Free Degrees? Some of These Jobs Offer Full Tuition Benefits

College costs keep rising, and many families find it hard to afford. For students and working adults, high tuition often means years of debt or quitting school. But some employers help pay for college. More companies now offer free or partly paid tuition. These perks aren’t just for star employees or new hires. They build trust and let workers learn new skills without worrying about loans. With the right job, you can finish college without debt. This guide shows which companies offer tuition help, how it works, and what you need to apply. Some jobs even pay you while covering college costs. Big employers often cover full tuition or give scholarships, even to part-time workers. If you’re worried about college expenses, here’s a clear look These Jobs Offer Full Tuition Benefits.

Jobs that pay for college 100%

These employers go big—they cover all or nearly all tuition costs for eligible employees. The benefits apply whether you serve coffee, pack boxes, or keep things running at the store.

• Amazon – Through Career Choice, Amazon covers 100% of tuition, fees, and even textbooks at select schools. They also offer funding for high school, GED, and ESL courses.
• Walmart & Sam’s Club – The Live Better U program pays for full tuition and books across dozens of online degrees. Both hourly workers and supervisors qualify.
• Starbucks – With the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, employees get full tuition paid toward a bachelor’s degree online through Arizona State University.
• Target – Offers debt-free tuition for select programs at Guild network schools. Business, computer science, and other majors are covered.
• Lowe’s – Pays for college through Guild for certain degrees with no out-of-pocket cost for full-time workers who have been with the company a year.
• Papa John’s – Corporate staff can get 100% tuition covered on key degree programs, thanks to their partnership with Purdue University Global.

For students already juggling life and work, these jobs can make getting a degree nearly painless—and often debt-free.

Companies that pay for college (at least $5,000 per year)

Some companies might not foot the entire bill, but they offer solid yearly benefits. If you’re already studying, these programs can chip away a big portion of tuition and leave you with a smaller out-of-pocket cost.

• Home Depot: Up to $5,000 for salaried staff, $3,000 for full-time hourly, and $1,500 for part-time hourly each year.
• Chipotle: Up to $5,250 each year, with some degrees covered at 100%.
• UPS: Assistance starts your first day, offering up to $5,250 a year and a lifetime maximum of $25,000.
• Microsoft: Employees eligible after two years can get up to $10,000 per year toward tuition.
• Oracle: Reimburses up to $5,250, requiring job-related coursework and strong grades.
• Intel: Known for covering up to $50,000 per program, including fees and books.
• Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Old Navy: Up to $5,000 per year after a year on the job.
• JetBlue: Up to $30,000 toward master’s degrees, plus access to undergrad courses and college coaching.
• Chevron Station: Up to 75% of tuition costs covered for job-related schooling.
• Pilot Flying J: Up to $18,000 in tuition assistance, available for part- and full-time team members.
• BP: Pays up to 90% of tuition and fees, available right from hire.
• Verizon: Up to $13,250/year for full-time staff at Bellevue University, $8,000 for part-time, even family can benefit.
• AT&T: Up to $5,250 per year for managers; eligibility and amount can vary.
• Wells Fargo: Reimburses up to $5,000 for eligible college expenses, plus scholarships for kids.
• Bank of America: Offers up to $7,500 per year for job-related coursework at accredited schools.
• Fidelity: Will pay up to 90% of college costs, maximum $10,000 per year, as long as coursework is work-related.
• Capital One: Reimburses up to $5,000 a year for any accredited program.
• Procter & Gamble: 80% reimbursement of tuition and fees, up to $40,000 lifetime.
• Smucker’s: Will cover up to $5,700 a year for approved degrees, with a “B” average or better.
• Deloitte: $10,000 per year in reimbursement, plus a full graduate school scholarship for top performers after two years.
• CarMax: Full-timers get up to $5,250 per year, part-timers $2,500. All majors are welcome if you average a “C” grade.
• Qualcomm: Up to $5,250 per year for most degrees and certificate programs. Graduate degrees can get over $10,000/year.

Tuition reimbursement jobs (Under $5,000 per year)

If you’re looking to limit debt but don’t need tuition completely covered, plenty of jobs reimburse a chunk of expenses each year. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Best Buy: Pays $3,500/year for undergrad, $5,250/year for graduate if you’re full time.
• FedEx: Up to $5,000/year for job-related degrees, though part-timers may get $2,500.
• Kroger: Offers $3,500 per year, up to $21,000 over eight years, through its “Feed Your Future” program.
• Publix: Up to $4,000 per year for 4-year schools, with a lifetime max of $16,000. Less for 2-year schools.
• CVS: Reimburses up to $1,500 a year if you’re full time and the coursework is job-related.
• McDonald’s: Up to $5,250 a year for managers, $2,500 for many crew roles if you work at least 15 hours per week.
• Apple: Up to $5,000/yr for a “B” average, according to employee feedback.
• Google: Matches student loan payments up to $2,500, and reimburses up to $12,000 a year for top grades.

Companies that pay for college through “educational benefits” or scholarships, but not reimbursement

Some employers don’t reimburse tuition but do offer scholarships or other educational perks. These might be a better fit if you want a shot at a big, one-time award.

• Meijer: Scholarships for employees and their kids. Prizes go as high as $10,000.
• Chick-fil-A: Employees can apply for the Remarkable Futures program, with Leadership Scholarships up to $25,000 and smaller awards of $2,500.

1. Amazon is one of the best companies that pays for college — they cover it 100%.

Since January 2022, Amazon’s Career Choice program sets the standard for employer-funded college. Amazon will pay for tuition, textbook costs, and even course fees at select schools. Eligibility starts after 90 days of employment, with funds renewed every year you stay with the company.

But it goes further. Amazon will help you finish high school, get your GED, or earn an ESL certificate if you need it. Want technical training? Their “AWS Tech U” offers certifications right on site. You’re not stuck in one direction—Amazon’s program recognizes that everyone’s learning path is different.

2. The Home Depot offers up to $5,000 per year in tuition assistance.

Home Depot’s tuition reimbursement kicks in after just three months on the job. They break down help by role:

• Part-time hourly: $1,500 a year.
• Full-time hourly: $3,000 a year.
• Salaried: $5,000 a year.

Funds go 50/50 to tuition and to books or course fees. This mix makes it easier to budget for both classes and those pesky extra costs.

3. Walmart and Sam’s Club offer one of the best tuition reimbursement jobs — college is completely covered.

Walmart’s Live Better U program is a heavy hitter. Associates (including Sam’s Club workers) can get college degrees—online and debt free. They cover business, cybersecurity, supply chain, and more.

• What’s Covered: Tuition, books, and fees in partnership with a long list of colleges.
• Extra Perks: Paid job training counts as college credit. Seriously, associates have earned more than $317 million in credits this way.

Schools in the Live Better U program:

• Bellevue University
• EnGen
• Ivy Tech Community College
• Johnson & Wales University
• Kenzie Academy
• Louisiana State University
• Morehouse College
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Oregon State University
• Penn Foster
• Pathstream
• Rio Salado College
• Smart Horizons
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Spelman College
• Springboard
• University of Arizona
• University of Denver
• University of Massachusetts Global
• University of Arkansas
• Wilmington University

Whether it’s a two-year degree, undergraduate certificate, or your bachelor’s, Walmart’s got you covered.

4. Chipotle offers up to $5,250 for college costs.

Working at Chipotle means burritos and big educational help. With Guild Education, employees are eligible for up to $5,250 a year for school. Some degree paths are even 100% covered.

Even better, you can get credit toward your degree for job training and promotions, making the process faster. Both part-time and full-time workers are welcome after six months (180 days) on the team.

5. Starbucks offers full tuition reimbursement for employees’ bachelor’s degrees.

Starbucks has one of the most popular college benefit programs: the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP). In partnership with Arizona State University, eligible employees get full tuition for their first bachelor’s degree—online and debt free.

• Who Qualifies: Full- and part-time workers putting in at least 20 hours a week, after three months on the job.
• Extras: Military members can transfer the benefit to a family member. No commitment to stay at Starbucks after you finish.

This isn’t just for baristas. Store managers and supervisors qualify, too.

6. Best Buy offers $3,000 – $5,250 in tuition reimbursements.

Best Buy supports its full-time staff with tuition assistance. To get it, you’ll need to work at least 32 hours a week and stick around for at least six months.

• Undergrad: Up to $3,500 per year.
• Graduate: Up to $5,250 per year.

Best Buy partners with select colleges to offer even more discounts, which can benefit your family, too. It’s a smart choice for tech lovers moving up in retail.

7. Target offers “debt free” tuition assistance.

Target promises debt-free tuition through its “Dream to Be” program. Eligible part-time and full-time employees can study select majors at over 40 participating colleges.

• What’s Included: Full tuition, certain course fees, and textbooks if you’re in a qualifying program through Guild.
• Majors Covered: Business, design, operations, computer science, education, and more.

Best of all, you can combine this with federal financial aid, shrinking college bills to almost nothing.

8. UPS offers up to $25,000 in tuition assistance ($5,250 per year).

UPS invests in its people early, even for part-timers. Their Education Assistance Program starts the day you’re hired and gives you up to $5,250 each year, capping at $25,000 over your career.

• Extra Support: UPS also has career advancement and job training pathways that can turn a student job into a steady career. You can grow and learn—without wrestling down hefty tuition debt.

9. FedEx will pay up to $5,000 a year in tuition assistance.

For students focused on relevant, job-related coursework, FedEx is a practical partner. Full-time staff can get up to $5,000 back per year. Part-timers often get half that. They’re keen on employees learning skills that tie into bigger FedEx roles.

10. Kroger gives an “education benefit” of up to $3,500 per year.

If you’ve worked at Kroger for six months, you’re in. The “Feed Your Future” program covers up to $3,500 each year, up to $21,000 over eight years. You’ll have flexibility as you finish a degree or pursue technical certificates—no need to rush.

11. Publix will pay up to $16,000 in tuition reimbursement ($4,000 annually).

Publix helps part-timers and full-timers alike. Work an average of ten hours a week, pick a class that boosts your job skills, and you can get reimbursed.

• Up to $4,000 a year at a 4-year school, max $16,000.
• $2,200 a year at a two-year program, max $4,400.

Focus your classes on future roles within Publix for the best shot at approval.

12. Meijer offers a bunch of $5,000 and $10,000 scholarships.

While Meijer doesn’t offer blanket tuition coverage, they hand out a ton of scholarships each year—for employees and their kids. Awards reach up to $10,000, and these dollars can go to any accredited two- or four-year school.

13. Lowe’s covers college expenses for eligible employees.

Lowe’s makes college affordable with its Guild partnership. Full-time employees after a year on the job can get a debt-free associate or bachelor’s degree. Beyond that, Lowe’s reimburses up to $2,500 a year if you want to study further.

14. CVS will pay up to $1,500 a year for full-time employees.

Work full time at CVS and you can get up to $1,500 reimbursed yearly for any job-related courses. They keep it simple—just stick to relevant degrees.

15. McDonald’s will pay $2,500 – $5,250 per year under their tuition assistance program.

The Archways to Opportunity program at McDonald’s means education help for managers and hourly workers. Full-time managers (including Store Manager Trainees and General Managers) can get up to $5,250 every year for tuition. Other roles—like shift managers, crew members or maintenance staff—can qualify for up to $2,500 per year, as long as you’re logging at least 15 hours a week and have been there at least 90 days.

They reimburse tuition and fees not already covered by other grants or scholarships. This makes it possible to fill the gap left by state or federal aid.

16. Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Scholarship pays up to $25,000 for higher education.

If you’re looking for significant scholarship money (for yourself or your children), Chick-fil-A is an option to keep on your radar. The chain’s Remarkable Futures program hands out Leadership Scholarships ($2,500) and the high-value True Inspiration Scholarship ($25,000) every single year. You’re free to use the money at any accredited school. That can include two- or four-year colleges, technical programs, even online learning.

Twelve team members a year walk away with the $25,000 True Inspiration Scholarship. In one recent cycle, franchisees and local Operators handed out over $19 million in awards.

17. Apple offers tuition assistance for good grades.

Apple keeps most details about its program private. What we do know, based on employee feedback, is that you can qualify for up to $5,000 per year in tuition reimbursement if you maintain at least a “B” average. The benefit covers a range of degree types and can be paired with other forms of aid.

18. Google will match student loan payments up to $2,500 per year and help with tuition.

If you’ve already graduated but still have loan debt, Google can help. The company will match up to $2,500 in student loan payments every year. In addition, Google offers tuition reimbursement benefits up to $12,000 annually for employees earning As or Bs. That’s a helpful cushion whether you’re still in school or chipping away at loans.

19. Microsoft offers up to $10,000 per year in tuition assistance.

Microsoft has one of the more generous reimbursement plans, offering up to $10,000 each year for job-related studies if you’ve been there at least two years. This isn’t limited to tech—employees in a variety of departments can use this benefit.

20. Oracle offers up to $5,250 per year in reimbursements.

As a full-time Oracle employee, you can be reimbursed for up to $5,250 for eligible, work-related courses or certifications. Pass the class with a B- or better and you’ll benefit from the program. It’s great support for building skills in technology, management, and more.

21. Intel’s tuition assistance program offers $50,000 per program.

Intel proves it’s serious about career growth and development, covering up to $50,000 per academic program—including tuition, books, and selected fees. With Intel University, employees have training access right at work, but the broad tuition benefit means you can pursue advanced degrees and certifications at outside schools, too.

22. Gap, Inc. (including Banana Republic, Athleta, and Old Navy) reimburses up to $5,000 per year.

Employees at Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, or Old Navy can tap into tuition reimbursement after a year on the job. The company pays for two classes and two books per term, building up to $5,000 each year. It’s a solid way to boost your degree without loads of debt, even if you’re working retail.

23. JetBlue’s scholar program pays crew members up to $30,000 towards a master’s program.

JetBlue’s “Master’s Pathways” and crew member scholarships make it possible to earn a master’s degree with up to $30,000 in support. JetBlue partners with schools like Thomas Edison State University and CUNY to provide discounted, flexible learning. You’ll also find coaching and online learning for undergraduate programs.

24. Chevron will reimburse up to 75% of tuition costs.

Chevron Station pays a whopping 75% of tuition for classes that fit your career track. This support makes it easier to add certifications or degrees directly related to your work—saving you thousands on skill upgrades.

25. Pilot Flying J provides up to $18,000 of tuition assistance.

Both part-time and full-time Pilot Flying J employees can qualify for up to $18,000 in tuition assistance. Many students and working adults find this helpful, especially because there’s no need to commit to full-time hours to get support. It adds up over time and gives flexibility on where and what to study.

26. BP offers up to 90% reimbursement of tuition, books, and other fees.

BP’s program stands out: eligible staff (and their children, in some cases) get up to 90% of tuition, books, and fees reimbursed right away. That’s from day one on the job—without waiting through months of service. As long as the degree is job-related and you pass with a C or better, BP helps shoulder almost the full burden of college costs.

27. Verizon Wireless will pay up to $8,000 a year in tuition assistance.

Verizon puts its money toward ongoing education. The company pays up to $13,250 for full-time team members (especially at Bellevue University), and $8,000 for part timers. There’s even $2,500 per year available for qualified family members. This wide-ranging coverage can put a big dent in your family’s tuition bills.

28. AT&T offers up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance to managers.

AT&T supports eligible managers—part-time and full-time alike—with up to $5,250 a year to put toward tuition. Some union employees may get different amounts, depending on the contract. Most approved degree programs are covered.

29. Wells Fargo reimburses eligible tuition expenses up to $5,000 annually.

Wells Fargo offers eligible employees up to $5,000 annually for tuition reimbursement. The bank will also extend scholarships to children of staff, which can add up to $3,000/year for dependents attending qualifying schools.

30. Bank of America will cover up to $7,500 in school expenses.

The tuition benefits at Bank of America include 100% of tuition and related school expenses, up to $7,500 each year for qualifying job-related programs. After six months on the job (and working at least 20 hours a week), you can enroll at any school recognized by the American Council on Education and take advantage of this generous support.

31. Fidelity offers 90% tuition reimbursement.

Fidelity delivers one of the best deals for degree-seekers: 90% reimbursement of tuition costs, capping at $10,000 per year for full-time employees who’ve been at the company at least six months. The reimbursement applies to relevant associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Courses must be tied to your work, but this can be broad; check with your HR department to confirm what counts.

32. Capital One pays up to $5,000 with their Education Assistance program.

Capital One makes education affordable for team members, providing up to $5,000 each year. Employees can use the benefit for any course at an accredited school—even if it isn’t work-related. This is rare among corporate tuition benefits and offers some extra flexibility for pursuing your goals.

33. Procter & Gamble will pay up to $40,000 in tuition and fees for pre-approved courses.

Employees at P&G can tap into an impressive tuition assistance program, receiving 80% reimbursement of pre-approved tuition and fees, up to a lifetime limit of $40,000. Courses must be relevant to a current (or possible future) position at the company, so some planning may be needed with your manager or HR contact.

34. Smucker’s offers up to $5,700 a year for company-approved college courses.

The J.M. Smucker employee tuition plan provides up to $5,700 each year toward college tuition if you keep a B average or higher. You’ll need your course selections to be approved and should plan to check with your manager for the most up-to-date policy guidelines.

35. Deloitte offers $10,000 per year in tuition reimbursement.

Work at Deloitte for a year and you’re eligible for $10,000 per year in tuition aid. High performers (with two years at Deloitte) might also earn a spot in the Graduate School Assistance Program, which covers full tuition for postgrad work, a tech stipend, and gives you the option to return as a Senior Consultant. Deloitte goes one step further with a consolidation program to tackle existing student loans, helping with private debt as well.

36. CarMax will pay up to $5,250 a year for full-time associates.

CarMax’s tuition reimbursement is straightforward and generous: full-timers get up to $5,250 a year, while part-timers get up to $2,500. You can use it for tuition, books, or course-specific fees, and there’s no requirement that your degree relates to your job. Just maintain at least a C average to keep the funds coming.

37. Qualcomm offers up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance.

Qualcomm helps team members learn and grow, paying up to $5,250 annually for most approved continuing education, undergrad, and certificate programs. If you’re in a graduate or postgraduate degree, that jumps to more than $10,000 per year, and better grades mean more cash back.

38. Papa John’s offers 100% tuition reimbursement for corporate employees.

Through Purdue University Global, Papa John’s Dough for Degrees program reimburses 100% of undergraduate and graduate tuition for eligible corporate employees. You’ll need a steady 20-hour-per-week schedule and at least 90 days with the company. All classes are online, covering business, information technology, and related bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

39. Chili’s covers up to 25% of employees’ tuition.

Chili’s offers tuition support for those who’ve been on staff at least three months. If you’re taking classes that tie into your current role or a company-offered promotion, Chili’s will cover up to 25% of your tuition. This is especially helpful for employees earning job-related certificates or degrees while working.

40. Work for a college full time and go to college for free!

If you work full time at any of over 650 private colleges and universities participating in the Tuition Exchange Program, you could attend college (and send your dependents, too) absolutely free. You don’t need to be faculty—staff in many roles from finance to maintenance are included. This benefit can cover some of the most expensive private schools in the country and even universities abroad.

Sample participating schools include:

• Pepperdine University
• University of San Diego
• Syracuse University
• Gonzaga University
• Tulane University
• George Washington University
• Franklin University Switzerland

In most cases, tuition and fees are 100% covered for you, your spouse, or qualifying dependents while you’re employed full time at the school.

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Employer-sponsored tuition programs come in all shapes and sizes. The range goes from scholarships and partial reimbursement to completely free bachelor’s degrees, even for part-time staff. Find a company with the right fit and watch your college costs shrink—or disappear altogether.

Taking a job with strong college benefits isn’t just about getting a paycheck—it can keep debt from dragging you down for years. The companies listed here prove you don’t need to settle for student loans or endless worry over tuition. If you’re comparing job offers or thinking about making a move, please take a close look at their education perks.

Check the details, ask your future employer about any fine print, and talk to people who’ve used these programs before. Plenty of workers can share stories about how tuition help changed their path—sometimes in ways they didn’t expect. If this list has sparked some ideas, consider reading more here about how employer educational assistance works.

Every dollar you save on college costs puts you in a stronger spot for the future, whether you’re new to the workforce or thinking about a career shift. Working for a company that invests in your learning isn’t just practical, it opens doors. Have you used a tuition benefit at your job? Share your story in the comments, or reach out if you need tips on getting started with one of these programs. Thanks for reading and best of luck as you plan your next steps.