Looking for a job?
Try applying to a company that will not only employ you, but may also help you earn a degree.
There are a lot of well-known, national companies who offer tuition reimbursement as part of their employee benefit package. In fact, 83 percent of companies surveyed by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans in 2015 said they offer educational assistance or tuition reimbursement.
Some employers fund education because they feel it will help retain good employees and raise productivity. Others take advantage of the tax credits and deductions they earn by funding an employee education program.
Either way, employees win, and with many of these companies, they win big.
A list compiled by yescollege.com shows the biggest employer education programs out there. It includes:
UPS – The education benefit starts the day employees begin work and can amount to as much as $25,000 in tuition reimbursement.
The Home Depot – After 90 days, part-time employees can receive up to $1,500 a year in assistance, full-time employees receive up to $3,000 and salaried employees receive up to $5,000 a year.
To see the full list, visit: http://yescollege.com/2016/06/companies-tuition-reimbursement/
Keep in mind that IRS rules limit tax-free benefits received from an employer to $5,250 per year. Any amount over that is considered compensation and the employee will be taxed. Still, the tax bill is going to be smaller than the tuition bill.
One of the fastest growing sectors of tuition assistance employers is the food industry. Employees at Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonalds, Taco Bell, TGI Friday's, Arby's and Pizza Hut all have access to tuition help.
Are you PCS'ing to a location you expect to spend just a year or so at? A fast food job may give you a little extra money, and a few more credits toward your degree.
Want to know more? Google the phrase: “companies that pay your tuition, ” and then get that resume ready to send.