One strategy for paying for higher education is to make use of employer-based tuition assistance (or reimbursement) programs. We’ve done some digging and compiled a list of employers who offer some type of tuition support. This information is subject to change. Please visit the employer’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of opportunities available in Maine. We recommend checking in with your employer.
Employers Offering Tuition Assistance Programs
Amazon
Amazon will pay for full college tuition, fees and even textbooks for their operations employees who have worked a minimum of 90 days at the company. The company pre-pays tuition and fees upfront instead of reimbursing the employee. The funds are available annually for as long as the student remains with the company.
AT&T
Employees of AT&T can have tuition reimbursed for approved programs and institutions after at least 60 days of employment. Full-time employees can receive up to $5,250 annually, part-time employees (working 20 hours or more) up to $3,937.50 annually, and those working fewer than 20 hours per week are eligible for up to $2,625 annually. AT&T supports programs that benefit the student and the company.
Bank of America
Under the Bank of America Tuition Assistance program, 100% of tuition-related expenses are paid— up to $7,500 per year plus $1,000 annual stipend for books and supplies. Employees must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must remain employed by Bank of America for at least one year after completing their degree.
Best Buy
After six months of full-time employment, Best Buy employees pursuing undergraduate education can receive up to $3,000 annually for tuition and related expenses, and up to $5,250 annually for graduate education programs related to Best Buy role.
Chick-fil-A
Through a partnership with Scholarship America, Chick-fil-A offers tuition discounts and grants to employees and their families at more than 100 colleges. The fast food chain also offers a variety of scholarships.
Chipotle
Chipotle will cover 100% of tuition and fees for select degrees and certificates through its partnership with Guild Education and up to $5,250 annually for a wider selection of programs.
Ford Motor Company
Ford provides up to $6,000 annually in advance for tuition and fees for employees represented by United Auto Workers. Programs and courses must be approved; employees must be full-time and have been employed at least 90 days.
GAP
Employees of GAP companies, including Old Navy and Banana Republic, can receive up to $5,000 per year for tuition reimbursement. Courses must be approved and related to company position. Employees can take advantage of this benefit after one year of employment.
Hannaford
Current employees of Hannaford can earn up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement funds annually for full-time and salaried positions and up to $2,000 for part-time workers. In addition, employees can receive tuition discounts at six partner colleges in New England including Thomas College and the University of Southern Maine.
Lowe’s
In partnership with Guild Education, Lowe’s offers debt-free tuition assistance to full-time associates of one year seeking to earn undergraduate degrees or certificate, or enroll in English language learning, high school completion, or college prep programs. Tuition is covered up to $2,500 annually.
McDonald’s
Crewmembers, trainees, part-time employees, and supervisors at McDonald’s can receive up to $2,500 in tuition assistance each year after 90 cumulative days of employment and working an average of 15 hours per week. Employees in management or management training are eligible for up to $5,250 annually.
Starbucks
Full and part-time Starbucks employees can receive 100% tuition and fees coverage for a first bachelor’s degree through partnership with Arizona State University. Employees must apply for undergraduate admission with the SCAP application and file a FAFSA.
Target
Full- and part-time Target employees can get 100% tuition and fees coverage for select programs ranging from certificates to Master’s degrees. Employees can receive additional assistance for programs in the Guild Education catalog up to $5,250 for undergraduate and $10,000 for graduate offerings.
UPS
With UPS’ Earn & Learn program, employees can receive up to $5,250 per year for tuition assistance. Employees can start utilizing tuition assistance from day one of employment! There are no course restrictions. For a list of participating Maine UPS locations, click here.
Verizon
From day one, full-time Verizon employees can receive up to $8,000 annually for tuition, fees, and textbooks regardless of degree level. Part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week qualify for up to $4,000 per year. Employees may choose their tuition funds as pre-paid or reimbursement.
Walmart
Walmart employees interested in industry-specific degrees and certificates can have 100% of tuition and fees covered in partnership with Guild Education. Employees are eligible on the first day of employment and tuition assistance is available for salaried, full, and part-time employees.
Wells Fargo
Employees of Wells Fargo are encouraged to pursue education and professional development. Full- and part-time employees can receive up to $5,000 annually.
