Meijer Scholarships & Tuition Reimbursement in 2025
Scholarship funds are essential for most college students today. If you work at a Meijer store, you may be eligible for scholarships or tuition reimbursement.
The major retailer, Meijer Inc., headquartered in Walker, Michigan, is one of many companies that pay for college. Some of the benefits employees may be eligible for include tuition reimbursement and a generous scholarship fund. This grocery company, with over 250 stores and gas stations throughout the Midwest, seeks to enhance employee development by offering need- and merit-based funding for enrolled students.
Below, we'll break down the student resources available to Meijer employees, including the eligibility requirements for these generous benefits.
How To Get Meijer Tuition Reimbursement
You can reduce your higher education costs substantially with Meijer's tuition reimbursement. All team members have the chance to receive $5,250 per year to cover the tuition costs for two academic semesters. This is a terrific way to pay for undergraduate study at either a community college or a four-year university.
Eligibility for Meijer Tuition Assistance
Meijer has not published specific guidelines for tuition assistance eligibility. However, you can learn more by contacting the company's human resources department or speaking with a recruiter prior to working with Meijer.
Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship Application Process
If you're seeking college funding opportunities, Meijer also offers the Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship, which grants its recipients awards of either $5,000 or $10,000. All Meijer employees are eligible except for company officers or corporate board members. These scholarship awards cannot count toward graduate school enrollment (undergraduate degrees only).
It is an endowment fund, which the company administers through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and provides to current team members, their children, and other dependent family members, including stepchildren.
The Foundation bases its award selection on financial need, which it evaluates using the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is determined after a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants cannot qualify for scholarships if their SAI/FAFSA allowance, plus the scholarship amount, exceeds their tuition expenses.
Follow these steps to get started on your application:
1. Begin by completing the FAFSA
2. Download and complete the application form for the Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship
3. Write a 500-word essay to explain why you should receive the scholarship
3. Apply before the application deadline
The scholarship selection committee considers the essay portion 'Tell Us About You' to be an important part of the selection process. For further questions, you should contact the Grand Rapids Community Foundation by emailing areyna@grfoundation.org
Tuition-Free College for Meijer Employees
Meijer partners with Purdue University Global to offer tuition-free education for students enrolled in associate or bachelor's degree programs. This program is available to both full-time and part-time students, and you can transfer other credits to complete your degree more quickly.
Beginning in 2023, Meijer established an additional partnership with Davenport University to offer the Meijer Gold Education Scholarship. It awards up to $8,000 per year to employees and up to $6,500 per year for family and dependent scholarships (limited to dependents under the age of 29).
Their tuition reimbursement also applies to reputable online colleges such as:
- Colorado State University Global
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Walden University
- Western Governors University
While you're earning your college degree, you can also take advantage of Meijer's free tutoring services through its partner schools.
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 Offer Scholarships for Employees?
Meijer offers merit-based scholarships and tuition reimbursement. The reward funding for scholarships varies each year depending on the applicant volume and income availability.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Meijer Scholarship Program?
You must be either a full-time or part-time employee with Meijer while attending a college, university, or technical school. The company awards this scholarship based on a combination of merit and financial need.
This benefit is also available for children and step-children of employees. Children of former Meijer employees may qualify if their parent is retired, has become disabled, or has died while still working for the company.
When Will I Find Out If I Have Been Awarded a Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship?
All accepted or rejected applicants will receive an email notification from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. They decide which applicants will receive the award each May. Make sure you submit a valid email address with your application if you wish to receive a timely response.
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.