The debt of college students has snowballed over the years, becoming a massive burden on the shoulders of graduates. But innovative employers are helping their employees get degrees and ditch the debt. The cost of higher education is unaffordable for most people, so many organizations are making education more affordable for their employees. Here are six of those organizations and how they assist the education of their employees.
Target. Target’s tuition benefits are available for full-time and part-time employees. 100% tuition coverage is offered to these employees for undergraduate and associate programs related to business in over 40 different schools, such as Arizona State University and Oregon State University. $10,000 a year is also available for master’s programs. All this with Target’s competitive starting wage of $15 an hour.
Publix. Publix offers tuition reimbursement for employees who average 10 hours a week and have worked there for 6 months. Publix will reimburse for college and university enrollment up to $4,000 a year, and $16,000 in total. For approved education outside of college and university, they will reimburse up to $2,200 a year and $4,400 in total. All tuition assistance must be applied to degrees and education that will positively affect the employee’s performance and is related to their job and career path.
Chipotle. Chipotle offers to all employees fully funded tuition for over 300 select online programs for high school and college preparation programs, college and master’s degrees, as well as professional certificates. Employees who enter education programs not in partnership with Chipotle have access to up to $5,250 annually in tuition costs. Chipotle also offers personal coaching for employees for support on their way to graduation.
Amazon. Amazon’s tuition benefit is available for part-time and full-time employees who have worked for Amazon or any of its subsidiaries for at least 90 days. Employees have access to the benefit for as long as they work at Amazon. High School completion, GED’s, English as a Second Language, as well as bachelor’s, associates, and certificate programs offered through select partnerships are all eligible for tuition assistance. Amazon offers to pre-pay 100% of school costs, including tuition, books and fees for their employees.
Disney. Disney will pay 100% tuition for part-time and full-time employees who have been working for at least 90 days and are enrolled in one of their select, online degree programs. They also offer reimbursement for any other books and fees associated with the degree. Disney assures their employees they are welcome to either continue working at Disney or use their degree somewhere else when they graduate.
Starbucks. Starbucks offers 100% tuition coverage for its full-time and part-time employees at Arizona State University Online. Over 100 different degree programs at Arizona State are eligible for coverage. Other fees and expenses related to textbooks are not covered. Part-time employees must have worked a minimum of 240 hours over three consecutive months before becoming eligible for the benefits.
There are other companies out there who offer tuition assistance—but these are some of the best. If you want to avoid the burden of college debt (which, from experience, I urge you to avoid it!), then consider finding an employer who will invest in your education.