Companies That Pay Your Tuition: The 2025 List

Want a degree without taking on new debt? In 2025, dozens of large U.S. employers will pay part—or all—of your tuition. The best plans cover 100% of tuition at partner schools, pay upfront (not reimbursement), and include books/fees. Use the quick checklist, then scan the employer list with what they usually cover and who qualifies.

60-Second Checklist (before you apply)

• Upfront vs. reimbursement: upfront payment is easier on cash flow.
• Partner schools only? Some plans are “full tuition” only with partner universities.
• Eligibility window: confirm required hours/week and any waiting period (e.g., 90 days).
• Tax note: up to $5,250/year of employer-paid tuition is typically tax-free to you under U.S. rules.
• Fine print: check GPA minimums, program limits (majors), and whether books/fees are covered.

Tuition-Covered & “Debt-Free Degree” Employers (2025)

• Walmart (Live Better U): 100% tuition and books for eligible programs at partner schools; available to Walmart and Sam’s Club associates.
• Starbucks (ASU Online): 100% tuition coverage upfront for a first bachelor’s degree online via Arizona State University; select family member option available.
• Target: 100% tuition paid for select programs across a large partner network; hundreds of program options.
• Disney (Disney Aspire): 100% tuition upfront at approved schools, plus books/fees for many programs.
• Amazon (Career Choice): Pre-pays tuition and reimburses books/fees up to an annual max at hundreds of education partners after a short tenure period.
• Chipotle: “Debt-free” degrees for selected partner programs; plus up to ~$5,250/yr for others; available to eligible crew and managers.
• Waste Management (Your Tomorrow): Tuition support for employees and eligible dependents in selected programs.
• UPS (Earn & Learn): Up to ~$25,000 lifetime toward tuition/expenses for eligible part-time and full-time employees.
• Discover (College Commitment): 100% tuition at designated partner universities (plus assistance for others); available from day one for eligible roles.
• Verizon: Tuition assistance up to several thousand dollars per year, with higher caps for programs related to business needs.
• T-Mobile: Tuition assistance (commonly $5,250/yr FT; less PT) and some partner paths advertising up to full tuition coverage.
• Boeing: Tuition assistance for degree programs (amounts vary by role and program).

What These Plans Usually Require

• Status & hours: many benefits start for part-time at ~20 hours/week; some require 90 days of employment.
• Program type: partner-school degrees (often online), certificates, and some master’s programs.
• Academic standing: maintain a minimum GPA; submit transcripts/grades on schedule.
• Costs covered: tuition is primary; books/fees coverage varies by employer and program.

How to Pick the Right Employer Program

• Map your major: only join programs that support your intended major or a close alternative.
• Upfront billing: pick plans that pay the school directly so you avoid carrying balances.
• Transfer credit: confirm how your existing credits transfer to the partner school.
• Time to degree: ask for course load expectations and typical time-to-finish for working learners.

Fine Print to Watch (2025)

• Partner school lists change: reconfirm your program is still covered before enrolling.
• Lifetime/annual caps: some plans cap yearly or lifetime totals; plan your pacing.
• Reimbursement deadlines: if reimbursed, you must submit proof (grades, itemized bills) on time.
• Post-completion requirements: most programs do not require you to stay; verify if yours has any retention clause.

Quick Start Plan (this weekend)

1. Pick 3–5 employers whose roles you’d accept and whose education partners offer your major.
2. Check eligibility (hours, tenure, start dates) and what’s paid upfront vs. reimbursed.
3. Prepare a one-page résumé and apply to roles with shifts you can keep while studying.
4. When hired, schedule your program advising call immediately and target your first course start within 30–45 days.

Bottom Line

In 2025, the fastest, most affordable path is to choose an employer that pays tuition upfront at a school offering your major. Confirm the fine print, enroll early, and keep your GPA steady. That’s how you convert work benefits into a real degree.