PepsiCo Scholarships & Tuition Reimbursement 2026

PepsiCo is known worldwide for its beverage and snack brands, but it's also one of the companies with the best tuition reimbursement programs. Through its partnership with Guild, PepsiCo offers fully funded tuition programs along with additional reimbursement and scholarship opportunities.

If you’re a PepsiCo employee considering college or skills training, here’s how the company’s education benefits work and what you need to qualify.

Does PepsiCo Pay for College?

PepsiCo provides 100% tuition coverage for select degree and certificate programs through Guild. Employees may also qualify for tuition reimbursement for approved programs outside the Guild catalog, along with separate foundation scholarship opportunities.

The program is designed to remove financial barriers while supporting long-term career growth within and beyond the company.

PepsiCo Tuition Assistance Through Guild: How It Works

PepsiCo partners with Guild to provide direct-bill education benefits. For eligible programs within the Guild catalog, tuition is fully covered upfront, meaning employees do not need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.

Available programs include:

• Associate and bachelor’s degrees
• Certificates and bootcamps
• High school completion
• College preparation
• English language learning

Required books and fees for catalog programs are either fully covered or reimbursable, depending on the school and program. All programs are online and designed with flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults.

If your desired program is not included in the Guild catalog, you may still qualify for tuition reimbursement funding. In those cases, employees typically must obtain approval before enrolling and follow company reimbursement guidelines. Coverage amounts and requirements may vary depending on the program and employment status.

Guild also provides 1:1 support from specialists who assist with program selection, applications, and ongoing guidance.

What Is Guild?

Guild is an education benefits platform that partners with employers like PepsiCo to manage tuition assistance programs. Instead of offering traditional reimbursement only, Guild allows employers to pay participating schools directly for approved programs.

Through the Guild platform, employees can browse a curated catalog of accredited institutions and career-aligned programs. The platform also offers coaching support to help employees choose the right academic path and complete enrollment requirements.

Who Is Eligible for PepsiCo Tuition Assistance?

All active, U.S.-based PepsiCo employees are eligible after six months of employment.

Eligibility typically requires:

• Active employment status
• Completion of six months with the company
• Enrollment in an approved Guild catalog program or approved external program for reimbursement

Both full-time and part-time employees may qualify, though employees should confirm specific benefit classification requirements before enrolling.

How to Apply for PepsiCo Tuition Assistance

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

1. Reach six months of active employment.
2. Log in to the Guild platform through PepsiCo’s employee portal.
3. Browse eligible programs in the Guild catalog.
4. Connect with a Guild specialist for enrollment guidance.
5. Complete your application and begin your selected program.

If you choose a program outside the Guild catalog, you must obtain approval before enrolling and submit documentation for tuition reimbursement according to company guidelines.

Other PepsiCo Education Programs

In addition to Guild tuition coverage, PepsiCo offers scholarship opportunities through the PepsiCo Foundation. Some are public, while others are for families of employees.

Uplift Scholarship Program

The Uplift Scholarship supports students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing an associate degree or certificate. Eligibility may require Pell eligibility, low-income classification, or first-generation college student status. Award amounts vary and may help cover remaining tuition balances after financial aid.

S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship

The S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship (Success Matters in Life and Education) supports students transferring from select community colleges to four-year institutions. Recipients may receive significant annual funding along with mentorship and structured check-ins to support academic progress.

PepsiCo Foundation Family Scholars Program

For nearly three decades, the PepsiCo Foundation Family Scholars program has provided scholarships of up to $5,000 to dependent children of eligible employees. Applicants typically apply through Scholarship America and must submit academic records and required documentation.

These foundation scholarships are separate from the Guild tuition benefit and follow their own eligibility and application timelines.

How PepsiCo Compares to Other Employers

Education benefits are increasingly common among large corporations, but coverage structures vary. Below, we've highlighted how PepsiCo's education benefits compare with other corporations.

PepsiCo vs. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola primarily offers tuition reimbursement, requiring employees to pay upfront and receive repayment later. PepsiCo’s Guild partnership provides direct tuition payment for select programs, which can reduce immediate financial strain.

PepsiCo vs. Walmart

Walmart also partners with Guild to provide tuition-free degree pathways. Both companies offer similar direct-bill models, though available programs and eligibility timelines may differ.

PepsiCo vs. Target

Target provides Guild-powered tuition assistance for select programs. PepsiCo’s six-month eligibility requirement may differ from other retailers, making tenure an important consideration.

Key Things to Consider

When evaluating PepsiCo’s education benefits, consider:

• The six-month waiting period
• Whether your program is in the Guild catalog
• Direct tuition payment versus reimbursement
• Coverage for books and required fees
• Scholarship opportunities for dependents

Understanding these distinctions can help you determine whether a Guild-funded pathway or traditional reimbursement option fits your goals.

FAQs About PepsiCo Tuition Assistance

You might be curious about the details of PepsiCo's academic offerings. Read on to familiarize yourself with the most common questions and answers.

Does PepsiCo Cover 100% of Tuition?

For select associate and bachelor’s degree programs within the Guild catalog, tuition is fully covered. Others may qualify for tuition reimbursement.

Are Books and Fees Covered?

For Guild catalog programs, required books and fees are either fully covered or reimbursable, depending on the program.

Who Qualifies for the Program?

All active, U.S.-based employees are eligible after six months of employment.

Can I Choose a School Outside the Guild Catalog?

You can choose a program outside of the Guild catalog. However, tuition reimbursement rather than full tuition coverage may apply, and prior approval is typically required.

Are Scholarships Separate From Tuition Benefits?

Yes. PepsiCo Foundation scholarships operate independently from the Guild tuition assistance program and have separate eligibility requirements.

Explore Online Degree Programs

Working at PepsiCo comes with plenty of opportunities for continuing one's education and upskilling. There are many other companies that offer similar opportunities. To learn about them and universities across the United States, don't hesitate to browse the content found on Learn.org.