15 Companies That Offer Tuition Reimbursement for Part-Time Employees

If you have a part-time job and you're thinking about going to college, you may be wondering if your job offers a tuition reimbursement program. More to the point, does this program cover college tuition for part-time employees?

Many companies with tuition reimbursement programs provide some tuition assistance or reimbursement for their employees, including those who work part-time. Benefits may range from money to cover books and fees for certain degree programs to full tuition coverage.

Continue reading to learn more about some of these companies and the tuition assistance programs they offer for eligible part-time employees.

Companies That Provide Tuition Reimbursement for Part-Time Workers

A college degree is expensive, but many companies provide tuition assistance programs to help eligible employees cover their education expenses. Let's take a look at 15 of these companies.

1. Starbucks

Starbucks offers education benefits to eligible part-time employees who work an average of at least 20 hours per week. Through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, qualifying employees can receive upfront tuition coverage for select online bachelor’s degree programs through Arizona State University.

Employees must meet work-hour and academic requirements to remain eligible.

2. Walmart

Walmart and Sam’s Club provide education benefits through the Live Better U program. Eligible part-time and full-time associates may receive fully funded tuition for select degree and certificate programs at participating institutions.

Eligibility begins after meeting employment requirements, and approved programs must be completed through partner schools.

3. UPS

UPS offers tuition assistance through its Earn and Learn program. Many part-time employees, including package handlers, may qualify for annual tuition reimbursement within established limits.

Eligibility and availability can vary by location and job classification, so employees should confirm participation at their facility.

4. Home Depot

Home Depot provides tuition reimbursement to eligible hourly and salaried employees, including many part-time associates. Reimbursement may apply to approved associate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs.

Employees must receive prior approval and meet grade requirements to qualify for Home Depot tuition reimbursement.

5. CVS Health

CVS Health offers tuition assistance to eligible employees pursuing approved undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs. Part-time employees may qualify depending on hours worked and employment status.

Courses must be approved in advance for CVS tuition assistance, and reimbursement caps and eligibility timelines apply.

6. Target

Target’s Dream to Be program provides education benefits to eligible part-time and full-time employees. Team members may receive fully funded tuition for select programs through participating institutions, while other approved programs may qualify for annual tuition reimbursement.

Eligibility begins after meeting employment requirements, and approved programs must align with company guidelines.

7. Amazon

Amazon’s Career Choice program offers prepaid tuition for eligible hourly employees, including some part-time roles that meet minimum hour requirements. The program supports approved degree pathways, certifications, and career training programs.

Eligibility is based on role and tenure, and tuition is paid directly to participating institutions.

8. Chipotle

Chipotle partners with Guild to provide education benefits to both part-time and full-time employees. Eligible team members may receive fully funded tuition for select programs, while other approved programs may qualify for annual reimbursement within established limits.

Minimum work-hour and performance requirements apply in order to qualify for Chipotle tuition assistance.

9. McDonald's

McDonald’s offers tuition assistance through its Archways to Opportunity program. Employees who work a minimum number of hours per week and meet tenure requirements may qualify for annual tuition support.

Benefit availability may vary between corporate-owned and franchise-owned locations.

10. Costco

Costco offers financial assistance through the Costco Employee Scholarship program. Both part-time and full-time employees may apply for annual scholarship awards to use at accredited colleges and universities. Scholarships are competitive and require employees to meet eligibility criteria.

11. Lowe's

Lowe’s provides education benefits through its tuition assistance program and education partnerships. Eligible part-time employees may receive fully funded tuition for select programs or annual reimbursement for other approved coursework.

Employees must receive approval before enrolling in Lowe's tuition assistance program and meet academic performance requirements.

12. Disney

Disney provides education benefits through the Disney Aspire program. Eligible hourly employees, including many part-time roles, may receive upfront tuition coverage for approved degree and certificate programs at participating institutions.

Employees must meet eligibility requirements and remain in good standing to maintain benefits.

13. T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers tuition assistance to eligible part-time and full-time employees pursuing approved coursework at accredited institutions. Annual reimbursement limits vary by employment status.

Employees must obtain prior approval and meet academic performance standards to receive reimbursement through the T-Mobile tuition program.

14. Taco Bell

Taco Bell provides education benefits through select corporate programs and foundation initiatives. Eligibility for Taco Bell tuition assistance may vary because many locations are franchise-owned.

Part-time employees should confirm benefit participation with their restaurant operator before enrolling in coursework.

15. Kroger

Kroger offers an open, flexible tuition assistance program for full-time and part-time employees. The company will provide up to $21,000 per student to help them cover their educational costs.

Students can pursue any degree or certificate program at the accredited school of their choosing through Kroger's tuition assistance program.

How to Apply for Tuition Assistance

The process for applying for tuition assistance varies by employer, but most companies follow a similar structure. Before enrolling in classes, it’s important to review your company’s education policy and confirm that you meet eligibility requirements.

While each employer may have different timelines or approval systems, the general process typically includes the following steps:

1. Review your employer’s tuition assistance policy: Check your employee handbook or internal benefits portal to confirm eligibility requirements, minimum work hours, approved programs, and annual reimbursement limits.
2. Confirm your employment eligibility: Many programs require a minimum number of weekly hours or a specific length of employment before you can apply.
3. Choose an approved school or program: Some employers limit benefits to partner institutions, while others allow attendance at any accredited college.
4. Request prior approval: Most companies require you to submit an application before classes begin. This may involve providing course descriptions, tuition costs, and proof of enrollment.
5. Complete your coursework successfully: Employers usually require a minimum passing grade to qualify for reimbursement or continued funding.
6. Submit required documentation: Depending on the program structure, you may need to provide tuition invoices, proof of payment, and official transcripts to receive reimbursement.

Some employers use a prepaid tuition model, where the company pays the school directly. Others reimburse employees after successful course completion. Because each company’s process differs, following your employer’s specific guidelines is essential to avoid delays or denied reimbursement.

FAQs About Tuition Assistance for Part-Time Employees

Tuition assistance programs can look very different depending on the employer, your role, and how many hours you work each week. The questions below address some of the most common concerns part-time employees have when considering employer-sponsored education benefits.

Does Tuition Reimbursement Affect Your Financial Aid?

Employer tuition assistance can affect your financial aid eligibility. When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may need to report employer-provided educational benefits.

While receiving tuition assistance does not automatically disqualify you from federal aid, it may reduce the amount of need-based grants or loans you are offered. The impact depends on the amount of assistance received and your overall financial situation.

Do Part-Time Employees Receive Less Tuition Assistance Than Full-Time Employees?

The amount of tuition assistance available often depends on the employer’s policy. Some companies offer the same annual benefit to both part-time and full-time employees, while others provide reduced reimbursement amounts for part-time workers.

Eligibility may also depend on average weekly hours worked. In some programs, part-time employees must meet a minimum hour threshold to qualify for full benefits.

How Many Hours Do You Have to Work to Qualify?

Many employers define part-time eligibility based on average weekly hours. Some programs require employees to work at least 15 to 20 hours per week, while others set higher thresholds.

In addition to weekly hours, companies may require a minimum length of employment before benefits begin. Reviewing your employer’s policy can clarify both hour and tenure requirements.

Do You Have to Stay With the Company After Receiving Tuition Assistance?

Some employers require employees to remain with the company for a specified period after completing coursework funded through tuition assistance. This is often referred to as a service commitment.

If you leave the company before fulfilling that obligation, you may be required to repay some or all of the education benefit. Not all programs include this requirement, so it’s important to review the terms carefully before enrolling.

Can You Use Tuition Assistance for Any Degree Program?

Not always. Some employers limit funding to specific schools, partner institutions, or approved fields of study. Others allow employees to attend any accredited institution but require coursework to align with career development goals.

Before enrolling, confirm that your chosen program meets your employer’s eligibility guidelines to ensure you qualify for reimbursement or prepaid tuition coverage.

Earn Your College Degree

If you’re considering going back to school, reviewing your employer’s tuition assistance policy can help you understand what programs qualify and how much support may be available. Then, explore the flexible online programs featured on Learn.org to figure out where to use your benefits.