KFC Foundation Scholarships & Tuition-Free Program 2025

If you work at one of the 4,147 KFC restaurants throughout America, then you could have the cost of your higher education covered by your employer.

Scholarships and other tuition assistance programs are great ways to continue your education without being weighed down by debt. Read to learn how you can qualify for one of several KFC scholarships and the tuition-free options offered by this restaurant chain.

What Is the KFC Foundation?

The KFC Foundation has been providing financial aid to its workers for over two decades. In that period, over $35 million has been awarded to more than 16,000 students, as well as employees and non-profit organizations.

The primary goal of the foundation is to ensure that high school seniors and others can pursue degrees without financial obstacles. Of course, there are KFC scholarship requirements that you'll need to satisfy before you can claim your award amount.

First, you must submit your application, which consists of financial information and an essay. A panel of judges will score the essay. This essay score is one of the main factors for choosing recipients.

KFC Foundation Scholarships for Employees

While KFC is one of the companies that offer tuition reimbursement, there are specific guidelines to keep in mind. In addition to being an employee, you'll also need to be working at a restaurant that participates in the KFC Foundation Annual Donation program. You'll be glad to know that there is no set number of hours you must work each week to qualify, although you'll need to have good standing.

Qualifying employees can apply online to receive KFC scholarships that are designed to cover tuition. They range from $2,500 to as much as $20,000.

Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for College Scholarships

Before you can apply for tuition reimbursement, you must be a KFC employee in good standing who works at a participating location.

High school students can apply as long as they're on track to graduate the same year they apply. A high school equivalency or GED is also permissible.

Another requirement involves enrolling in an accredited trade school, college, or graduate school within the upcoming academic year. GPA also affects eligibility. A 2.5 GPA is necessary for $2,500 and $5,000 scholarships, while a 3.5 GPA is the minimum for $10,000 and $20,000 scholarships.

KFC Scholarship Application Process

Having a mistake on your application can cost you valuable assistance. That's why it's a good idea to double-check the following steps to ensure accuracy.

1. Become an eligible KFC employee: To access KFC's financial aid opportunities, you'll need to work at a participating location.

2. Request information and fill out your application: Before you submit your application, it's always worth asking for any clarifications, if needed. If you're confident in the process, all you'll need to do is ensure your application is in the online portal by the listed deadline.

3. Submit your essay: Don't forget about the essay that should accompany your application. For instance, shift supervisor Alexis Roberti won the Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship for an essay about small acts of kindness.

4. Choose your school: For the general scholarships, ensure that the vocational school or college is accredited. The same is true for the graduate school of your choice. If you're hoping to receive completely free tuition, then you'll need to enroll at Western Governors University (WGU), which partners with KFC.

5. KFC will reimburse you: If you're chosen to receive assistance, correctly fill out your scholarship acceptance form. The deadline is in early May. Afterward, you can expect to receive your tuition reimbursement as soon as possible.

Tuition-Free College for KFC Restaurant Employees

If you're in financial need, consider enrolling at Western Governors University. When applying to the school, don't forget to list Kentucky Fried Chicken as your employer. Be sure to complete the FAFSA because KFC will only cover the remaining school fees.

As long as you're enrolled at WGU by the application deadline and meet the base KFC scholarship requirements, you'll enjoy free tuition. The application portal is set to open again in January 2026.

FAQs About KFC Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

You might still have questions about KFC's program and tuition assistance opportunities. If so, it's worth reading the following questions and answers to have a clearer idea of the details.

Does KFC Help With College Tuition?

In short, yes, but the program is competitive, so not everyone can receive a scholarship. Fortunately, there are different opportunities you can apply to.

In addition to the KFC Foundation Scholarship, you can try to get the Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship, the GED Graduate Scholarship Guarantee, or tuition-free college at WGU. The Kuhn Scholarship shares the same requirements as the general KFC scholarship, but the GED scholarship requirements state that you must not be enrolled in high school or have graduated with a degree or equivalent credentials.

How Can I Apply for the KFC Scholarship?

If you'd like to apply for the KFC Scholarship, you'll need to apply online before the listed deadline of February 17. Before you submit your application, be sure you have everything the company is asking for, such as proof of your high school education. The winners are notified in April.

Who Is Eligible for KFC Scholarship Programs?

Any good-standing KFC employee is eligible, regardless of whether they work part-time or full-time. However, you'll need to double-check that you work at a participating location. You'll also need to meet the other minimum eligibility requirements, such as having at least a 2.5 GPA and a high school degree or GED.

What Other Benefits Can I Get From KFC?

Aside from scholarships, KFC also offers $10,000 grants for actionable projects that give back to the community. Some projects include feeding and clothing the homeless or making books available to the children of low-income families.

There's also the GED achievement program. It involves a college or trade school scholarship guarantee, a celebratory Visa gift card, and an annual GED grad raffle. Additionally, there's an Annual GED Graduate of the Year Award that comes with a $1,000 Visa gift card.

You'll be glad to know that KFC even has a savings match program. For every dollar you save, the company will match that with another dollar as long as you do it using the KFC app. The program is designed to help employees create better financial habits while building an emergency fund for the future.

Explore Online Degree Programs

KFC serves more than just popular chicken. They also give amazing opportunities to eligible team members. There are many other companies that reward their employees with tuition assistance. Be sure to learn about them and online degree programs at Learn.org.