One of the best ways to pay for college is to get someone else to foot the bill. And as luck would have it, there are quite a few companies that offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement as an employee benefit–even if you’re only there a few hours a week. Why would they offer such a lucrative perk to someone working part time? It’s really quite simple. Many employers understand that this type of incentive may actually tempt you to work for and stay longer with the company. I know I would feel a sense of obligation if someone gave me $12,000 for college. Wouldn’t you? If you have to work to help pay your college expenses, consider looking into one of these companies that will actually pick up part of the tab.
1. UPS
Part-time employees of UPS are eligible to receive up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per year, up to a lifetime maximum of $25,000. Eligibility begins on the date of hire. Also, most full-time UPS employees started at the company as part-time or non-manager employees, including managers and executives!
2. Publix
According to the company’s website, employees may be reimbursed for not only traditional degree programs, but also some individual courses and online programs. Any associate with at least six months of continuous service, who works an average of 10 hours per week is eligible. Associates enrolled in a four-year college or university, may be reimbursed up to $3,200 annually, with a lifetime limit of $12,800. Associates enrolled in undergraduate courses at a two-year community college, technical program or individual course program may be reimbursed up to $1,700 annually, with a lifetime limit of $3,400.
3. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers several scholarships to children of employees, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 each. In addition, they offer their employees up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement annually, for eligible tuition expenses.
4. Baxter
Regular employees may receive up to $5,250 per year for undergraduate courses at accredited colleges and universities. Upon management approval, employees may also receive tuition reimbursement for graduate-level coursework, as well.
5. Comcast
Comcast’s Education Assistance Program will reimburse approved tuition, books, and other educational fees up to$5,750 per calendar year.
6. Starbucks
As part of the Starbucks U Program, part-time and regular employees have the opportunity to take advantage of special student discounts (on books, tuition and more) and scholarships offered at select schools, as well as receiving up to $1,000 per year in tuition reimbursement. Eligible employees must have at least one year of continuous service before their classes begin.
7. Verizon
Verizon offers one of the better tuition reimbursement packages, providing its employees with up to $8,000 a yearin education benefits. In 2012, more than 23,000 employees took advantage of the program.
8. Bank of America
Associates, who have been employed for six months and work a minimum of 20 hours a week, are eligible to receive tuition repayment through Bank of America. Under the program, 100 percent of tuition-related expenses (up to $5,250 per calendar year) will be reimbursed for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
9. Oracle
Regular, full-time employees may receive up to $5,250 per calendar year in tuition reimbursement for courses related to their current or future responsibilities at Oracle. Management approval is required. Download PDF with full details.
10. Fidelity
Full-time employees with at least six months of service may apply for tuition reimbursement for up to 90% of of certain costs, up to $10,000 per year (!). Eligibility is subject to manager approval and the coursework must be at an accredited college or university and be work-related.
Of course, getting these benefits is not as simple as submitting your college tuition bill. Some companies will only reimburse your fees after you have completed the courses with a minimum grade (usually a ‘C’ or better) or can show that your college degree is related to your position within the company. Even those that do reimburse upfront may place conditions on your benefits, such as a requirement to stay with the company for at least two years after completing your degree. To ensure you get every dime available to you, contact your company’s HR department and ask about your educational benefits. You may have to jump through a few hoops, but every little bit helps.
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