Jobs With Tuition Assistance
College is super exciting. You get the freedom, making new friends, the parties, and, of course, building towards your future. But all this stuff comes with a price tag. Unless you’re loaded with funds or have already locked in a full-ride scholarship, getting a college degree isn’t cheap. Between tuition, books, and living expenses, the price tag can understandably feel overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t have to tackle those costs all on your own. Some employers actually help pay for college through something called tuition assistance. And we’re not talking about fancy office jobs. Plenty of part-time and entry-level positions you can get right after high school offer this perk. This means you can earn money for your paycheck and tuition at the same time. Pretty nice deal, right?
Keep reading to learn more about tuition assistance jobs for students and how you can land one.
What is tuition assistance?
Tuition assistance is when your employer helps cover the costs of your college tuition. Sometimes, this means they’ll pay your school directly. No need to be the middleman.
At other times, it’s called “tuition reimbursement,” where you pay first and your employer reimburses you later. Each company has its own rules, such as how many months you need to work before qualifying for this benefit, whether you need to maintain a certain GPA, or which schools they’ll cover.
Jobs that help pay for college
Here are companies that offer tuition assistance to help you pay for college:
| Employer / Program | Who’s Eligible | Tuition Assistance Offered | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks – Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) | All benefits-eligible employees, including part-time | Full tuition coverage for online degrees at Arizona State University | Books, fees, and tech support are included |
| McDonald’s – Archways to Opportunity | Crew and managers | Up to $2,500 per year for college | Also offers English language classes and high school completion |
| Chipotle – Guild Education | All employees after 120 days | 100% tuition coverage for select programs, plus scholarships | Covers business, tech, and agriculture degrees |
| Walmart & Sam’s Club – Live Better U (LBU) | Full-time and part-time employees | Degrees for about $1 per day at partner schools | Includes high school completion and trade certificates |
| Target – Guild Education Partnership | Hourly and salaried team members | 100% tuition coverage for select undergraduate degrees | Covers books and fees as well |
| Amazon – Career Choice | Employees after 90 days | Pre-pays tuition for certificates and degrees in high-demand fields | Partners with local colleges and trade schools |
| UPS – Earn & Learn | Part-time package handlers | Up to $5,250 per year | Benefits available immediately upon hire |
| FedEx | Eligible full-time employees | Tuition reimbursement (varies by location) | Often covers undergrad and grad degrees |
| Apple | Full-time employees | Up to $5,250 per year | Must be job-related coursework |
| Home Depot – Tuition Reimbursement Program | Full-time and part-time employees | Up to $5,000 per year for full-time, $1,500 for part-time | Covers associate through master’s degrees |
| Hospitals & Healthcare Systems | Healthcare employees (varies by employer) | Tuition reimbursement or upfront coverage | Often targeted toward nursing or allied health fields |
| Military Service – Tuition Assistance & GI Bill | Active duty, reservists, veterans | Up to 100% tuition + housing allowance | Includes military Tuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and more |
This is not a complete list of all the opportunities out there. Many companies support their employees’ college aspirations. If you have a particular company or industry in mind, you might have to do a bit of Googling to see what their benefits are.
How to use tuition assistance benefits
When you land a job with tuition assistance, here’s how to maximize the benefit.
- Ask questions early: When you apply or interview for a role, don’t hesitate to ask about tuition assistance programs so you know what’s available.
- Check the rules: Some programs only work with certain schools or majors.
- Plan your schedule: Balancing classes and work can be hard, but flexible jobs (like fast food or retail) often make it easier.
Pros and cons of jobs with tuition assistance
Let’s take a look at the benefits and potential downsides of tuition assistance jobs.
Pros:
- Less debt after graduation
- Real work experience while you study
- A chance to grow with a company that invests in you
Cons:
- You may be limited to certain schools or majors
- You usually have to stay at the job to keep your benefits
- Juggling work hours and college can be challenging
Tips for finding tuition assistance jobs
Use the following tips to help you land a job that pays for your college education:
- Seek companies known for offering flexible schedules, allowing you to balance school and work.
- Think long-term. If you want to go into healthcare, for example, working at a hospital with tuition benefits could help you get there.
- Remember, these jobs aren’t just a way to make money. They can be a stepping stone to your degree and future career, which is especially true with military service.
Why tuition assistance jobs are worth it
If you’re already planning to work while taking classes, why not choose a job that helps cover your tuition, too? From Starbucks to the military, there are tons of options that can make college more affordable. The trick is knowing which benefits are available, asking the right questions upfront, and selecting a job that aligns with your goals and schedule.
Think of it this way: every hour you spend at work could bring you closer to graduating with less debt. So, if you’re really serious about saving money on college, your next job could be more powerful than you think.
Take the next step with Appily
While jobs with tuition assistance can lower costs, choosing the right-fit college matters, too. Appily helps you compare schools, costs, and acceptance chances.
With a free Appily account, you can search thousands of colleges, discover schools you might not have considered, and even use our college acceptance calculator to see your chances of getting in. Saving on tuition starts with making smarter application decisions, and Appily makes it easy.
Just click the button below to get started. It’s always free.
