Costco Employee Scholarship & Requirements 2026

Costco is widely known for competitive wages and strong employee benefits. While many large retailers offer tuition reimbursement, Costco takes a different approach by providing scholarships to eligible employees pursuing undergraduate education.

If you’re considering working at Costco — or you’re already employed — here’s how the company’s scholarship program works and how it compares to other major employers.

Does Costco Pay for College?

Costco does not offer traditional tuition reimbursement. Instead, the company provides financial support through the Costco Employee Scholarship Program.

Eligible employees may receive scholarship funding to help cover tuition and other education-related expenses at accredited nonprofit colleges and universities. In addition, Costco sponsors a separate community-focused scholarship fund that supports students at select institutions, though that program is not limited to employees.

Read More: Companies With Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Costco Employee Scholarship Program

The Costco Employee Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to eligible part-time and full-time employees pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

Unlike reimbursement-based programs, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid.

What Is Covered Under the Costco Scholarship?

The scholarship provides up to $2,500 per academic year for up to four years, for a maximum total award of $10,000. Funds may be applied toward tuition, required fees, and other qualified educational expenses as determined by the institution’s cost of attendance.

The program supports undergraduate education only, including associate and bachelor’s degrees. Schools must be accredited and nonprofit to qualify.

Scholarship funds are typically sent directly to the recipient’s financial aid office and distributed according to the school’s academic term structure.

Who Is Eligible for the Costco Scholarship?

To qualify for the Costco Employee Scholarship, applicants generally must:

• Be a regular part-time or full-time Costco Wholesale employee
• Reside in the United States or Puerto Rico
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent before the academic year begins
• Be pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree
• Not already hold a bachelor’s degree
• Enroll at an accredited nonprofit college or university

Employees participating in Costco’s College Retention program may also be invited to apply if they meet other eligibility requirements.

How to Apply for the Costco Employee Scholarship

Costco administers its scholarship program through the College Success Foundation. The general application process includes:

1. Confirm eligibility based on employment status and degree plans.
2. Submit an online application through the College Success Foundation website during the open application window (typically December through early February).
3. Provide required documentation, which may include proof of employment, transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters.
4. Await notification, which is typically issued in the spring.
5. Complete renewal requirements each year, including enrollment at least half time and meeting the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

Recipients must submit renewal documentation annually to continue receiving funds.

Costco Scholarship Fund (Community Program)

In addition to the employee scholarship, Costco supports the Costco Scholarship Fund, a separate initiative that provides financial assistance to students at select universities.

This program is not limited to Costco employees. It is designed to support low-income and underrepresented students pursuing higher education and is administered in partnership with participating institutions.

Employees interested in this program should review eligibility criteria directly through the relevant universities.

How Costco Compares With Other Retail Employers

Costco’s scholarship-based model differs significantly from the tuition reimbursement or prepaid tuition models offered by many competitors. Here are some examples:

Costco vs. Walmart

Walmart’s Live Better U program covers 100% of tuition upfront for approved programs at partner institutions. Costco, by contrast, provides fixed annual scholarship awards rather than full tuition coverage.

Walmart eliminates most upfront costs for approved programs, while Costco offers flexible scholarship funds that employees can apply toward a broader range of nonprofit schools.

Costco vs. Target

Target partners with education providers to offer tuition-free degree options and reimbursement models. Costco does not use a tuition partnership structure and instead awards competitive scholarships.

Target’s model may offer more direct tuition payment, while Costco provides fixed scholarship funding that can be combined with other financial aid.

Costco vs. Amazon

Amazon’s Career Choice program prepays tuition for select programs in high-demand fields. Costco does not offer prepaid tuition but provides scholarship awards for undergraduate education at nonprofit institutions.

Amazon limits programs to approved career pathways, while Costco allows employees to choose from eligible nonprofit schools nationwide.

Key Differences to Consider

When evaluating Costco’s education benefits, consider the following:

• Scholarship Model: Costco offers competitive scholarship funding rather than tuition reimbursement or prepaid tuition.
• Annual Award Cap: Employees may receive up to $2,500 per year, up to $10,000 total.
• Undergraduate Focus: The program supports first-time associate and bachelor’s degrees only.
• Nonprofit School Requirement: Funds can only be used at accredited nonprofit institutions.
• Renewal Requirements: Recipients must meet enrollment and academic progress standards each year.

Employees comparing employers may weigh Costco’s flexible scholarship structure against companies that offer direct tuition payment models.

FAQs About Costco Educational Benefits

Applying for scholarships can be nerve-wracking, even when they're through your employer. We've answered some FAQs about Costco's scholarships to help you better understand the program.

How Much Does Costco Offer in the Scholarship Program?

The Costco Employee Scholarship provides up to $2,500 per academic year for up to four years, for a maximum total of $10,000. Award amounts are fixed and do not vary based on tuition cost.

Can Part-Time Employees Apply for the Costco Employee Scholarship?

Regular part-time employees are eligible to apply, provided they meet all other program requirements. Seasonal or contract workers typically do not qualify.

Does the Scholarship Apply to Online Programs?

The Costco Employee Scholarship does not have any requirements as to whether a degree program must be on campus or online. The only requirement is that it must be an undergraduate program from an accredited non-profit college or university.

How Competitive Is the Selection Process?

Costco does not release information for how many scholarships it awards through the Costco Scholarship Program. It's probably safe to assume that there is a limited number of scholarships available, and most employees at the company are eligible, making the selection process somewhat competitive.

Students who are not selected one year are encouraged to apply again the following year.

Can the Scholarship Be Combined With Other Financial Aid?

The Costco Employee Scholarship may be combined with federal financial aid, grants, private scholarships, and student loans. Employees are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to explore additional funding options.

Earn Your College Degree

Find the perfect college degree for your Costco scholarship by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. You can use the funds from Costco to start earning your degree today.