The Walmart Associate Scholarship is one of the largest employer-funded scholarship programs in the U.S., available to current part-time and full-time Walmart, Sam's Club, and McLane Company associates pursuing higher education. In 2026, Walmart awards approximately 1,000 scholarships of $3,000 each annually to associates — total annual investment of $3+ million. Recipients can use awards for any accredited 2-year, 4-year, or technical/vocational program.
Applications open February 2027 and close March 31, 2027. Eligibility requires (1) current part-time or full-time employee with Walmart, Sam's Club, or McLane (or a parent/dependent for the Walmart Dependent Scholarship variant), (2) 6+ months continuous employment, (3) admission to or enrollment in an accredited degree/certificate program, (4) 2.5+ GPA (varies by sub-program). The application has 3 parts: academic record + employment verification + 250-word essay on educational and career goals. Successful applicants demonstrate specific career intentions tied to their Walmart experience (e.g., "I want to study supply chain management to advance into a Walmart logistics role").
Walmart's "Live Better U" benefits program (launched 2018, expanded 2024) layers ON TOP of the Associate Scholarship — offering essentially free college for associates through a partnership with University of Arizona Global Campus, Brandman University, and Bellevue University. The Associate Scholarship + Live Better U combination means Walmart associates can frequently complete bachelor's degrees with $0 out-of-pocket cost. As of 2026, Walmart has invested over $1 billion in associate education benefits since 2018. For Walmart employees considering college, the combined benefits are mathematically the most generous employer education program in the Fortune 500.
Explore the full TCM Scholarships database with thousands of awards searchable by major, state, and student demographic. If you are also weighing financial aid options, see our Student Loans hub and our 2026 guide on private student loans - including which lenders to compare and how to qualify for the lowest rates. For families just starting the financial aid process, the FAFSA application guide walks you through every step.
The Walmart Associate Scholarship - Eligibility, Award & 2026 awards $195,000 per recipient to approximately 64 recipients each cycle.
The Walmart Associate Scholarship - Eligibility, Award & 2026 deadline is August 31, 2026. Applicants should submit materials at least one week before the deadline to allow time for verification and any required follow-up.
This award is for U.S. students. Must have graduated high school/home school or obtained a GED before applying, or be a graduating high school senior. For full and current eligibility criteria, applicants should always verify directly on the official scholarship website before applying.
Apply directly through the official Walmart Associate Scholarship - Eligibility, Award & 2026 application page at http://walmart.scholarsapply.org/associate/. Prepare required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, essays where applicable) before starting the application.
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