Career opportunities are everywhere but you need to make yourself available. The cost of college tuition is high, and it can often seem impossible to afford without taking out substantial loans. With the increasing expenses associated with higher education, the burden of debt can be overwhelming for many individuals. However, there are still opportunities that can make college more affordable. One option to consider is seeking employment with companies that offer to pay for your college education, as captioned by Entrepreneurng.com
Top 10: Career opportunities
1. Amazon
Amazon has a program called Career Choice that demonstrates the company’s commitment to investing in its employees’ futures. This program assists Amazon associates in starting or completing their education by providing financial support for various educational pursuits. Whether you aim to obtain a high school diploma, GED, bachelor’s or master’s degree, or certifications in English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency, Amazon has provisions to assist you. Career Choice also offers funding for employees enrolled in approved degree programs such as aircraft mechanics, welding, medical billing, and nursing.
2. Discover
Discover, the company behind the popular Discover Card, also offers tuition assistance to its employees who wish to attend college. Through a partnership with Guild, Discover provides upfront tuition assistance for select associate and bachelor’s degrees. They cover the cost of more than 230 degrees, and if you have a different degree in mind, Discover offers up to $5,250 for bachelor’s degrees and up to $10,000 annually for master’s degrees at schools within their network.
3. Target
Target has recently included college tuition as part of its benefits package for all employees in the United States. By partnering with the Guild, Target now covers upfront tuition costs for both full-time and part-time workers. The program includes access to over 250 degree programs for certain undergraduate degrees and covers certifications at 40 schools. Additionally, Target provides $10,000 toward some master’s programs.
4. Starbucks
Starbucks has been a pioneer in providing employee education benefits. Their program, called Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP), grants U.S. employees access to online bachelor’s degrees offered by Arizona State University. Eligible full and part-time employees nationwide can benefit from this tuition assistance, which applies to first-time bachelor’s degree programs. To qualify, employees must have completed a minimum of 240 total hours over three consecutive months, starting from the second month of employment.
5. Chipotle
Chipotle offers tuition benefits to most part-time and all regular full-time employees, allowing them to attend college with upfront tuition paid by partnering universities such as the University of Arizona, Bellevue University, and UMass Global. Eligibility for tuition offerings begins after working 15 hours per week for 120 days. Chipotle provides tuition-free associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in majors like agricultural science, hospitality, and supply chain. If you prefer to study at a college outside their partnerships, Chipotle also offers tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year.
6. Disney
The Walt Disney Company, a multinational corporation in the entertainment industry, offers the Disney Aspire program. This initiative covers up to 100% of tuition fees at partner universities, including reimbursement for textbooks. To be eligible, employees must have completed 90 days of employment with Disney.
7. Home Depot
Home Depot provides different tuition benefits depending on employee types:
a. Salary employees: Up to $5,000.
b. Full-time hourly employees: Up to $3,000.
c. Part-time hourly employees: Up to $1,500 per calendar year.
Home Depot’s benefits package also includes additional resources like scholarships, discounted textbooks, and study materials. These benefits may cover 50% of expenses for textbooks, class registration fees, and approved courses.
8. Walmart
Walmart, the largest retail corporation in the United States, supports employee education through its Live Better U program. This program enables employees to pursue high school diplomas and affordable degrees in fields such as business and supply chain management. Partnering with Guild, Walmart offers tuition coverage for accredited institutions like Purdue University Global, the University of Florida, and Bellevue University. The program covers up to 100% of tuition, books, and fees, eliminating the need for employees to pay out-of-pocket expenses or wait for tuition reimbursement.
9. Boeing
Boeing’s Education Assistance Program aims to support employees in their education and career development by easing the financial burden of higher education. The program offers reimbursement for tuition, books, certificates, and other educational materials up to $25,000 annually. It is available to all Boeing employees, including part-time workers and eligible family members, and can be used for any education level in STEM fields, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.
10. Qualcomm
Qualcomm, primarily known for its semiconductor and telecommunications equipment production, also provides educational assistance benefits to its employees. Full-time employees may be eligible for annual tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 for undergraduate degrees. The funding can be utilized for degree programs, certification courses, or other educational expenses. Qualcomm also offers up to $10,125 per year for graduate and post-graduate degrees, covering expenses such as tuition, parking, books, and more.
In conclusion, there are numerous job opportunities available that can help undergraduate and graduate students pay for their college education, eliminating the need to struggle with student loans and debts after graduation. By exploring these various college job options, individuals can earn while they learn, paving the way for a better future.
