20 Fast Food Companies That Pay for College 2025

Whether you're a graduating high school student or a working adult looking to go back to college, you're curious about how to make college more affordable. You've heard about tuition assistance programs and are wondering if the fast-food company you work for offers that type of program.

Many companies pay for tuition, including many fast-food corporations. They provide college tuition assistance for their team members. These benefits are typically available for full-time and part-time employees and may also cover higher education costs for employees' immediate family members.

Keep reading for more information about these tuition reimbursement programs.

Fast Food Chains That Offer Educational Benefits

If you work at one of the following companies in the fast-food industry, you may be eligible to have your tuition costs partly or fully covered by your employer with a tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance program. Let's take a closer look at each company and the financial aid programs they offer.

Arby's

Some Arby’s franchise operators offer education benefits through partnerships with Bellevue University. Eligible employees may receive tuition discounts when enrolling in select online degree programs at Bellevue.

Because Arby’s restaurants are largely franchise-owned, tuition benefits can vary by location. Employees should check with their local franchise owner or HR representative to confirm whether this partnership or other tuition assistance options are available at their restaurant.

Burger King

Burger King offers education support through the Burger King Foundation’s BK Scholars Program. This scholarship program provides awards typically starting at $1,000, with some recipients eligible for larger renewable awards based on academic achievement and financial need.

The scholarships are available not only to Burger King employees but also to their spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children. Because this is a scholarship program rather than direct tuition reimbursement, students must apply during the designated application window and meet eligibility requirements set by the foundation.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers the Remarkable Futures Scholarship program to help part-time and full-time team members afford college. Scholarship amounts vary, ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

The scholarship can be used at any accredited college, university, or vocational school. It is paid in advance and may be used to cover various educational expenses.

Chipotle

Chipotle partners with Guild Education to provide fully funded degrees, certificates, and other training programs to their employees. The company has partnerships with more than 20 schools nationwide and will cover more than 300 different types of programs.

Students attending another school or enrolled in another type of degree program may also receive up to $5,250 toward their program. Chipotle tuition assistance funds are available to students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Culver's

Culver's offers scholarship programs for employees through its nonprofit arm, the Culver's Foundation. These scholarships can be used for various academic and technical degree and certificate programs.

Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary depending on financial need or other factors.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' offers corporate tuition assistance through a partnership with Southern New Hampshire University. Employees attending this school online can receive a 15% tuition discount, while their immediate family members may qualify for a 10% tuition discount.

Other tuition assistance programs may be available on a local or regional basis. Check with your employer for more information.

Five Guys

Five Guys offers tuition-free programs through its partnership with Guild Education. Students receive full tuition coverage for select programs and up to $5,250 for other approved associate and bachelor's degree and certificate programs.

Students can also complete approved high school completion, college prep, and English as a Second Language (ESL) training courses for free.

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger provides the LEARN Educational Assistance program. This program covers some tuition costs for eligible employees pursuing a college education.

Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary. This benefit is available for both full-time and part-time employees.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box offers a tuition reimbursement program that provides eligible employees with up to $4,000 per year to help cover college expenses. The program appears to operate as a reimbursement benefit, meaning employees may need to pay tuition upfront and submit proof of successful course completion for repayment.

KFC

KFC supports employee education through the KFC Foundation, which partners with Western Governors University to offer 100% tuition coverage for eligible restaurant employees enrolled in select online degree programs.

In addition to tuition coverage, the KFC Foundation offers scholarships and education grants that can total up to $20,000, depending on the program. Eligibility requirements vary, so employees should confirm their status and review program guidelines before enrolling.

McDonald's

McDonald's is one of the largest fast-food chains in the country. It offers the Archways to Opportunity tuition assistance program.

Salaried and hourly employees who take advantage of this program can receive up to $5,250 each year toward their education. Eligible employees must work an average of at least 15 hours a week and have been employed for at least 90 days.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company provides tuition assistance of up to $3,500 per year for eligible team members pursuing higher education. The company also awards annual scholarships to employees and their dependents, and some managers may qualify for student loan repayment assistance.

Papa John’s

Papa John’s offers education benefits through its Dough & Degrees program. Eligible team members can access online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, as well as career-focused training pathways, often with reduced or fully covered tuition costs through participating institutions.

The program is designed to help employees earn a degree while continuing to work. Availability and eligibility requirements may vary by position and franchise ownership, so employees should check with their local restaurant or the company’s education portal for specific details.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut offers the Life Unboxed Edu program, providing up to $5,250 a year for salaried employees. Hourly employees and their family members may also be eligible to receive tuition discounts.

Additionally, the Pizza Hut Foundation provides scholarships and other financial aid opportunities to make college more affordable. These scholarships are available for students between the ages of 17 and 26.

QDOBA

QDOBA offers tuition reimbursement as part of its employee benefits package. It is undisclosed whether the restaurant provides this benefit to all employees or only to those working full-time hours or fulfilling specific roles.

Sonic

Sonic Drive-In lists tuition assistance as part of its employee benefits package. While specific dollar amounts and program details are not widely published, the company indicates that education support may be available to eligible team members.

Because most Sonic restaurants are franchise-owned, tuition assistance benefits can vary by location and operator. Employees interested in using this benefit should speak with their local manager or human resources representative to confirm eligibility requirements, covered expenses, and any annual reimbursement limits.

Starbucks

In partnership with Arizona State University, Starbucks offers the College Achievement Plan. This assistance program covers 100% of tuition costs for many online degrees at Arizona State University.

For crew members attending school elsewhere, Starbucks will pay up to $1,000 per calendar year toward their degree or certificate program.

Subway

Subway offers the Fresh Start Scholarship program for employees who meet basic eligibility requirements. The scholarship can be used at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools throughout the U.S.

The scholarship receives funding from the Subway Cares Foundation. Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary depending on various factors.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell provides full tuition coverage for more than 100 degree programs at partner schools through a partnership with Guild. Students in other approved programs may also receive up to $5,250 a year toward their education.

The Taco Bell tuition assistance program covers an array of online degree programs, making college more accessible for busy working students.

Wingstop

Wingstop Provides the Morrison Family Scholarship program for all eligible employees who have worked for Wingstop for at least six months. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year.

The scholarship can be used to complete technical or career training and associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. This scholarship is renewable as long as students maintain basic eligibility and a 3.0 GPA.

Key Factors to Consider for Employer-Sponsored Education Benefits

Not all tuition assistance programs work the same way. Before choosing an employer based on education benefits, it’s important to understand how the program is structured and what you’re actually eligible to receive. The details can make a big difference in how much support you get — and how easy it is to use. Consider things like:

• Annual reimbursement limits: Many employers cap tuition assistance at $5,250 per year, which aligns with the federal tax-free limit. Others may offer lower caps or full tuition coverage through specific university partnerships. Make sure the annual amount realistically covers the type of program you plan to pursue.
• Upfront payment vs. reimbursement: Some companies pay tuition directly to partner schools, while others require you to pay out of pocket and reimburse you after you successfully complete your courses. If you cannot afford upfront costs, a direct-payment model may be more practical.
• Eligibility requirements: Programs often require a minimum number of work hours per week and a set length of employment before you qualify. Some benefits are limited to certain roles or employment statuses, so confirm whether part-time employees are eligible.
• Scholarships vs. structured tuition assistance: Scholarships offered through company foundations may require a competitive application and are not guaranteed. Tuition reimbursement programs, on the other hand, typically provide a set annual benefit if you meet eligibility criteria.
• Work commitment or repayment clauses: Some employers require you to stay with the company for a certain period after receiving tuition assistance. Leaving early could mean repaying part or all of the funds, so review these terms carefully.

FAQs About Fast Food Education Benefits

Employer tuition assistance programs can make college more affordable, but the details often vary by company. Below are answers to some of the most common questions employees have about education benefits in the fast-food industry.

Who qualifies for employer tuition assistance?

Eligibility requirements vary by company, but most programs are available to employees who meet minimum work-hour and tenure requirements. Many employers require you to work at least part time and remain employed for a set period, often 60 to 90 days, before you can apply. Some benefits are available to both hourly and salaried employees, while others may be limited to managers or specific roles.

How do I apply for tuition assistance at my job?

Most companies require you to apply through an internal HR portal or education benefits platform. You may need to submit proof of enrollment, tuition costs, and, in some cases, course grades after completion. If your employer partners with a specific university, you may apply through that school’s dedicated employer benefits page.

Do I have to attend a specific college to use tuition benefits?

Some employers limit benefits to approved partner schools or specific degree programs. Others allow employees to attend any accredited college, university, or vocational school. Before enrolling, confirm whether your school and program qualify under your employer’s tuition assistance policy.

Is employer tuition assistance taxable?

Under current federal guidelines, employers can provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance tax-free. If your benefit exceeds that amount, the excess may be considered taxable income. Tax treatment can depend on how the program is structured, so review your employer’s policy or speak with a tax professional if you’re unsure.

What happens if I leave my job after receiving tuition assistance?

Some employers require employees to remain with the company for a set period after receiving tuition assistance. If you leave before fulfilling that commitment, you may be required to repay some or all of the funds. Always review the terms of your agreement before enrolling in classes.

Earn Your College Degree

If you’re considering a job primarily for its education benefits, take time to compare programs carefully. Find the perfect school to use your benefits by exploring the institutions and degree programs featured on Learn.org.