In 2025, employee education has become one of the most valuable benefits that US companies can offer. As industries evolve at record speed and digital skills become essential across nearly every profession, employers are increasingly recognizing that supporting continuous learning isn’t just good for workers, it’s a strategic necessity. Tuition reimbursement and education assistance programs have evolved far beyond traditional degree funding; they now encompass online certifications, industry-aligned boot camps, and professional upskilling opportunities that enable employees to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market.

Many top employers partner with innovative learning platforms, such as Simplilearn for Business, which is known for its high-quality, job-focused programs in data science, IT, cybersecurity, digital marketing, cloud computing, and project management. These partnerships allow employees to access flexible, practical training that can be completed while working full-time and directly applied to modern workplace demands.

As competition for skilled talent intensifies, companies offering generous education benefits are emerging as leaders in workforce development. By reducing or eliminating the cost of learning, they empower employees to advance their careers, increase earning potential, and explore new professional pathways without incurring debt.

The following list highlights 10 leading U.S. employers in 2025 that stand out for their commitment to education, upskilling, and long-term employee success.

  • Amazon 

According to Amazon, hourly workers can enroll in pre-paid courses through partner schools just 90 days after employment. Amazon fully covers tuition, books, and fees for eligible certificate, diploma, and degree programs, allowing employees to pursue education without incurring debt. The company has also reported a significant increase in interest in its education and training options, as employees seek to enhance their skill sets, with participation up 798% over the past year.

To accommodate this growing demand, Amazon expanded its upskilling programs, shifted many offerings from in-person to virtual instruction, and adapted to remote work schedules to enable more employees to participate. Alongside the new and expanded initiatives noted above, Amazon employees also have free access to a few skills-training programs. 

The promise of a higher earning potential, combined with the opportunity to acquire new skills that open doors to more technical and resilient careers, has made upskilling one of the most desirable benefits among American workers today. In fact, 70% of employees interested in upskilling say they would change jobs if free skills training were offered. For young adults just entering the workforce, employer-funded upskilling is now considered more valuable than paid vacation time.

  • Starbucks

Starbucks offers full tuition coverage for eligible employees through its College Achievement Plan. To qualify, employees must enroll in an online degree program offered by Arizona State University. Eligibility begins after an employee has worked 240 paid hours, and participants must continue working at least 20 hours per week to remain in the program.

Coverage: The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible Arizona State University (ASU) online courses; however, it does not cover textbooks, laptops, lab fees, or living expenses. Additional costs can be explored through ASU financial aid.

Requirements: Employees must continue working at Starbucks while enrolled in the program. ASU notifies Starbucks each semester, and students are reimbursed for the full amount paid.

Is it worth it? SCAP offers a rare opportunity for a debt-free degree from a reputable online university. Limitations include online-only courses, ASU as the only school option, and the challenge of balancing work with studies. For those who can manage it, SCAP is a valuable program.

  • Target

According to Transfercredit.org, Target collaborates with Guild Education to provide comprehensive support through its “Debt-Free Education Assistance” program. Through this initiative, employees can access over 40 partner institutions and hundreds of approved programs, often with partial or full tuition coverage. The program is designed to help both part-time and full-time team members earn valuable credentials in high-demand fields, equipping them with the skills needed to advance their careers and secure long-term professional growth.

  • Walmart 

Walmart now covers 100% of college tuition and books for U.S. associates, eliminating the previous $1-a-day fee. Effective August 16, approximately 1.5 million part-time and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club employees can pursue college degrees or trade skills without incurring debt. As the nation’s largest private employer, Walmart plans to invest nearly $1 billion over five years in career-focused training and development. Designed using research on adult learners, LBU aims to remove barriers to education, helping associates advance their careers and improve their lives, while adapting to changing economic and workforce needs.

  • Boeing 

Boeing’s Learning Together Program (LTP) is a comprehensive tuition benefit that helps employees advance their careers while building skills aligned with the company’s technical and engineering needs. The program covers tuition and expenses for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with limits of $15,000 and $25,000 per year, respectively, while some STEM programs have no limit. LTP also supports professional certifications, individual courses, pilot training, high school completion, and English language learning. Eligible employees receive education coaching and direct tuition payments to institutions, reducing financial barriers. This investment strengthens both employee career growth and Boeing’s skilled talent pipeline.

How Tuition Assistance Programs Shape a Smarter, Stronger Workforce

Tuition reimbursement and education assistance have become more than employee perks; they are essential strategies for building a future-ready workforce. Companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, and Boeing demonstrate the power of these programs by offering accessible, flexible, and career-focused learning opportunities. By investing in their employees’ skills and long-term growth, these employers not only strengthen retention and attract top talent but also contribute to a more competitive and resilient labor market. As demand for digital expertise and advanced training accelerates, organizations that prioritize education will continue to stand out as leaders, empowering workers to thrive in an evolving economy.

Conclusion

Simplilearn for Business offers a comprehensive range of online learning solutions, including professional certifications, upskilling programs, and specialized digital skills courses, all aligned with numerous US employer tuition-assistance and tuition-reimbursement policies. Whether you’re pursuing an intensive bootcamp or targeted skill development, our programs give you access to the latest tools and knowledge to advance your career. With flexible digital learning options, you can grow your expertise while making the most of your employer’s support. Simplilearn is dedicated to offering practical, industry-aligned training that empowers you to stay ahead in a constantly evolving professional landscape.