Microsoft Tuition Reimbursement: Benefits & Eligibility (2027)

Microsoft helps eligible U.S. employees go back to school through its Tuition Assistance Program, which covers approved undergraduate and graduate coursework at accredited colleges. Like most employer tuition reimbursement benefits, it requires you to pay first and get repaid after you finish, but Microsoft sets higher annual limits than many employers, especially for graduate study.

Software engineers, hardware designers, and cloud specialists make up a big share of Microsoft's workforce, so the company also stands out among tech companies that offer tuition reimbursement. This guide explains what the program covers, who qualifies, how to apply, and how Microsoft compares with other major tech employers. You'll also find details on the scholarships Microsoft offers to college students who don't work for the company.

Does Microsoft Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

Microsoft offers a Tuition Assistance Program to help eligible U.S. employees pursue undergraduate and graduate coursework at accredited colleges and universities. The program reimburses tuition and certain related out-of-pocket expenses for courses that are job-related and aligned with an employee?s career development at the company. It?s managed through EdAssist and available both for in-person and online courses at recognized institutions.

Microsoft's program follows a reimbursement model, meaning employees generally pay for approved coursework before receiving reimbursement. Employees unfamiliar with this benefit can learn more about how tuition reimbursement works, including common eligibility requirements, covered expenses, and differences between reimbursement and upfront tuition assistance.

What Is Covered Under Microsoft Tuition Assistance?

Microsoft's Tuition Assistance Program, managed by EdAssist, reimburses eligible employees for tuition and certain related out-of-pocket expenses for approved undergraduate and graduate coursework. Courses must be taken at regionally or nationally accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and must award college-level credit. Both in-person and online programs qualify, and the benefit also includes English as a Second Language (ESL) and American Sign Language (ASL) courses at accredited institutions.

Annual reimbursement limits vary by role: corporate employees may receive up to $10,000 per calendar year for graduate coursework or a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses, or up to $5,250 for undergraduate-only coursework. Retail employees may receive up to $5,250 per year for undergraduate or graduate coursework.

Microsoft's higher annual reimbursement limit for eligible graduate coursework may be especially useful for employees pursuing advanced degrees. Workers comparing similar benefits can explore companies with tuition reimbursement for master's degrees to see how other employers support graduate education.

Program Exclusions

Eligible reimbursement can include tuition, mandatory registration and course fees, required lab or technology fees, required books (including standard shipping), required software, thesis and dissertation fees, graduation fees, out-of-state surcharges, and certain exam options such as College Level Examination Preparation (CLEP).

However, the program does not cover continuing education units (CEUs), non-credit courses, professional certificates, seminars, standardized test fees like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), room and board, transportation, optional study materials, or late payment fees. Reimbursement applies only to eligible tuition expenses not already covered by scholarships, grants, stipends, or Veterans Affairs benefits, though student loans do not count as outside assistance.

How to Qualify for Microsoft Tuition Assistance

To be eligible for Microsoft's tuition assistance, you generally must:

• Be a benefits-eligible full- or part-time employee on the U.S. payroll for the duration of the course.
• Be an active employee at the time of reimbursement (i.e., still working at Microsoft when the benefit is processed).
• Obtain written approval from your manager (usually via email) before submitting each tuition assistance request.
• Start your coursework after your Microsoft hire date and make sure the work is relevant to your job or career development.

Employees considering doctoral education can also review companies with tuition reimbursement for PhD programs. This comparison highlights employers that may help fund advanced research degrees, although employees should verify that their specific doctoral coursework qualifies under Microsoft's policy.

How to Apply for Microsoft Tuition Assistance

To apply for tuition assistance at Microsoft:

1. Discuss your education plan with your manager and get written approval that outlines how the coursework fits your role and development goals.
2. Log in to the EdAssist portal used by Microsoft benefits to start your application; this system manages tuition assistance claims and school partnerships.
3. Submit your pre-approval application before your course begins, attaching any required course details and proof of registration.
4. After completing the course, upload your passing grades and tuition receipts to EdAssist within the required timeframe (usually within 60 days of course completion) to request reimbursement.

Microsoft will reimburse you up to annual limits that vary by role (e.g., up to $10,000 for eligible graduate and combined coursework for corporate employees).

What Is the Microsoft Tuition Scholarship?

The Microsoft Tuition Scholarships are scholarships offered by Microsoft to help students who are not Microsoft employees. These scholarships are gifts that go toward your tuition costs and don't need to be repaid.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies between programs, but generally, you must:

• be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program at a four-year college or university in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
• be working toward an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM discipline
• maintain at least a 3.0 GPA

Some programs have more specific requirements. For example, Microsoft's HOLA Scholarship is for students of Hispanic or Latinx descent, while the BAM scholarship is for those of African descent, including African Americans.

How Microsoft's Tuition Assistance Compares With Other Tech Employers

Microsoft offers structured tuition reimbursement for eligible employees pursuing college-level coursework, but its approach differs from other major tech employers. Here's how it compares with Amazon, Google, and Apple.

Microsoft vs. Amazon

Amazon's Career Choice tuition assistance program focuses on approved college degrees, certificates, and career training, with prepaid tuition options for eligible employees. Microsoft instead reimburses approved undergraduate and graduate coursework, with corporate employees potentially receiving up to $10,000 annually for graduate or combined coursework. Amazon may appeal to employees seeking upfront education funding, while Microsoft offers a structured reimbursement benefit for job-related academic study.

Microsoft vs. Google

Google's tuition reimbursement program supports employee education and professional development, although detailed reimbursement limits are not publicly disclosed. Microsoft provides more specific published benefit amounts, including up to $10,000 annually for qualifying graduate coursework among corporate employees. Both employers emphasize job-related education, but eligibility and approval requirements may differ.

Microsoft vs. Apple

Apple's tuition reimbursement program helps eligible employees cover approved job-related education expenses, with reported annual benefits of up to $5,250. Microsoft offers up to $5,250 for undergraduate-only coursework and up to $10,000 for qualifying graduate or combined coursework among eligible corporate employees. Both programs generally require approval and reimbursement documentation.

Key Differences to Consider

When comparing tuition benefits across major tech employers, a few distinctions stand out:

• Annual Reimbursement Limits: Microsoft clearly defines yearly caps based on corporate or retail status, while other employers may vary limits by role or internal policy.
• Degree vs. Credential Focus: Amazon emphasizes workforce credentials and mobility programs, whereas Microsoft supports traditional undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Approval Requirements: All four companies require coursework to be job-related and manager-approved, but administrative processes and documentation requirements may differ.
• Program Structure: Microsoft?s program is centrally managed and publicly detailed, while benefits at Google and Apple may feel more embedded within broader professional development offerings.

Choosing the right employer-sponsored program often depends on whether you?re seeking a full degree, shorter credentials, or tuition support tied closely to your current role.

FAQs About Microsoft Tuition Reimbursement Benefits

While education benefits shouldn't be the only reason you choose an employer, they can make a big difference. Below, we've broken down some frequently asked questions about Microsoft's tuition assistance to help you understand their options.

What Educational Programs Does Microsoft Cover?

According to Fortune, Microsoft only covers tuition for business programs. Other resources online say that the courses have to be related to your career or career goals at Microsoft. For example, if you want to become a software engineer, you could take software engineering courses; if you want to explore a data science career, you could opt for data science courses.

There doesn't appear to be a limit to the program level that is covered (e.g., master's degrees). This means you may be able to get your tuition expenses covered for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, certificates, and other types of professional development.

Does Microsoft Pay for Graduate School?

Through Microsoft's tuition assistant program, students can earn graduate degrees as well as undergraduate degrees and certificates. There is no specific level of degree the program will pay for. This is a great opportunity for Microsoft employees to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or to pursue continuing education to further their careers.

Is There a Minimum Grade Requirement To Maintain Benefits?

Many employers set a minimum grade requirement to maintain benefits, but not all do. For example, Apple sets a minimum of a B-, while Starbucks does not list a minimum, although they will not cover courses you fail.

Microsoft does not state to the public if there is a minimum grade requirement to maintain benefits. If you're an employee, check your benefits statement to learn more.

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