Subway Fresh Start Scholarship & Educational Benefits 2026

Many fast food companies that pay for college through options like tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, and scholarships. If you work at Subway and are thinking about going back to school, you may be eligible for financial support through the Subway Fresh Start Scholarship. While Subway does not offer traditional tuition reimbursement, the company provides scholarship funding through the Subway Cares Foundation to help employees reduce college costs.

Here’s how the Fresh Start Scholarship works, who qualifies, and how it compares to other fast food employers.

Does Subway Pay for College?

While there are several companies that pay for college, Subway does not offer direct tuition reimbursement. However, employees may apply for the Subway Fresh Start Scholarship, which provides up to $2,500 in educational funding.

The scholarship is administered by the Subway Cares Foundation and is designed to support employees who are pursuing higher education while working at Subway. It's open to high school seniors and college students with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Applicants must have worked at a Subway restaurant for at least six consecutive months and should include their academic transcript and letters of recommendation as part of their application.

Subway Fresh Start Scholarship

The Subway Fresh Start Scholarship, administered through the Subway Cares Foundation, awards up to $2,500 to eligible employees each year. Approximately 250 scholarships are awarded annually.

The scholarship may be used toward tuition at an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. The award is non-renewable, meaning employees must reapply if they wish to be considered again in future years.

The program is designed to support employees who are experiencing unusual family or personal circumstances and need financial assistance to continue their education.

What Is the Subway Cares Foundation?

The Subway Cares Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They connect Subway franchisees, team members, and suppliers to make a positive difference in their communities. The foundation is able to make an impact through partnerships and donations to charities across the globe. It is funded entirely by donations.

The foundation also supports the Fresh Start scholarship program, which was established in 2016. Last year, they awarded $625,000 in educational aid. The scholarship was originally only open to employees from North America and Australia, but this year it was opened to employees in the United Kingdom and Ireland as well.

Who Is Eligible for the Subway Fresh Start Scholarship?

To qualify for a Subway Fresh Start Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a current Subway employee (part-time or full-time)
• Have worked at a Subway restaurant for at least six consecutive months
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Be a graduating high school senior or current college student
• Plan to attend an accredited institution

The scholarship is available to eligible employees in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Applicants must also submit academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation.

How to Apply for the Subway Fresh Start Scholarship

If you’re ready to apply for one of the Subway Fresh Start Scholarships, follow these steps:

1. Confirm that you meet the six-month employment requirement.
2. Gather required documents, including transcripts and a letter of recommendation.
3. Complete the online application through the Subway Cares Foundation website.
4. Submit all materials before the posted deadline.

Recipients are selected annually, and awards are distributed directly toward educational expenses.

Other Subway Education Benefits

In addition to the Fresh Start Scholarship, Subway employees may access a tuition discount through a partnership with Post University.

Through this partnership, eligible Subway employees can receive:

• A 20% tuition discount
• Access to online undergraduate and graduate programs
• Potential application fee waivers
• Dedicated enrollment support

In some cases, the discount may extend to eligible family members living in the same household. Employees should review Post University’s corporate partnership page or confirm eligibility details with an admissions advisor.

Because Subway restaurants are independently franchised, additional education benefits may vary by location. Always check with your store manager to determine what programs are available at your specific franchise.

How Subway Compares to Other Fast Food Employers

Education benefits vary widely across the fast food industry. Some companies offer structured tuition reimbursement programs, while others provide competitive scholarships or fully funded degree pathways.

Subway vs. McDonald’s

McDonald’s offers tuition assistance through its Archways to Opportunity program. Eligible employees may receive annual tuition support, access to high school completion programs, and college advising services.

Subway’s Fresh Start Scholarship is competitive and capped at $2,500 per award. Unlike McDonald’s structured annual tuition assistance model, Subway’s program is scholarship-based rather than ongoing reimbursement.

Subway vs. Chipotle

Chipotle partners with Guild Education to offer both tuition reimbursement and fully funded degree pathways. In some cases, employees can pursue select degrees with little to no out-of-pocket tuition costs.

Subway provides scholarship funding but does not offer system-wide tuition reimbursement or debt-free degree programs. Employees must apply and be selected for the Fresh Start Scholarship to receive funding.

Subway vs. Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers the Live Más Scholarship, which awards funding based on passion and community impact rather than GPA alone. Some awards can exceed $2,500 depending on the recipient.

Subway’s Fresh Start Scholarship has defined GPA and employment requirements and is capped at $2,500 per recipient. Both programs are competitive rather than guaranteed benefits.

Key Things to Consider

Before choosing an employer based on education benefits, consider:

• Whether funding is guaranteed or competitive
• Annual award caps
• GPA requirements
• Employment length requirements
• Whether the program renews annually

Understanding how scholarship-based programs differ from tuition reimbursement can help you decide which benefit structure best fits your goals.

FAQs About Subway Tuition Assistance

Subway’s Fresh Start Scholarship provides financial support but operates differently from tuition reimbursement programs. Here are answers to common questions.

Does Subway Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

No, Subway does not offer direct tuition reimbursement. Instead, it provides scholarship funding through the Fresh Start program.

How Much Is the Subway Fresh Start Scholarship?

Recipients may receive up to $2,500 in funding. Approximately 250 employees are selected each year.

Can Part-Time Employees Apply?

Yes, both part-time and full-time employees are eligible as long as they meet the six-month employment requirement. Applicants must also maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Is the Scholarship Renewable?

The scholarship is non-renewable. Employees must reapply in future years if they wish to be considered again.

Can the Scholarship Be Combined With Financial Aid?

Scholarship funds can typically be combined with federal financial aid or other grants. However, total funding cannot exceed eligible tuition costs.

Explore Online Programs

Working at Subway can lead to great professional and leadership opportunities, but it can also help you finance your education. When you are ready to complete your degree, reach out to one of the schools featured on Learn.org and talk to them about where to begin.