UPS Tuition Reimbursement Programs & Scholarships 2026

Tuition reimbursement programs are a type of financial aid that companies offer employees. These programs help students fund their higher education costs.

Several companies that offer tuition reimbursement, including UPS, provide an educational benefit that help employees grow in their careers. Keep reading to learn about the UPS Earn & Learn Program.

Does UPS Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

UPS does offer tuition reimbursement through a program called UPS Earn & Learn. This tuition assistance program helps part-time employees pay for college.

With this program, you'll pay for your college out of pocket or through loans. The company you work for, in this case, UPS, will then reimburse you the amount you paid.

Understanding the UPS Earn & Learn Program

The UPS Earn & Learn Program is UPS's primary education assistance program. It reimburses part-time students for their tuition costs at accredited colleges and universities. This program is available at most UPS locations across the U.S., though specifics can vary between locations.

College students can receive up to $5,250 in education benefits per calendar year. The program has a lifetime maximum reimbursement limit of $25,000. In general, the UPS Earn & Learn Program will reimburse costs for tuition, fees, textbooks, and supplies. However, this can depend on the branch, so students should check to see what the tuition benefits at their branch cover.

UPS also partners with local educational institutions to offer additional education opportunities to the thousands of employees at its largest hubs in Louisville, Kentucky and Hodgkins, Illinois.

Who Is Eligible for the UPS Earn & Learn Program?

UPS’s Earn & Learn program is primarily designed for part-time employees who want to pursue a college degree while working. Eligibility requirements can vary slightly by location, but in general, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Be employed in a full-time or part-time position at UPS
• Be in good standing with the company
• Meet any local work-hour or service requirements, if applicable
• Enroll in an accredited college, university, or approved educational program

The program is especially popular with package handlers and other part-time team members balancing school and work. Note that program availability and eligibility can vary between locations.

How to Apply for the UPS Earn & Learn Program

Because Earn & Learn benefits and processes can vary by hub, review your specific location’s policies carefully before enrolling to avoid missing deadlines or required steps. The general steps for applying are:‍

1. Confirm your eligibility: Start by checking with your local UPS Human Resources representative or reviewing your employee portal to verify that you meet your hub’s Earn & Learn requirements.
2. Enroll in an accredited institution: Choose an approved college, university, or technical program and complete your course registration.
3. Gather required documentation: Collect proof of enrollment, tuition statements, and any other documentation required by your location.
4. Submit your application through the UPS tuition assistance system: Upload all required paperwork and ensure your submission meets local deadlines.
5. Wait for reimbursement processing: Once your documents are reviewed and approved, reimbursement is issued according to your location’s program guidelines.

How UPS Earn & Learn Compares With Other Shipping and Logistics Employers

UPS’s Earn & Learn program is well known for helping part-time employees pay for college. But other major shipping and logistics employers also offer education benefits, often with different structures and funding models.

UPS vs. Amazon

UPS Earn & Learn is primarily geared toward part-time employees, especially package handlers working while attending school. The program typically provides annual tuition assistance up to a set cap, with lifetime maximum limits depending on location. Amazon’s Career Choice program, on the other hand, often prepays tuition directly to partner schools and emphasizes certificates, associate degrees, and high-demand workforce programs. While UPS allows employees to attend many accredited institutions, Amazon’s benefit is usually tied to approved partner programs.

UPS vs. FedEx

FedEx offers tuition reimbursement for eligible employees, though availability and funding amounts may vary by role and employment status. Like UPS, FedEx generally reimburses tuition after successful course completion. However, UPS’s Earn & Learn program is particularly well known for targeting part-time workers, whereas FedEx education benefits are often structured more traditionally within broader employee benefit packages. Employees comparing the two may want to review annual caps, eligibility timelines, and whether benefits apply to part-time or full-time roles.

UPS vs. United States Postal Service (USPS)

The United States Postal Service operates differently because it is a federal employer. USPS does not offer a widely advertised tuition reimbursement program comparable to UPS Earn & Learn or Amazon Career Choice. Instead, it tends to focus on internal career advancement and training programs. For employees seeking direct college tuition assistance, UPS and Amazon may provide clearer pathways, while USPS offers long-term stability and structured career progression within government service.

Key Differences to Consider

When comparing education benefits in the shipping and logistics industry, keep these factors in mind:

• Part-Time Access: UPS is especially known for extending tuition assistance to part-time employees.
• Prepayment vs. Reimbursement: Amazon often prepays tuition to partner schools, while UPS and FedEx typically reimburse after course completion.
• School Flexibility: UPS generally allows enrollment at accredited institutions, whereas Amazon’s program is usually limited to approved partners.
• Career Focus: USPS emphasizes internal advancement rather than broad tuition reimbursement for outside degree programs.

The best option depends on whether you prioritize part-time flexibility, school choice, prepaid tuition, or long-term career stability.

Frequently Asked Questions About UPS Tuition Reimbursement

If you’re considering UPS Earn & Learn, you likely have questions about eligibility, funding limits, and how the reimbursement process works. Below, we answer some of the most common questions to help you decide whether this program fits your education and career goals.

Does UPS Help With Student Loans?

UPS does not offer a specific program to help with student loans. However, students may be able to use their tuition reimbursement to pay for student loans.

Because UPS Earn & Learn is a reimbursement program, students still have to pay for their tuition before they can be reimbursed. For some students, it's not possible to pay out of pocket, and they have to take out loans.

You may be able to take out a loan to cover the initial cost of your courses, then pay it off once you're reimbursed through the UPS Earn & Learn program. Check that your loan provider will allow you to make immediate payments.

Do Full-Time Union UPS Employees Get Tuition Reimbursement?

Currently, UPS does not offer a tuition reimbursement program to full-time employees, regardless of their union status. The only employees that can qualify for tuition reimbursement are part-time employees, such as package handlers.

What Educational Programs Does UPS Cover?

The Earn & Learn program varies by location, but generally, it will cover college tuition for associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs from accredited institutions. Students can choose any major they'd like, and there are no restrictions on what subjects they can study.

Is There a Minimum Grade Requirement To Maintain Benefits?

There are no minimum grade requirements to maintain benefits at the overall program level. However, as programs vary between branches, some may set a minimum grade requirement.

Additionally, depending on your branch, the UPS Earn & Learn Program may not reimburse you for classes that you fail. This means you'll want to pass your classes the first time to receive financial support from UPS.

Are There Course Restrictions?

The UPS Earn & Learn Program does not set any course restrictions; students can choose courses or a degree program in any subject they'd like. However, students may be required to earn those courses through an accredited institution.

Earn Your College Degree

Find the perfect degree program by exploring the accredited online options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual institutions to learn more about financial aid options.