Chipotle Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships 2025

While there are many companies that offer tuition reimbursement, Chipotle Mexican Grill is particularly friendly. Not only does the chain offer tuition assistance and reimbursement programs, but hungry patrons can occasionally find Chipotle student discounts.

The Chipotle tuition reimbursement and assistance programs are available to both full-time and part-time staff members through a Chipotle-Guild partnership. Keep reading to learn more about how working at Chipotle can help you graduate college debt-free.

Does Chipotle Pay For College?

Chipotle is one of several fast food companies that pay for college. Through a partnership with Guild, both hourly and salaried Chipotle employees can get up to the full cost of their education covered.

While not labeled as a Chipotle scholarship, that's essentially what this program is, as employees are not required to repay the assistance that Chipotle offers. For some programs, Chipotle pays the tuition costs up front; for others, they reimburse employees. Chipotle refers to its tuition assistance as its Cultivate Education Program.

What Is Guild Education?

Guild, formerly known as Guild Education, is an organization that manages employee educational benefits for other companies. Some of their other partner companies include Target, Walmart, and Disney.

The public benefit corporation acts as a bridge between corporations and learning providers, which then allows companies to offer free or discounted education programs. Many of these programs are offered online, allowing students to continue working so they can maintain their education benefits while they complete online classes.

In addition to helping companies offer educational benefits, Guild provides additional benefits to employees. Guild specialists can help you navigate your benefits and find the right program. Coaches from Guild partner with you to help you achieve academic success and reach your goals.

How Does Chipotle's Tuition Assistance Program Work?

Chipotle's Cultivate Education Program has three levels. The first is 100% paid tuition for select programs. These programs include over 300 undergraduate and master's degrees, certificates, HS completion, college prep, and English language learning programs from over 20 schools, colleges, and universities.

For other undergraduate degrees, certificates, and master's degrees that are not part of the select programs but are featured in the Guild catalog, Chipotle will cover up to $5,250 per year. Depending on the cost of your program, this could mean free tuition.

Finally, for approved programs outside the guild catalog, Chipotle offers tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year. This means students will first have to pay out of pocket for their expenses, but will then be repaid by the company.

Additionally, required books and fees are 100% covered or reimbursable for select schools in the Guild catalog up to the program funding cap. The full catalog of programs and schools is only available to employees once they log into their accounts, but schools include:

• Johnson & Wales University
• Paul Quinn College
• Purdue Global
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Arizona

How Do You Qualify for the Tuition Reimbursement Program?

Eligible employees for the Chipotle tuition reimbursement and assistance include hourly crew members and salaried restaurant management and support staff. The company doesn't offer much information about eligibility outside of that, but according to Chipotle employees, additional Chipotle tuition reimbursement requirements include:

• at least 120 days of employment
• work 157 hours per semester, or roughly 16 hours a week
• pass at least one course during the covered semester

Reach out to your HR department or benefits manager to learn more about eligibility requirements.

How To Apply for Chipotle Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement and assistance at Chipotle is all run through Guild. To apply for reimbursement, you'll need to log in to your account through Guild. You'll submit your transcripts and an itemized tuition bill at the end of the semester. Once approved, you'll receive the reimbursement with your paycheck.

For the tuition assistance program, you'll need to:

1. Determine your eligibility: Most employees who have been working at Chipotle for more than four months qualify for this benefit. However, it's always smart to check your eligibility before enrolling in a program.
2. Explore the catalog: Go through the Chipotle/Guild catalog to see what programs are completely covered and which are partially covered.
3. Learn more about admissions requirements: Some college degrees have specific requirements that students need to meet before they can be accepted. You can usually learn about these requirements through the college website.
4. Enroll in your chosen program: You'll likely need to complete your application through your Guild account, though this can vary between schools.

FAQs About Chipotle Educational Benefits

Tuition assistance and reimbursement can be complicated. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions to help you better understand Chipotle's education programs.

Does Chipotle Have a Student Discount?

While Chipotle doesn't offer a consistent student discount program, it will occasionally offer limited-time deals. The Chipotle student discount often applies to both high school and college students.

One common student discount is free drinks with the purchase of an entree, and Chipotle often offers this at the start of the school year. Additionally, Chipotle crew members get one free meal per shift.

Does Chipotle Pay Off Student Loans?

Chipotle doesn't completely pay off student loans, but they do have a student loan matching program. Through this program, Chipotle will match eligible student loan payments by making matching contributions into a 401(k). This Chipotle sponsorship allows students to still save for retirement while paying down their student loans.

How Much Does Chipotle Offer in Tuition Reimbursement?

Chipotle offers $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement. However, part of the Chipotle scholarship requirements include that the program must be approved if it is outside the Guild catalog.

What Degrees Does Chipotle Pay for?

Chipotle pays for associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as many graduate school programs, through its Cultivate Education Programs. These include business, healthcare, and technology degrees.

Other higher education programs covered under this program include certificate programs. Additionally, things like high school completion programs, college prep, and English as a second language programs are also covered.

What Schools Does Chipotle Pay For?

Chipotle pays for programs at over 20 accredited institutions in the U.S. While the full list is only available to employees, a few of the schools covered by the restaurant chain include:

• Johnson & Wales University
• Paul Quinn University
• Purdue Global
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Arizona

Can You Get Tuition Reimbursement if You Get Financial Aid?

You can get tuition reimbursement from Chipotle even if you qualify for financial aid. However, you will only be reimbursed for the amount you spent out of pocket; the chain will not reimburse you for tuition paid for through scholarships or grants.

Find a Debt-Free Degree Program

Find a debt free program today by exploring the degree options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to your HR representative or visit Chipotle.com to learn more about the benefits Chipotle offers.