15 Fast Food Companies That Pay for College 2025

Whether you're a graduating high school student or a working adult looking to go back to college, you're curious about how to make college more affordable. You've heard about tuition assistance programs and are wondering if the fast-food company you work for offers that type of program.

Many companies pay for tuition, including many fast-food corporations. They provide college tuition assistance for their team members. These benefits are typically available for full-time and part-time employees and may also cover higher education costs for employees' immediate family members.

Keep reading for more information about these tuition reimbursement programs.

Fast Food Chains That Offer Educational Benefits

If you work at one of the following companies in the fast-food industry, you may be eligible to have your tuition costs partly or fully covered by your employer with a tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance program. Let's take a closer look at each company and the financial aid programs they offer.

1. McDonald's

McDonald's is one of the largest fast-food chains in the country. It offers the Archways to Opportunity tuition assistance program.

Salaried and hourly employees who take advantage of this program can receive up to $5,250 each year toward their education. Eligible employees must work an average of at least 15 hours a week and have been employed for at least 90 days.

2. Starbucks

In partnership with Arizona State University, Starbucks offers the College Achievement Plan. This assistance program covers 100% of tuition costs for many online degrees at Arizona State University.

For crew members attending school elsewhere, Starbucks will pay up to $1,000 per calendar year toward their degree or certificate program.

3. Chipotle

Chipotle partners with Guild Education to provide fully funded degrees, certificates, and other training programs to their employees. The company has partnerships with more than 20 schools nationwide and will cover more than 300 different types of programs.

Students attending another school or enrolled in another type of degree program may also receive up to $5,250 toward their program. These funds are available to students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4. Dunkin'

Dunkin' offers corporate tuition assistance through a partnership with Southern New Hampshire University. Employees attending this school online can receive a 15% tuition discount, while their immediate family members may qualify for a 10% tuition discount.

Other tuition assistance programs may be available on a local or regional basis. Check with your employer for more information.

5. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut offers the Life Unboxed Edu program, providing up to $5,250 a year for salaried employees. Hourly employees and their family members may also be eligible to receive tuition discounts.

Additionally, the Pizza Hut Foundation provides scholarships and other financial aid opportunities to make college more affordable. These scholarships are available for students between the ages of 17 and 26.

6. Taco Bell

Taco Bell provides full tuition coverage for more than 100 degree programs at partner schools. Students in other approved programs may also receive up to $5,250 a year toward their education.

The program covers an array of online degree programs, making college more accessible for busy working students.

7. Arby's

Arby's offers an array of benefits to its hourly and salaried employees. Many of these employees have access to tuition assistance programs.

While regular team members do not qualify for this benefit, managers and other executives within the company may receive tuition assistance as part of their benefits package. Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary from employee to employee.

8. Five Guys

Five Guys offers tuition-free programs through its partnership with Guild Education. Students receive full tuition coverage for select programs and up to $5,250 for other approved associate and bachelor's degree and certificate programs.

Students can also complete approved high school completion, college prep, and English as a Second Language (ESL) training courses for free.

9. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers the Remarkable Futures Scholarship program to help part-time and full-time team members afford college. Scholarship amounts vary, ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

The scholarship can be used at any accredited college, university, or vocational school. It is paid in advance and may be used to cover various educational expenses.

10. Subway

Subway offers the Fresh Start Scholarship program for employees who meet basic eligibility requirements. The scholarship can be used at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools throughout the U.S.

The scholarship receives funding from the Subway Cares Foundation. Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary depending on various factors.

Learn more: Subway Fresh Start Scholarship & Educational Benefits

11. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger provides the LEARN Educational Assistance program. This program covers some tuition costs for eligible employees pursuing a college education.

Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary. This benefit is available for both full-time and part-time employees.

12. Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box has partnerships with various colleges and universities to provide tuition discounts and scholarships to employees. It also offers a tuition reimbursement program.

Award and reimbursement amounts are undisclosed and may vary.

13. Culver's

Culver's offers scholarship programs for employees through its nonprofit arm, the Culver's Foundation. These scholarships can be used for various academic and technical degree and certificate programs.

Award amounts are undisclosed and may vary depending on financial need or other factors.

14. QDOBA

QDOBA offers tuition reimbursement as part of its employee benefits package. It is undisclosed whether the restaurant provides this benefit to all employees or only to those working full-time hours or fulfilling specific roles.

15. Wingstop

Wingstop Provides the Morrison Family Scholarship program for all eligible employees who have worked for Wingstop for at least six months. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year.

The scholarship can be used to complete technical or career training and associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. This scholarship is renewable as long as students maintain basic eligibility and a 3.0 GPA.

How To Apply for Tuition Reimbursement at Your Job

Each restaurant chain will have its application process for tuition discounts and assistance programs. Check with your boss to verify your eligibility and find out how to apply.

In many cases, you will be asked to complete an online application. You may need to resubmit this application each year you are in school to reapply.

Is Working a Fast Food Job Worth It for the Tuition Assistance Benefits?

Whether or not working in fast food is worth it will depend on your financial situation and your educational and career goals. Many students' education depends on company tuition assistance and scholarship programs.

Tuition assistance benefits often make college a reality for students who wouldn't otherwise have the means to finish their education. In many cases, they only have to work a part-time job to take advantage of this perk. If you need tuition assistance to go to college, then working in fast food may be well worth it for the benefits you receive.