Meijer Scholarships & Tuition Reimbursement in 2026

If you work at Meijer and are considering going back to school, Meijer is one of many companies that pay for college. Through its partnership with Guild, Meijer provides fully covered tuition for select programs, along with additional reimbursement options and scholarships.

Below, we’ll explain how Meijer’s tuition assistance works, who qualifies, and how it compares to other grocery and retail employers.

Does Meijer Pay for College?

Meijer offers 100% tuition-paid programs through Guild for select degrees and certificates. Employees may also qualify for tuition reimbursement for programs outside of the Guild catalog, along with corporate scholarships.

The structure gives team members flexibility: you can choose a fully funded Guild pathway or receive partial reimbursement if you attend a different approved institution.

Meijer Tuition Assistance Through Guild

Meijer partners with Guild to provide direct-bill education benefits. For select programs within the Guild catalog, tuition is covered at 100%, meaning eligible team members do not have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.

Available programs may include:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Certificates and bootcamps
• High school completion
• College prep courses
• English language learning

Because this is a direct-payment model, Meijer pays participating schools directly. Employees enroll through the Guild platform and select from approved partner institutions and programs.

For approved programs outside the Guild catalog, employees may qualify for partial tuition reimbursement. Team members may receive up to $2,000 per year, while employees with at least two years of tenure may qualify for up to $5,250 annually for approved programs.

What Is Guild?

Guild is an education benefits platform that partners with employers like Meijer to provide tuition assistance directly to employees. Instead of reimbursing tuition after you pay out of pocket, Guild works on a direct-bill model for approved programs, meaning Meijer pays participating schools directly on your behalf.

Through Guild, employees can browse a curated catalog of accredited colleges, universities, certificate programs, and skills-based training options. The platform also provides enrollment support and coaching to help team members choose programs aligned with their career goals. If you select a program within the Guild catalog, eligible tuition costs are covered upfront according to Meijer’s benefit structure.

Who Is Eligible for Meijer Tuition Assistance?

Eligibility varies based on your role, how long you've been at the company, and what programs you're considering.

Education benefits for eligible employees start on day one of employment. Eligibility requirements may include:

• Active Meijer team member status
• Enrollment in an approved Guild program or an approved external program for reimbursement
• Good standing with the company

For tuition reimbursement outside the Guild catalog:

• Employees may receive up to $2,000 per year for approved programs
• Team members with at least two years of tenure may qualify for up to $5,250 per year

Specific requirements may vary by employment classification, so confirming eligibility through HR or Guild before enrolling is important.

How to Apply for Meijer Tuition Assistance

If you’re interested in using Meijer’s education benefits, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Guild education platform through Meijer’s employee benefits portal.
2. Browse eligible programs within the Guild catalog.
3. Confirm your eligibility and select your program of interest.
4. Complete enrollment with the partner institution.
5. For reimbursement outside Guild, obtain approval before enrolling and submit required documentation after course completion.

Using the Guild pathway typically eliminates upfront tuition costs, while reimbursement programs require payment first and submission of documentation for repayment.

Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship

The Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship provides need-based awards of $5,000 or $10,000 for eligible employees and their dependents pursuing undergraduate education. The program is administered through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and requires completion of the FAFSA.

Award selection is based on financial need, and applicants must submit an essay and required documentation before the annual deadline.

How Meijer Compares to Other Grocery and Retail Employers

Education benefits have become more common in retail and grocery chains, but coverage levels differ. Below, we've broken down key differences between Meijer's education benefits and those of similar corporations.

Meijer vs. Walmart

Walmart also partners with Guild to offer fully funded degree pathways. Both companies provide direct tuition payment for select programs, though eligible schools and degree options may vary.

Meijer vs. Target

Target offers Guild-powered tuition coverage for select programs. Meijer’s structure is similar, but reimbursement limits and tenure requirements for non-Guild programs differ.

Meijer vs. Kroger

Kroger typically offers traditional tuition reimbursement rather than full tuition coverage. Meijer’s Guild model may offer stronger upfront cost elimination for eligible programs.

Key Things to Consider

If you’re evaluating Meijer’s education benefits, consider:

• Whether your program is included in the Guild catalog
• If you prefer direct tuition payment or reimbursement
• The tenure requirement for higher reimbursement limits
• Scholarship eligibility for dependents
• Program availability at partner institutions

Understanding these details can help you choose the pathway that best fits your education and career goals.

FAQs About Meijer Scholarships and Tuition Reimbursement

Explore some of the commonly asked questions regarding tuition assistance with Meijer to learn how you can become eligible for Meijer scholarships and when you can expect to hear from them about your award decision.

Does Meijer Cover 100% of Tuition?

For select programs within the Guild catalog, Meijer covers 100% of tuition costs through direct payment to partner schools.

What If My Program Is Not in the Guild Catalog?

You may qualify for tuition reimbursement. Eligible employees can receive up to $2,000 per year, or up to $5,250 annually with at least two years of tenure.

Do Part-Time Employees Qualify?

Eligibility may extend to both full-time and part-time team members, depending on benefit classification. Confirm your status through HR or the Guild platform.

Can Dependents Receive Scholarships?

The Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship is available to eligible employees and their dependents for undergraduate study.

Do I Have to Pay Upfront?

If you choose a Guild-approved program, tuition is paid directly to the school. For non-Guild programs, reimbursement requires upfront payment and later repayment.

Explore Online Degree Programs

You can achieve your educational goals and save money by utilizing Learn.org's resources for online degree programs, corporate scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and more. Take advantage of the many online degree institutions offering affordable tuition, accelerated learning, and other convenient ways to attend college right from home.