Starbucks Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships 2026

College students who want help paying for their tuition can look into companies that offer tuition reimbursement or other tuition assistance programs. Several large companies, including Starbucks, help students pay for college tuition.

Starbucks's financial aid isn't a tuition reimbursement program, but it does cover some types of college expenses. Keep reading to learn more about tuition assistance from Starbucks.

Does Starbucks Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

Tuition reimbursement is a program where students pay the cost of tuition out-of-pocket, then their employer pays them back. As such, Starbucks does not offer a tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance program.

Instead, Starbucks will pay for eligible employees to earn an online bachelor's degree at Arizona State University through its Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP). This program covers tuition costs for students earning their bachelor's degree for the first time.

Understanding Starbuck's College Achievement Plan & Requirements

Starbuck's College Achievement Plan allows students to attend Arizona State University (ASU) Online and earn an online bachelor's degree for free. ASU is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Through Starbucks's CAP, the company pays ASU directly for whatever costs aren't covered through grants and scholarships. This means that students do not have to pay out-of-pocket for their tuition.

The company pays for up to 135 credits. The SCAP program pays for the total cost of a bachelor's degree program, typically 120 credits, plus a little extra.

Who Is Eligible for the Starbuck's College Achievement Plan?

To be eligible for the SCAP program, you must be a benefit-eligible Starbucks employee. Benefits eligibility is determined by:

• Your work state
• How many hours you work
• Your position

Eligible employees qualify for the SCAP program on day one of their employment.

How to Sign Up for the Starbuck's College Achievement Plan

The process to sign up for SCAP is relatively simple. You'll need to:

1. Apply to ASU, including submitting any needed documentation
2. Request a call from an enrollment coach, who will walk you through using your benefits
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
4. Register for classes

ASU does have a general admissions criteria you'll need to meet. If you don't, you may qualify for the school's Pathway to Admission program, which allows students to earn college credits and work toward admission.

How Starbucks’ Education Benefits Compare With Other Employers

Starbucks is well known for offering one of the most visible employer-sponsored college programs in retail and food service. But how does its College Achievement Plan compare with tuition benefits at other large employers that attract similar frontline and part-time workers?

Starbucks vs. Walmart

Starbucks partners exclusively with Arizona State University for its College Achievement Plan, allowing eligible employees to earn an online bachelor’s degree from one institution. Walmart’s Live Better U program, in contrast, works with multiple partner schools and covers tuition for a defined list of approved programs. While Starbucks offers a single-university pathway, Walmart provides more institutional variety — though both limit funding to specific degrees within their networks.

Starbucks vs. Target

Target offers tuition-free education through partnerships with select colleges, covering full tuition for certain programs and capped annual amounts for others. Like Starbucks, Target restricts benefits to approved schools and programs. The key difference is structure: Starbucks centers its benefit on a four-year degree through one university, while Target includes certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s programs across multiple institutions.

Starbucks vs. Amazon

Amazon’s Career Choice program places heavier emphasis on short-term credentials and workforce training, though degree options are available through partner schools. Starbucks focuses specifically on bachelor’s degrees through Arizona State University. For employees seeking a traditional four-year degree, Starbucks provides a clear path. Amazon may appeal more to workers looking for faster credentials or skills-based training tied directly to career advancement.

Key Differences to Consider

While each employer offers meaningful education benefits, the structure and focus of each program can shape your experience. Here are a few important distinctions to keep in mind:

• University Choice: Starbucks limits participants to one partner institution, Arizona State University, while Walmart, Target, and Amazon work with multiple colleges.
• Degree Types Offered: Starbucks centers on bachelor’s degrees, whereas Amazon emphasizes shorter-term credentials and workforce training. Walmart and Target offer a mix of certificates, associate, and bachelor’s programs.
• Program Flexibility: Multi-school networks may provide more academic variety, but all employers restrict funding to approved programs within their partnerships.
• Career Focus: Amazon’s program is closely tied to career mobility and job-ready skills, while Starbucks promotes a traditional four-year degree pathway.

Ultimately, the best option depends on whether you value institutional variety, faster credentials, or a structured bachelor’s degree experience.

FAQs About Starbucks Education Benefits

Earning a degree can be both exciting and overwhelming. Below, we've highlighted some frequently asked questions about tuition benefits for Starbucks employees to help you out.

Does Starbucks Pay for Trade School?

Currently, Starbucks does not pay for trade school. It only pays for an online degree at the bachelor's level for eligible Starbucks employees.

Are Costs Associated With Books and Supplies Covered?

Costs associated with books and supplies are not covered under the SCAP program. Only tuition for a bachelor's online program at ASU is covered.

Are Part-Time Workers Eligible for SCAP?

Part-time Starbucks employees may be eligible for tuition coverage if they are eligible for Starbucks benefits. You establish initial benefits eligibility on the first day of the second month after receiving at least 240 hours over three full, consecutive months.

What Educational Programs Does the College Achievement Plan Cover?

The College Achievement Plan covers bachelor's degrees at ASU online. Programs are available in fields like:

• business
• education
• engineering
• health and nursing
• humanities and arts
• law and public service
• science
• social and behavioral sciences
• technology

Are Relatives of Veteran Workers Eligible?

Family members of eligible Starbucks employees who are U.S. veterans can use the employee's education benefits. Employees can choose one family member to receive financial aid through the SCAP program.

Earn Your College Degree

Start your journey toward a college degree by exploring the employer tuition benefits and schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual organizations to learn more about their education benefits.