10 Jobs That Could Help You Pay for College

With employers finding it difficult to fill vacant positions, expect more companies to start offering perks and benefits to attract workers. One great example of benefits that some companies provide is paying for all or part of their employees' college tuition.

Companies That Can Pay For Your College Tuition

There are a few companies that will finance your higher education in full. But more often, assistance programs only reimburse you for part of the costs or have an annual amount they will cover towards tuition at either a community college, four-year college, or technical school.

While these programs will help you earn a degree, there are still rules and qualifications you'll need to meet. Also, you should be aware that some organizations only partner with specific schools.

Check out these companies and their programs.

1. Walmart and Sam’s Club

Walmart employs an estimated 2.3 million U.S. workers, making it the largest employer in the country. All Walmart employees are eligible for specific degree programs at partner universities through the Live Better U program.

Being a working adult doesn't mean you can't achieve your educational goals. Purdue University Global, Brandman University, and Bellevue University, among others, offer programs specifically designed to accommodate adult learners.

Most employees take advantage of the online courses offered through Live Better U. Although some opt to attend in person if they live near a partner university, said a Walmart spokesperson. This program isn't limited to those who want to earn bachelor's degrees. Employees can also receive discounts on master's degrees and free foreign language classes.

2. Verizon

Verizon and Bellevue University are partnering to make your university degree more affordable. When you put their tuition assistance together with Bellevue University's support, full-time employees can qualify for up to $13,250 per year.

The benefits you acquire at Verizon depend on the type of eligibility you have, which are:

• $8,000 per year for full-time employees
• $4,000 per year for part-time employees

When you attend Bellevue University, you will receive the following benefits each year:

• $13,250 per year for full-time employees
• $8,000 per year for part-time employees
• $2,500 per year for immediate family

Bellevue University offers yearly abundant tuition assistance awards that you can qualify for as long as you are enrolled full-time and seeking a degree. To start the process, apply through VZTAP.

3. Starbucks

Wouldn't it be great to get financial assistance with that delicious pumpkin cream cold brew?

Starbucks has always been a trendsetter and is continuing this tradition by partnering with Arizona State University to offer its employees access to online bachelor’s degrees. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) was created in 2015 and is available to qualified employees throughout America.

ASU offers over 100 degrees online, and with the SCAP, students can attend for free. Students first receive a 42% scholarship from Arizona State University, then they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to potentially qualify for more aid. If there are any remaining tuition costs after these measures, Starbucks will cover them.

4. Chipotle

All regular full-time workers and most part-time Chipotle employees have free college degrees and tuition reimbursement programs available to them. These programs exist to help employees pay for school and advance their careers.

College benefits at Chipotle are available to those who rendered 15 hours a week for four months. College benefits include free associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in majors like agricultural science, hospitality, and supply chain.

The company currently partners with the following university:

• Bellevue University
• Brandman University
• University of Arizona
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Wilmington University

All of these universities offer students the option to pursue an online degree.

5. Amazon

Amazon employees who want to get a degree or further their education can rely on Amazon's Career Choice program for full tuition support. The program provides financial support to associates to gain their high school diploma, GED, Bachelor's degree, or English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency certification.

Career Choice also funds employees who study in the following fields:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Medical billing
• Welding
• Nursing

After working at Amazon for 90 days, employees are eligible to participate in the Career Choice program and can continue doing so for as long as they work here.

Companies That Offer Limited Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement

Many find two-year degree programs or shorter certification courses help save money and offer better job prospects and higher salaries than most four-year courses. Schools like community colleges and technical schools have cropped up to better serve fields in high demand.

The cost of certifications and two-year degrees that will help you advance in your job and earn more money may be covered entirely or in large part by limited financial aid or tuition reimbursement from an employer. And it's better than having to take out a student loan.

These institutions focus on offering rapid programs so students can enter the workforce as soon as possible.

1. Wells Fargo

At Wells Fargo, they offer a variety of benefits to our full-time and part-time employees that take care of their physical and financial well-being, as well as planning for the future.

One of Wells Fargo’s priorities is providing educational assistance, which includes:

• Tuition reimbursement To help you grow professionally, Wells Fargo will reimburse eligible tuition expenses annually for up to $5,000.

• Scholarships for dependent children They also offer scholarships to the children of their employees every year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

Their employees can even join a stock purchase plan and get discounts on mortgages and other money products, among others.

2. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

The REACH Educational Grant Program could help KFC employees finance their college education, regardless of age or position. Employees pursuing any degree at an accredited four-year or two-year college, trade/vocational school, or graduate school could receive money for their tuition.

The amount of the REACH Grant varies depending on whether the manager is a previous recipient or not. Previous recipients will receive $3,500; first-time winners will get $4,000, and new recipients will have $3,000. Although it is a one-time award, past winners are welcome to apply again in subsequent years.

The next opportunity to apply for the REACH grant will be in February 2023.

3. Intel

At Intel, they believe that happy employees are productive employees. Intel Employees can get 100% tuition reimbursement for courses at Intel University, which offers more than 7,000 courses. This allows employees to enhance their education, move up within the company, or earn elsewhere.

Employees may also qualify for financial assistance for work-related courses outside of Intel, including tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and grants.

4. Home Depot

Home Depot knows how important education is to success that’s why they are offering a tuition assistance program. They set aside a budget each year to help those employees that want to continue learning and advancing in their careers.

Home Depot also wants to emphasize how much they believe in their employee's drive by giving them the resources needed to pursue further education while still meeting work and personal obligations.

At Home Depot, they have three tiers of tuition reimbursement. They are as follows:

• $6,000 per year for full-time associates
• $3,000 per year for part-time associates
• $2,500 per year for your immediate family members

Your employer's tuition assistance policies may limit the amount of financial aid you can receive for your degree program, so it is advisable to check these policies before enrolling.

5. BP

To help you with your professional development, BP offers Educational Assistance Program. With this program, they will reimburse you for up to 90% of eligible expenses if you take a course at an approved educational institution. You need approval before registering and must pass to receive reimbursement.

The Educational Assistance Program aims to help employees cover the costs of continuing education, which will be beneficial for both the employee and the company. Although the company may offer benefits for pursuing further education, it does not guarantee promotions, transfers, or salary increases.

Earn Your Dream Degree at No Cost to You

Getting an education doesn't have to put a strain on your finances. There are plenty of options for those pursuing higher education without breaking the bank!

Whether it’s through military benefits, teaching abroad, or employer tuition reimbursement programs—there's sure to be something out there that fits your needs.

So don't be discouraged by rising college costs. Do some research and make use of all the resources available. Earn your dream degree today!