Walmart Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships 2026

Walmart is one of the many companies that pay for college. Live Better U is an education benefit that Walmart employees can utilize to advance their education. Employees can develop the skills needed to advance in their careers through this tuition assistance program, without having to pay for tuition costs.

Walmart partners with accredited schools and universities so employees can pursue higher education while working for the company. It prepares employees for more advanced positions, such as store managers, but does not require a commitment to stay with the company.

Whether you're interested in completing a professional certificate, earning a high school diploma, or pursuing a free college degree, Live Better U can financially support your education journey.

Does Walmart Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

Rather than reimbursing tuition expenses, like a traditional tuition reimbursement program, Walmart's Live Better U program completely pays for its employees' education. The program provides upfront financial assistance to help cover tuition costs, so associates don't need to pay out of pocket and wait for tuition reimbursement.

Understanding How Live Better U Works

As a tuition assistance program, Live Better U provides Walmart employees access to fully covered high-quality education programs. Employees can sign up for the program's college tuition assistance starting on their first day, making it a great option for those looking to further their careers within, or outside of, Walmart.

Tuition Assistance

Live Better U's tuition assistance covers 100% of tuition expenses so employees who attend one of the eligible programs can avoid out-of-pocket costs. The program's financial assistance is applied after federal and state financial aid to cover remaining education expenses.

Eligibility

Eligibility for Live Better U begins on your first day as a Walmart employee or Sam's Club associate for part-time and full-time positions. However, there are certain eligibility requirements you'll need to meet:

• Specific schools: Live Better U only covers costs at partner schools. There are several partner schools in the program, including Northwestern University, Southern New Hampshire University, the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Arkansas.
• Specific programs: Currently, Live Better U only offers undergraduate program options, including undergraduate certificates, bachelor's degrees, and high school diploma programs.
• Specific career paths: The program options available are geared toward helping employees reach careers in certain areas, like merchandising, supply chain management, and software engineering.

Academic Support

In addition to covering tuition, Live Better U also offers personalized academic support. When employees sign up for the program through Walmart's Guild Education portal, they work with a student coach. Student coaches can help employees choose a program that fits their goals and provide guidance about balancing work with school responsibilities.

How to Apply for Live Better U

Walmart's Live Better U strives to make the sign-up process easy for employees. There are just a few steps:

1. Create an account on the Live Better U portal
2. Explore the available program options
3. Connect with one of the program specialists
4. Enroll in the program of your choosing

How Walmart’s Live Better U Compares With Other Employer Education Programs

Many large employers now offer tuition assistance, but the structure and generosity of those programs vary. Below is a closer look at how Walmart’s Live Better U stacks up against similar offerings from Target, Amazon, and Starbucks.

Walmart vs. Target

Both Walmart and Target offer tuition-free pathways for eligible employees, but coverage is limited to approved programs and partner schools. Walmart’s Live Better U focuses on specific degrees and certificates offered through select online institutions, meaning employees must choose from a defined list of programs. Target similarly partners with designated schools and covers full tuition for certain programs, while offering capped annual funding for others. In both cases, flexibility exists — but only within curated academic options.

Walmart vs. Amazon

Amazon’s Career Choice program places stronger emphasis on short-term certificates and career-focused training, though degree options have expanded in recent years. Like Walmart, Amazon partners with select institutions and limits funding to approved programs. A key difference is that Amazon prepays tuition directly to schools, reducing upfront costs for employees. Walmart also works through partner institutions, but its messaging centers more clearly on structured degree pathways tied to high-demand fields.

Walmart vs. Starbucks

Starbucks takes a more streamlined approach through a single university partnership with Arizona State University. Eligible employees can pursue online bachelor’s degrees from that institution, rather than choosing from multiple colleges. Walmart offers more partner schools, but both programs restrict funding to specific degrees within their respective networks. The main distinction is breadth: Walmart provides more institutional variety, while Starbucks focuses on one established online university partner.

Key Differences to Consider

Walmart’s Live Better U program stands out for its affordability and structured pathways, but there are a few important distinctions to weigh when comparing it to other employers:

• Approved Programs Only: Tuition coverage applies only to specific degrees and certificates offered through Walmart’s partner schools, limiting open-ended choice.
• Multiple School Partnerships: Unlike Starbucks’ single-university model, Walmart works with several institutions, offering more variety within a defined network.
• Degree-Focused Pathways: Walmart emphasizes associate and bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields, while companies like Amazon may lean more heavily into short-term credentials.
• Cost Structure: Eligible employees typically pay little to no out-of-pocket tuition for approved programs, though eligibility requirements and participation rules apply.

Before enrolling, it’s worth reviewing eligibility timelines, academic options, and how well the available programs align with your long-term career plans.

FAQs About Walmart's Tuition Programs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Walmart's tuition benefits below.

Are You Required To Continue Working at Walmart After Graduating?

Walmart does not require employees to stay with the company after completing their education through Live Better U. However, the program is designed to help associates grow within the company, offering opportunities for advancement that can lead to long-term careers with Walmart. Even though it isn't required, many associates continue working at Walmart due to the career development opportunities available.

Is Walmart Flexible With College Students?

Walmart offers flexible scheduling options for employees who are pursuing their education. Employees participating in Live Better U can often adjust their work schedules to accommodate their academic needs. With the additional flexibility of online degree and certificate programs, employees can more effectively balance their work and school responsibilities.

Are Part-Time Workers Eligible for Live Better U?

Yes, part-time employees are eligible if they meet the other qualifying criteria. The Live Better U program encourages Walmart associates to pursue their education while working, whether they're full-time or part-time employees.

What Educational Programs Does Live Better U Cover?

Live Better U covers a variety of educational programs, including high school completion, college degrees, and certificates. Employees can also attend ACT/SAT prep courses and English language learning programs through the program. These programs focus on fields that align with Walmart's careers and future job market demands, it covers programs that prepare employees for positions in the company such as store management, supply chain and transportation, human resources, and cybersecurity roles.

Does Live Better U Offer Graduate Degrees?

At this time, Walmart's Live Better U only offers program at the undergraduate level, like certificates and bachelor's degrees, as well as programs to help employees complete their high school diplomas.

Earn Your College Degree

Learn more about the institutions that partner with Walmart's Live Better U program by exploring the school pages on Learn.org. Reach out to a program specialist for more information on what programs are available to you.