses.

Strengths & Limitations: Good for retail and technology industry staff, though the annual cap is more modest compared to full-tuition programs. The job-relevance requirement means your degree needs to connect to your Best Buy career.

Why It Matters for You: If you're working in retail electronics and aiming for a degree in business, technology, or related fields, Best Buy provides a solid benefit while you gain valuable product and customer service experience.

Application Tip: Choose job-relevant coursework to ensure eligibility, and schedule your classes around work shifts. Talk to your manager about your educational goals—they may be more accommodating with scheduling if they know you're working toward advancement.

Comparative Overview

Here's a quick-reference table to help you compare these 15 employers at a glance:

Company	Benefit Type	Max Annual Amount	Min. Service Requirement	Part-Time Eligible?	Key Conditions
Amazon	Full coverage (Career Choice)	Varies by program	~90 days	Yes	Approved fields/schools
Starbucks	Full tuition (ASU online)	100% tuition	Varies	Yes	Must attend ASU online
Target	Full tuition or up to $5,250+	$5,250+	Varies	Yes	Guild partner schools
Chipotle	Reimbursement	~$5,250	~120 days	Yes	Guild network, minimum hours
Home Depot	Reimbursement	Varies	Length of service + hours	Yes	Check caps and terms
UPS	Reimbursement	$5,250	Immediate in some locations	Yes	$25K lifetime cap
Discover	Reimbursement	$5,250+	Day one for some	Yes	Higher for grad programs
Walmart/Sam's Club	Full tuition (Live Better U)	Full tuition	Minimum hours	Yes	Partner schools only
Boeing	Up to 100% (STEM)	100% for STEM	From hire date	Usually full-time	Approved schools/STEM focus
T-Mobile	Reimbursement	$5,250 FT / $2,500 PT	~90 days	Yes	Regionally accredited
Lowe's	Reimbursement/Guild	~$2,500+	~1 year	Check policy	Guild network options
Kroger	Reimbursement	$3,500/year	6 months	Yes	Up to 8 years
Publix	Reimbursement	Varies	Minimal (10 hrs/wk avg)	Yes	Job-related courses only
Waste Management	Reimbursement	Up to $12K/year (grad)	Employee dependent	Varies	Job-related preferred
Best Buy	Reimbursement	$3,500 UG / $5,250 grad	6 months	Usually full-time	Job-relevant coursework

Key Considerations & Eligibility Traps

Before you get too excited about any of these programs, you need to understand some critical details that can make or break your ability to use these benefits effectively.

Understanding Different Benefit Structures

Tuition Reimbursement: You pay for classes upfront, then submit receipts and proof of grades to get reimbursed. This requires you to have cash available initially, which can be challenging if you're working with limited funds.

Direct Payment/Prepayment: The employer pays the school directly or upfront, so you don't need to come up with tuition money yourself. This is much easier if you're financially constrained.

Debt-Free Degree Programs: Partnership programs (like through Guild Education) where you attend specific schools and the employer covers costs directly, resulting in zero tuition debt.

Typical Eligibility Conditions

Most programs have strings attached:

Minimum hours worked: Part-time employees often need to average 20-30 hours per week
Service time requirements: Waiting periods of 90 days to one year are common
Approved schools and fields: Many programs restrict you to regionally accredited schools or specific partner institutions
Grade requirements: You may need to maintain a C average or better to continue receiving benefits
Job-related requirements: Some programs only cover education directly related to your current role or career path within the company

Tax Implications You Should Know

This is important: Under current U.S. tax law, employer-provided tuition assistance above $5,250 per year may be considered taxable income. If your employer covers $10,000 in tuition, you might owe taxes on the $4,750 above the exclusion amount. Plan accordingly and consult with a tax professional if you're receiving substantial benefits.

The Repayment Trap

Many employers include service commitment clauses: if you leave the company within a certain period after completing your degree (often 1-2 years), you may have to repay some or all of the tuition benefits you received. Read the fine print carefully before signing up.

For people in financially constrained situations—which includes many of our readers—maintaining stable employment long enough to qualify for and use these benefits without triggering repayment is crucial. You don't want to turn "free" education into unexpected debt.

How to Choose the Right Company for You

With 15 strong options to consider, how do you decide which employer and benefit program is right for your situation? Here's a practical framework:

1. Align Your Career Goals

Don't just chase the biggest dollar amount. Ask yourself: Does this company operate in an industry I want to work in? Will the experience here enhance my resume in my target field? For example, if you want to work in aerospace engineering, Boeing's benefits are much more valuable than Target's, even if the dollar amounts were similar.

2. Match the Program to Your Needs

If you need immediate help: Look for programs with short or no waiting periods (Discover, some UPS locations)
If you need full tuition coverage: Focus on Starbucks, Walmart, or Amazon's Career Choice
If you want graduate degree support: Consider Boeing, Discover, or Waste Management
If you're part-time: Verify part-time eligibility before applying; many programs technically allow it, but with reduced benefits

3. Consider Work-Life Balance

Be realistic about juggling a demanding job with coursework. Some questions to ask:

Does this employer offer flexible scheduling?
Will my manager support my education goals?
Can I work fewer hours during finals and peak academic periods?
Is the commute reasonable enough to allow time for studying?

4. Evaluate Financial Stability

Look at the total financial picture:

Upfront vs. reimbursement: Do you have funds to pay tuition and wait for reimbursement, or do you need direct payment?
Living costs: Can you afford to live on this salary while attending school?
Additional benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts can significantly impact your total financial situation

5. Use Benefits Strategically

Don't rely solely on employer benefits. Combine them with:

Federal Pell Grants (for eligible undergrads)
State grants and scholarships
Institutional aid from your school
Minimal federal student loans as a last resort (much better terms than private loans)

The goal is to minimize any debt you do take on by maximizing free money from all sources.

6. Research Employee Experiences

Check sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Reddit to see what current and former employees say about actually using these benefits. Some programs look great on paper but have frustrating bureaucratic hurdles in practice.

7. Assess Job Stability

Be honest about your likelihood of staying long enough to use the benefit fully. If you know you're only working somewhere temporarily, a program with a long waiting period and service commitment may not be practical.

Your Path to Debt-Free Education

The opportunity to earn a degree while avoiding massive student loan debt is real. Whether you're working retail at Target or Starbucks, sorting packages at UPS, building aircraft at Boeing, or stocking shelves at Walmart, you can access substantial education benefits that could save you $30,000-$100,000 in tuition costs.