Many companies in the Boston area provide generous tuition reimbursement benefits. This can range from $2000 to $10,000 a year, and some companies even cover the entire tuition cost. This can make a serious dent in your college bill without accumulating stifling loans.
Please note that each company has different rules for their tuition reimbursement programs, and with some companies, it is possible to work part-time and attend college at the same time.
The following list is just a sampling of the most well-kknown companies in the area. Many more companies have such programs, and it is a good idea to do your research in your particular area of interest.
1. UPS: Up to $5,250 a year
With the UPS Earn & Learn Program you can earn earn up to $5,250 a year up to a maximum of $25,000 for your college education.
2. FedEX: Up to $5,000 a year
FedEx offers tuition reimbursement for courses that are job-related. They offer part-time employees up to $2,500 and full-time employees up to $5,000 a year.
3. VERIZON: Up to $13,500 a year
Verizon offers full-time employees $13,250 a year and part-time employees $8,000 a year towards a degree or certificate. Immediate family members also qualify for $2,500 a year. The company partners with Bellevue University.
4. COMCAST: Up to $5,750 a Year
Comcast will reimburse you for books and other fees up to $5,750 a year. To receive this benefit you need to be employed for at least one year and you need to commit to stay with the company for one year.
5. STARBUCKS - Full Tuition Coverage for Bachelor Degrees
Employees with 20 hours per week can earn full tuition for a Bachelor Degree with the Arizona State University online program.
6. CVS: Up to $1,500 a year
CVS' will pay $1,500 a year for full-time employees as long as the degree is job-related.
7. BEST BUY: Up to $5,250 a year
Best Buy reimburses you for up to $3,500 per year for approved undergrad expenses and $5,250 for graduate-level courses. To benefit from the program you need tobe an active, full-time employee working at least 32 hours a week.
8. Home Depot: Up to $6,000 a year
Home Depot offers up to $6,000 in tuition assistance for full-time employees, $3,000 per year for part-time associates, and $2,500 per year for immediate family members.
Home Depot partners with Bellevue University for this program.
9. LOWE'S - Up to $2,500 a year
Lowes offers up to $2,500 in tuition reimbursement per year. All regular employees are eligible to take part in the tuition reimbursement program after one year of work.
10. TARGET: Up to $5,250 a year
Target will reimburse you up to $3,000 for undergraduate studies, $4,000 for graduate courses, and $5,250 for MBA courses. The company also offers GED reimbursement and student loan refinancing.
11. WALMART: You pay $1 a day in tuition costs.
Wal-Mart partners with Guild Education and offers employees online courses. Certificates and degree classes cost $1 a day to the employee and other courses such as High School Degrees, College Prep and Language classes are free. Walmart also offers degrees in business and supply chain management for $1 a day.
12. CHIPOTLE: Up to 5,250 a year
Chipotle partners with Guild Education and offers up to $5,250 in tuition assistance. Employees qualify if they have worked at least 180 days.
13. McDonald's: Up to $3,000 a year
As a McDonald's employee, you can get up to $3,000 if you work 15 hours a week and have been with the company for at least 90 days.
14. PAPA JOHN'S: 100% Tuition Reimbursement
Papa John’s partners with Purdue Global and pays 100% of tuition for online undergraduate and graduate courses in business, business administration, and information technology. Employees qualify after working at least 20 hours per week for 90 days.
15. RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES: Up to $10,000 a year
Raytheon is one of the largest employers in the Boston area and has a number of programs for tuition reimbursement. It offers up to $10,000 of college tuition reimbursement for full-time employees.
16. BANK OF AMERICA - Up to $2000 per year
Employees who have been employed for six months and work at least 20 hours are eligible for up to $2,000 a year up to a total of 100% of college tuition.
17. FIDELITY - Up to 10,000 a year
Fidelity offers students 90% of tuition costs up to $10,000 per year. Courses must be taken at an accredited college or university and be work related.
18. The U.S. Government: Up to the entire loan
The Federal Government has two programs that help students repay their federal loans.
Through the Federal Student Loan Repayment Program, you can be awarded $10,000 a year, up to a total of $60,000, towards the payment of your student loans. In return, you have to work at that agency for at least three years.
Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the government will forgive the remaining balance on your eligible student loans if you have worked in a public service job for at least 10 years.
Please note that not all government agencies provide this benefit, so research is required.