8 Part-Time Jobs That Offer College Benefits

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Good news, college students. You don't have to wait until you graduate to take full advantage of employee benefits. In fact, many employers offer their part-time employees college benefits, such as tuition reimbursement and scholarships. Picking the right part-time position in your college years could provide you with more than just work experience — it can lead you to lower college debt, too. Here are eight great part-time gigs to check out that offer college benefits.

See also: College Without Loans: Where to Find Scholarships

1. UPS

UPS offers one of the best college tuition reimbursement programs to part-time employees. The company allows employees to earn $5,250 per calendar year towards education costs with its Education Assistance program. Employees can earn up to $25,000 max in college reimbursements. The best part is that eligibility begins on day one, and if you are hired mid-semester, your benefits will be prorated.

2. Starbucks

As if free coffee wasn't a good enough perk, Starbucks has a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) that provides Starbucks' partners partial tuition reimbursement. The amount of tuition reimbursed varies based on the partner's unique financial situation and needs. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan is open to any Starbucks-owned company employee, regardless of the position title. Partners must also not have a bachelor's degree already.

3. Publix

Publix allows employees to earn up to $3,200 per calendar year (and $12,800 lifetime) for college reimbursement. The company allows $3,400 to be applied towards individual courses, technical college, or community college. Employees must have six months vested in the company and work at least 10 hours per week to qualify.

4. Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A offers its employees the chance to win a $1,000 Leadership scholarship. Employees are required to have a high school diploma to be eligible. Employees must have also applied for college and show that they have a great work ethic and are active in their communities.

5. Home Depot

For part-time employees, Home Depot allows up to $1,500 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year. Tuition reimbursement is applicable to degrees related to the business of Home Depot, but individuals can use the reimbursement towards an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or technical degree.

6. Bank of America

As long as your course is job-related, Bank of America will reimburse part-time employees up to $5,250 per calendar year. Certificate and professional development programs do not count for reimbursement. Part-time employees must be with Bank of America for six months and work at least 20 hours per week in order to be considered.

7. McDonald's

Often McDonald's gets a bad rap as a part-time job. However, the educational benefits the company provides crew members and restaurant managers is impressive. McDonald's program, Archways to Opportunity, provides employees with free English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and will cover the complete costs for employees to earn their high school diploma. The company also provides tuition reimbursement for eligible courses and is partnered with select colleges to offer employees a bigger discount on tuition.

Furthermore, McDonald's offers scholarships and management curriculum. The company started Hamburger University in 1961, which allows graduate employees to earn essential management skills and even earn college credit.

8. Walmart and Sam's Club

Part-time associates at either Walmart or Sam's Club can earn a tuition grant that saves them 15% of the cost of college courses. The only catch is that associates must get their degree through American Public University (APU). All degree-seeking undergraduate associates are also eligible for an undergraduate book grant that covers almost all of textbook expenses. This grant can be earned, regardless of the degree being pursued. Though the company does not make it clear if this grant is only for APU students, too. (See also: 8 Ways College Students Can Save Money Before Class Starts)

These are just a sample of great part-time employers that offer college benefits. If you currently work for a smaller or private company, it doesn't hurt to ask if the employer would consider partial tuition reimbursement. Make your case by showing how certain courses or a specific degree would help you become a more valuable asset to the company.

Would you take a part-time position just for the college benefits? Share with us in the comments!