Home Depot Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships 2026

Many companies with tuition reimbursement programs help their employees cover the cost of certificate programs, continuing education credits, or coursework that can be applied toward an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree. These businesses either reimburse tuition costs or cover them upfront.

Tuition assistance programs typically have several goals. Providing education assistance helps companies develop current employees' knowledge and skills. Businesses can spend fewer dollars and less time recruiting outside talent and focus on employees who have proven their reliability and hard work.

Home Depot is another company offering a tuition reimbursement employee benefit. The Tuition Reimbursement (TR) Program from Home Depot covers educational expenses for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Below, we'll provide an overview of the program and how employees can qualify and apply.

Does Home Depot Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

Yes, Home Depot offers tuition reimbursement. The Tuition Reimbursement (TR) Program reimburses eligible Home Depot associates' tuition and mandatory fees incurred while pursuing a degree program. Certain non-degree programs are also eligible.

Associates must meet eligibility requirements and comply with other terms of the Tuition Reimbursement Program Policy. The program offers a maximum amount for reimbursement per employee. According to the TR Program policy, associates are exempt from income tax requirements.

Understanding Home Depot's Tuition Reimbursement Program

Before taking advantage of the Home Depot Tuition Reimbursement Program, it's important to understand the ins and outs of this employee benefit. Keep reading to learn about the program's reimbursement limit, covered expenses, eligibility requirements, and application process.

Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance from Home Depot enables associates to grow their professional skills and advance their careers. Part-time, full-time, and salaried employees are reimbursed for the tuition and fees paid to take courses and earn degrees from accredited schools.

Reimbursement Limit

Home Depot reimburses up to 50% of tuition, fees, and other approved educational expenses and 100% for American Heart Association CPR/AED and CKBD certifications. The following are the annual maximum dollar amounts salaried and hourly employees can receive for all approved courses in any calendar year:

• full-time employees (hourly associates): $3,000
• part-time employees (hourly associates): $1,500
• salaried associates: $5,000

Associates pursuing CKBD certification receive up to an annual maximum of $1,575. Employees taking the American Heart Association CPR AED course receive 100% paid as often as every two years. Individuals receiving MHFA training receive 100% of eligible expenses paid up to $160 as much as once every three years.

Books and mandatory fees are considered qualified expenses and receive 50% reimbursement. Mandatory fees, like technology, health services, facility use, and athletics, are required for enrollment. Home Depot's TR Program doesn't cover tools or supplies.

Who Is Eligible for Home Depot Tuition Reimbursement?

Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement (TR) Program is available to eligible associates who meet specific employment and academic requirements. To qualify for reimbursement, associates generally must:

• Be an active full-time, part-time, hourly, or salaried associate
• Begin the course after their hire date
• Enroll in an approved course or certification that meets TR Program policy guidelines
• Attend an accredited or otherwise qualifying institution
• Earn a grade of C or better, or a “Pass” in pass/fail coursework
• Submit required documentation within 90 days of completing the course or certification
• Remain actively employed at the time reimbursement is processed

Temporary associates are not eligible for the Tuition Reimbursement Program.

What Educational Programs Does Home Depot Cover?

Home Depot’s TR Program supports a wide range of academic and professional programs from accredited colleges, universities, vocational schools, and trade institutions. Covered programs may include:

• Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
• Certain academic certificate programs
• Language proficiency courses
• American Heart Association CPR/AED certification
• Select information technology certifications
• Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) certification
• Electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) trade coursework
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
• Credit-by-exam options such as College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Courses may be completed through traditional in-person formats or online programs, provided they meet eligibility guidelines.

Who Is Not Eligible?

While the TR Program covers many types of coursework, certain programs and expenses do not qualify for reimbursement. These include:

• Certification or accreditation courses not taken toward a degree program (unless specifically approved)
• Test preparation or review courses
• College entrance or qualifying exams (such as the SAT, GRE, or equivalent exams)
• Courses audited without college credit
• Licensing or renewal fees
• Meals, lodging, transportation, parking, graduation, or diploma fees
• Education related to hobbies, games, or sports
• Tools or non-required supplies

Associates should review the full Tuition Reimbursement Program Policy to confirm whether a specific course or expense qualifies before enrolling.

How to Apply for Home Depot Tuition Reimbursement

Home Depot associates must submit their tuition reimbursement requests within 90 days of completing an approved course or certification. Applications are processed through the company’s internal Workday system.

Step 1: Submit Your Request in Workday

To begin the process:

1. Log in to the Workday Tuition Reimbursement Dashboard.
2. Navigate to My Benefits, then select Tuition Reimbursement.
3. Create a new reimbursement request.
4. Upload required documentation, including proof of course completion and final grades.

All documentation must reflect approved coursework and show that minimum grade requirements were met.

Step 2: Monitor Your Application Status

After submission, Tuition Reimbursement Administrators will review your request. Applications may be approved, denied, or returned for additional information. Associates receive status updates through Workday and via their home or work email address.

Approved reimbursements are typically processed within one to two pay cycles.

Step 3: Meet Submission Deadlines

All required documentation must be submitted no later than 90 days after course or certification completion. Associates must be actively employed at the time reimbursement is processed. Employees on a leave of absence must return to active status before submitting a request.

Additional Academic Support From Home Depot

In addition to tuition reimbursement, Home Depot offers other education-related benefits designed to support associates and their families. These programs focus on student loan management and scholarship opportunities.

Student Loan Support

Home Depot provides associates with access to a student debt and savings optimization platform through its benefits system. This resource helps employees explore federal repayment plans, compare strategies, and identify potential loan forgiveness options.

While the program does not directly pay down student loan balances, it can help associates better manage monthly payments and make informed financial decisions. For employees balancing tuition reimbursement with existing debt, this tool offers added financial guidance.

Orange Scholars Scholarship Program

The Orange Scholars program provides scholarships to eligible children of Home Depot associates who plan to attend a college, university, or trade school. Awards are typically based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.

This program is separate from the Tuition Reimbursement Program and is designed to support associates’ families as they pursue postsecondary education.

Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship at Bucknell University

Through its Tools for Tomorrow initiative, The Home Depot Foundation partners with Bucknell University to support students pursuing skilled trades and construction-related careers. The scholarship is designed to expand access to education in fields aligned with workforce needs in construction and home improvement industries.

This partnership reflects Home Depot’s broader commitment to developing talent within the skilled trades. While separate from employee tuition reimbursement, it demonstrates the company’s investment in education pathways connected to its industry.

How Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement Compares With Other Retail Employers

Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement (TR) Program supports associates pursuing degrees and certifications, but other large retail employers structure their education benefits differently. Understanding these differences can help employees decide which model best fits their academic and financial goals.

Home Depot vs. Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers tuition assistance through structured education partnerships and workforce-focused programs. While Home Depot reimburses up to a set annual cap based on employment status, Lowe’s often emphasizes tuition-free pathways at partner institutions.

A key difference is structure: Home Depot reimburses a percentage of tuition after course completion, while Lowe’s programs may reduce upfront costs through direct partnerships. However, Home Depot supports a broad range of trade certifications and industry-specific credentials, aligning closely with its home improvement focus.

Home Depot vs. Walmart

Walmart’s Live Better U program often covers full tuition upfront for approved programs at partner schools. In contrast, Home Depot reimburses 50% of approved tuition and fees up to annual limits based on employment category.

Walmart limits funding to specific partner institutions and degree pathways, while Home Depot allows enrollment at accredited colleges and qualifying schools, provided coursework meets policy requirements. Employees choosing between the two may weigh flexibility against upfront cost reduction.

Home Depot vs. Amazon

Amazon’s Career Choice program emphasizes high-demand credentials and often prepays tuition directly to partner institutions. Like Walmart, Amazon typically restricts funding to approved schools and programs.

Home Depot operates primarily as a reimbursement-based program and includes trade-focused certifications such as electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coursework. Associates seeking industry-aligned certifications may find Home Depot’s offerings particularly relevant, while those prioritizing prepaid tuition models may prefer Amazon’s structure.

Key Differences to Consider

When comparing Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement Program with other large retailers, a few structural differences stand out:

• Reimbursement vs. Upfront Payment: Home Depot reimburses 50% of approved tuition and fees after successful course completion, while companies like Walmart and Amazon often pay tuition directly to partner schools.
• School Flexibility: Home Depot allows associates to attend accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools that meet policy guidelines. Some competitors restrict funding to specific partner institutions.
• Trade and Industry Alignment: Home Depot includes support for certifications tied directly to home improvement and skilled trades, such as electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coursework.
• Annual Funding Caps: Reimbursement limits vary based on employment status, meaning associates may need to budget for upfront costs before receiving repayment.

Employees deciding between employers may weigh flexibility and industry alignment against the convenience of prepaid tuition models.

FAQs About Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement Program

If you’re considering using Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement (TR) Program, you may have questions about coverage, eligibility, and long-term value. Below are answers to some of the most common questions associates ask before enrolling.

Is It Worth It To Work at Home Depot for the Tuition Reimbursement?

Home Depot’s TR Program can significantly reduce the cost of earning a degree or certification, especially for associates balancing work and school. While the program reimburses a percentage of tuition rather than covering it upfront, the annual benefit can still offset thousands of dollars in education expenses. For employees planning to stay with the company while completing coursework, the benefit can be a meaningful financial advantage.

Does Home Depot Pay for Graduate School?

Yes, Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement Program covers eligible graduate-level coursework at accredited institutions. Associates pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees may receive reimbursement up to their annual cap, depending on employment status. As with undergraduate programs, courses must meet policy guidelines and minimum grade requirements.

How Much Does Home Depot Reimburse Per Year?

Reimbursement amounts vary by employment category. Salaried associates may receive up to $5,000 per calendar year, full-time hourly associates up to $3,000, and part-time hourly associates up to $1,500. Home Depot generally reimburses 50% of approved tuition, fees, and eligible expenses, subject to annual maximums.

Are Trade Certifications and Technical Programs Covered?

Yes, Home Depot supports several industry-aligned certifications and trade programs, including electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coursework, certain information technology certifications, and Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) certification. These offerings align closely with the company’s home improvement focus and workforce development goals.

Can I Use Tuition Reimbursement for Online Programs?

Yes, eligible coursework can be completed through traditional in-person programs or accredited online institutions. As long as the program meets Home Depot’s Tuition Reimbursement Policy requirements and the associate meets grade and documentation standards, online courses may qualify for reimbursement.

Earn Your College Degree

Find your perfect degree program by exploring the flexible, accredited options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools or your benefits coordinator to learn more about paying for your education.