Sam's Club Tuition Reimbursement: 2026 Guide

College can be expensive, but some employers help cover the cost through tuition assistance programs. If you work at Sam's Club or are considering a job there, you may be able to earn a degree, certificate, or professional credential with help from the company's education benefits.

Sam's Club participates in the same Live Better U program offered by Walmart, giving eligible associates access to education opportunities through Guild Education. Below, we'll explain how the program works, who may qualify, and how you can use it to reduce the cost of college.

Does Sam's Club Pay for College?

Sam's Club offers tuition assistance through Live Better U, an education benefit program shared with Walmart. Rather than using a traditional tuition reimbursement model, the program helps eligible associates access education opportunities through a network of participating colleges, universities, and training providers.

Because Sam's Club is part of Walmart Inc., associates generally have access to the same education platform and many of the same academic opportunities available through Walmart's education benefits. The program allows students to earn certificates or bachelor’s degrees that lead to roles in areas like human resources, supply chain management, data analysis, and computer science.

One of the biggest advantages of Live Better U is that employees typically do not have to pay full tuition upfront and wait for reimbursement. Instead, the program is designed to reduce or eliminate education costs through direct employer support and partnerships with participating schools.

What Is Guild Education?

Guild Education is the education platform that powers the Live Better U program for Walmart and Sam's Club associates. Rather than serving as a college itself, Guild connects employees with participating schools, career-focused training programs, and education benefits offered by their employer.

Through Guild, associates can explore available degree programs, compare schools, review eligibility requirements, and apply for educational opportunities that align with their career goals. The platform also provides education coaching and support services to help employees navigate the enrollment process and stay on track throughout their studies.

By partnering with Guild, Sam's Club can offer employees access to a wide range of educational opportunities while simplifying the process of using employer-sponsored tuition assistance benefits.

How To Get Tuition Reimbursement From Sam's Club

Sam's Club helps eligible associates pursue higher education through Live Better U, an employer-sponsored education benefit program. Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement programs that require employees to pay tuition upfront and wait for repayment, Live Better U is designed to reduce education costs through direct support and partnerships with participating schools.

The program can help associates earn certificates, college degrees, and career-focused credentials while continuing to work. Because educational opportunities and eligibility requirements may change over time, employees should review current program details through Guild Education before enrolling.

How Do You Qualify for the Tuition Reimbursement Program?

Eligibility requirements for Sam's Club education benefits depend on the current Live Better U program guidelines. Associates should review the latest eligibility information through Guild Education or the company's internal benefits resources.

In general, employees may need to be actively employed and meet any applicable program requirements before accessing education benefits. Available programs, approved schools, and covered expenses can vary, so it's important to verify eligibility before beginning the enrollment process.

Because Live Better U functions differently than a traditional tuition reimbursement program, associates should review current policies carefully to understand what costs are covered and which educational pathways are available.

How To Apply for Sam's Club Tuition Assistance

Although specific procedures may change over time, associates can generally expect to follow a process similar to the following:

1. Confirm your eligibility for Live Better U through Sam's Club's employee benefits resources.
2. Access the Guild Education platform to explore available schools, degree programs, certificates, and career training options.
3. Compare participating programs and select the educational pathway that best aligns with your goals.
4. Complete any required applications through Guild and the participating school.
5. Work with Guild advisors to understand program requirements, enrollment steps, and covered expenses.
6. Enroll in an approved program and begin coursework according to the school's schedule.
7. Maintain any academic and employment requirements needed to continue receiving education benefits.

Guild Education advisors are available to help associates navigate the process, answer questions about participating schools, and identify programs that fit their career interests. Reaching out before applying can help ensure you're making the most of the benefit.

How Sam's Club Compares to Other Employer Tuition Programs

Many retailers now offer education benefits as a way to attract and retain employees. While the details vary from company to company, comparing tuition assistance programs can help you determine which employer best aligns with your educational goals and career plans.

Sam's Club vs. Costco

Unlike Sam's Club, Costco does not currently offer a broad company-wide tuition assistance program comparable to Live Better U. Instead, Costco is best known for supporting employee education through scholarship opportunities and other benefits rather than a dedicated tuition assistance platform.

For employees whose primary goal is earning a degree while working, Sam's Club's education program generally offers more direct support through tuition assistance, academic coaching, and partnerships with participating colleges and universities.

Sam's Club vs. Target

Both Sam's Club and Target offer education benefits that can significantly reduce the cost of college. Target's Dream to Be program provides access to tuition-free degrees, certificates, and boot camps through a network of partner schools, while Sam's Club associates can access similar opportunities through Live Better U and Guild Education.

One advantage of Sam's Club is that eligible associates can access education benefits from their first day of employment. Both programs focus on making education more accessible, but the schools, programs, and eligibility requirements may differ.

Sam's Club vs. Amazon

Amazon's Career Choice program helps eligible employees pay for college, career certificates, and workforce training programs. Like Sam's Club, Amazon partners with educational institutions and training providers to help employees gain new skills without taking on significant student debt.

Both programs are among the strongest employer-sponsored education benefits available. Employees comparing the two may want to evaluate eligibility timelines, available schools, covered programs, and how closely each program aligns with their career goals. 

Key Differences To Consider

When comparing Sam's Club's education benefits to those offered by other retailers, consider:

• Whether the benefit provides tuition assistance, reimbursement, or scholarships
• Eligibility requirements and waiting periods
• Available schools and degree programs
• Access to academic coaching and support services
• Whether employees must pay tuition upfront
• Any employment commitments required after graduation

The best program depends on your educational goals, preferred school, and the type of support you want while earning a degree or professional credential.

FAQs About Sam's Club Education Benefits

Sam's Club offers one of the more comprehensive education benefits available in the retail industry through the Live Better U program. Below are answers to some common questions about eligibility, Guild Education, and how associates can use the benefit to earn a degree or professional credential.

Does Sam's Club Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

Sam's Club offers education benefits through the Live Better U program, though it works differently than a traditional tuition reimbursement program. Instead of paying tuition upfront and waiting for reimbursement, eligible associates can access educational opportunities through participating schools and training providers.

This approach can reduce out-of-pocket costs and make it easier for employees to pursue higher education while working.

Who Is Eligible for Sam's Club Tuition Assistance?

Live Better U is available to both full-time and part-time hourly and salaried associates at Sam's Club. One of the program's biggest advantages is that employees can become eligible from their first day of employment.

Because program requirements can change, associates should review the latest eligibility information through Guild Education before enrolling.

Do I Have To Stay at Sam's Club After Using Live Better U?

Unlike some employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs, Live Better U does not require associates to remain employed by Sam's Club after completing their education.

This allows employees to pursue degrees and credentials without worrying about a long-term employment commitment after graduation.

Can I Earn an Online Degree Through Sam's Club?

Yes. Many of the schools participating in Live Better U offer online programs, making it easier for working adults to balance classes with work and personal responsibilities.

Available programs vary by school and may include certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate-level education opportunities.

What Schools Participate in the Live Better U Program?

Participating schools may change over time, but the program has included well-known institutions such as Arizona State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Western Governors University, among others.

Associates can explore current partner schools and available programs through the Guild Education platform.

What Is Guild Education?

Guild Education is the platform that administers the Live Better U program for Sam's Club and Walmart associates. Through Guild, employees can explore participating schools, compare programs, receive education coaching, and access employer-sponsored tuition assistance benefits.

Guild helps simplify the enrollment process and provides support throughout an employee's educational journey.

Is Sam's Club One of the Best Retail Companies for Education Benefits?

Many employees consider Sam's Club to have one of the strongest education benefit programs in retail because of its partnership with Live Better U. The combination of broad eligibility, first-day access, academic coaching, and employer-supported tuition assistance can make earning a degree significantly more affordable.

When comparing employers, it's still important to review available schools, program options, and eligibility requirements to determine which education benefit best fits your goals.

Earn Your College Degree

Find out more about tuition assistance for college degrees by exploring the resources available on Learn.org. Reach out to Sam’s Club to find out more about its employee benefits.