Do businesses offer tuition payment for college students?

I've heard that some companies help pay college tuition for their employees. Does anyone know which businesses offer this benefit and what the process is like to qualify? Any advice on how to approach my employer about it?

Absolutely, numerous businesses offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to their employees as part of their benefits package. This can be an excellent way to help fund your education and reduce the financial burden.

As for the exact companies, it can vary widely. However, big names such as Starbucks, Chipotle, UPS, Walmart, and Best Buy have well-publicized tuition assistance programs. Each of these programs has its own distinctive features and eligibility requirements; some cover the entirety of tuition, while others may only cover a portion.

Here's an example: Starbucks, through its College Achievement Plan (CAP), covers the full cost of an online bachelor’s degree program through Arizona State University. At Chipotle, employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.

Note that these programs usually come with some conditions. You may need to maintain a certain grade point average or commit to working for the company for a certain length of time after graduation. The tuition aid might only cover certain fields of study or types of degrees too.

As for approaching your employer about it, the best advice is to be candid and professional. It's best to start by doing thorough research about what your company offers—if it's not given to all employees, there may be info on the company's internal website, your employee handbook, or you might have to discuss it with the HR department. Have a clear understanding of what you are asking and how it will benefit not only you but also them, as employers typically see tuition assistance as a tool for employee retention and development.

Above all, remember that your individual situation may differ greatly, and this is just a general overview. It's always best to talk to your employer or HR department directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Good luck!