10 companies that will pay your college tuition in 2025

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As college costs go up, more employers are starting to offer a new perk: paying for their employees’ college tuition. Many companies offer standard job benefits such as healthcare, commuter benefits, and paid time off to take care of their employees. These extras do more than entice workers to stay; they improve their quality of life. And, as employees face new challenges, such as the rising cost of college, some employers are doing what they can to help.

The new employee perk: A way to get paid to go to college

From 2010 – 2022, the cost of college tuition rose by an average of 12%. That leaves the average college grad with $37,853 in federal student debt, and an average monthly student loan payment of $500. Many employers are recognizing that helping to offset their costs will improve retention. In short, you’re more likely to stay with an employer if they support your college journey. And getting a degree that allows you to grow and get promoted in your current workplace is a win-win.

This benefit is called tuition reimbursement, and it’s a way for employees to offset college costs. Let’s look at what it is, how it works, and a list of 10 companies that offer it.

What is tuition reimbursement?

Simply put, a tuition reimbursement program is when an employer helps pay for part or all of your college education expenses. They do this to invest in their employee’s growth and development. Some employers pay only for online education costs while others will cover a more traditional on campus education.

Where to find it

You should be able to find this benefit in your employee handbook along with other benefit information. If you can’t find it, reach out to your HR department and see if this is something that could be offered in the future. You should also speak to your manager and ask if this is something your company would consider supplementing your education. Be ready to make a case for why advancing your education is in the company’s interest, and be specific. Will it help you become a better employee or grow into a new role? Make a list and go over it with your manager.

How it works

Employers offering this benefit typically have specific guidelines regarding which courses or degree programs are eligible. You may need to maintain a certain GPA, or your courses might need to be related to your current role or future career opportunities within the company. Some will require you to be a full-time employee, while others support part-time employees on their journey to earn college credit.

There may also be requirements on the type of university or educational program they’re willing to cover. For example, you may need to attend a Title IV-qualified, not-for-profit, 4-year institution or follow other education assistance program requirements.

Once you meet their criteria, you’ll usually pay for your courses upfront and then submit the receipts and proof of completion to your employer. They’ll then reimburse you for a portion or all of the expenses. Depending on the policy, you might even get your full tuition expenses covered.

Financial assistance for both undergraduate and graduate degrees

Eligibility requirements for these programs vary from one company to another. If you don’t meet the criteria of one employer, there are other jobs out there that could be a better fit. Some, like the Amazon operations employee program, give their front-line employees a chance to become college students. This program funds GEDs, high school degrees, and undergraduate degrees as well as other and continued education. Many other workplaces support their employees becoming graduate students by offering tuition for MBAs and other grad school programs.

Which companies will pay for your college tuition?

The list of companies that offer tuition reimbursement changes frequently, but according to BuiltIn, and other sources the following employers offer generous college assistance benefits. At Earnest, we also offer tuition reimbursement to our employees as a part of our benefits package, in addition to generous PTO and a bonus travel perk.

1. Target

Target offers its employees a wide range of education benefits, from boot camps to bachelor’s degree programs and master’s degree assistance. They offer the Dream to be Program, which funds partial and full tuition for select college courses and other educational resources.

2. Starbucks

Starbucks is known for its generous benefits in healthcare, and their education benefit is no different. You can choose from 100 online programs for undergrads and they’ll take care of 100% of tuition costs through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.

3. Amazon

If you’re looking for an employer that will help you fund your high school and college education, Amazon is a great place to start. They cover GEDs, high school, and college tuition for eligible employees.

4. Home Depot

Home Depot has a tuition reimbursement program for both part-time and full-time salaried employees. As long as your course selection meets their eligibility requirements, you can get help funding associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as technical courses.

5. Chipotle

For those who want to work in the food service industry, Chipotle offers funding through the Guild Education program with tuition reimbursement of $5,250 per year for undergraduate programs and $5,250 per year for master’s degree programs listed in the Guild catalog.

6. United Parcel Service (UPS)

While UPS is known for its quick package delivery, it’s also a company that provides college tuition support. Employees can get up to $5,250 per year with a lifetime maximum of $25,000.

7. Papa Johns

The national pizza chain offers its employees tuition assistance through its Dough and Degrees program. However, this program is for a select number of online schools. It’s mostly available through corporate-owned locations but some franchises do offer this benefit.

8. Boeing

The storied aviation company offers tuition reimbursement for bachelor’s and graduate degrees with $15,000 per year for an undergrad and $25,000 for a grad degree. You could get the full cost of your degree covered in science, engineering, math, and technology.

9. Realtor.com

The online real-estate platform gives $2,500 in tuition reimbursement to each employee and offers other training programs too.

10. Spectrum

This cable TV and mobile service company offers employees the opportunity to earn undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and graduate degrees. It also offers other education programs with over 30 universities.

Do you still need to apply for financial aid?

You should always apply for financial aid, even if you’re going to tap into your employee tuition assistance program. Make sure you fill out the FAFSA application and take advantage of all free aid such as scholarships and grants.

Tuition reimbursement: A way to pay less for your degree

Working while getting your college degree is hard and takes perseverance and drive. But, if you want to avoid student debt, it’s a way to reach your goal without overextending yourself financially. Many well-known companies like Target and Starbucks offer tuition reimbursement, but smaller companies do too. Do your research and apply to companies that can offer you money to continue your education. This way, you can build your resume while pursuing your education.

PS. If you need help paying for college, Earnest¹ can cover up to 100% of your college-certified expenses. You can check your rate in minutes without hurting your credit.

This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

¹ Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA(R) form to apply for federal student loans. Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, excluding PLUS Loan for Parents and PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Students which require a credit check and a credit worthy endorser if the parent or graduate or professional student has adverse credit, do not require a credit check or cosigner, and offer various protections if you're struggling with your payments. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at https://studentaid.gov/.