💰3 jobs that can help pay for college
Aug 16, 2026
read time 2 minutes
Hi there,
College is expensive.
But here's something I wish more students knew: your job can help pay for your degree.
Instead of taking a random part-time job and using every paycheck for tuition, there are companies offering education benefits worth thousands of dollars. If I were working my way through college today, these three would be on my list.
Starbucks: Best for a bachelor's degree
This is probably my favorite of the three. Eligible full- and part-time Starbucks employees can get 100% upfront tuition coverage for their first bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program.
There are 150+ degree options, and employees can apply to the program from their first day. Starbucks says benefits-eligible employees can qualify while averaging around 20 hours per week. And there's no requirement to stay at Starbucks after graduating.
Other employee benefits can include healthcare, stock rewards, a 401(k), paid time off and, of course, the famous partner discount.
→ Learn more about the program
→ Apply for a job at Starbucks
Target: Best for having more school options
Target's Dream to Be program is another seriously underrated benefit.
U.S. employees can access it starting on their first day, including part-time employees. There are hundreds of education options across 40+ colleges and universities, including undergraduate degrees, certificates, bootcamps and other programs.
Many are completely tuition-free, while others receive partial funding.
You can also get a 10% Target employee discount, with larger discounts on certain wellness products and owned-brand apparel. Eligible employees can access additional benefits such as healthcare and a 401(k).
Chick-fil-A: Best for flexible scholarships
Chick-fil-A works a little differently.
Instead of automatically covering your entire degree, eligible restaurant Team Members can apply for Remarkable Futures Scholarships worth $1,000, $2,500 or $25,000.
Here's what I really like: there's no minimum tenure or hours-worked requirement for these scholarships, and the money can be used at an accredited institution of your choice, including four-year colleges, two-year colleges, online programs and vocational schools.
Team Members can also access tuition discounts on thousands of eligible degree and certificate programs.
→ Find Chick-fil-A restaurant jobs
Here's the bigger lesson. When you're comparing jobs in college, don't look at the hourly wage alone.
Imagine Job A pays you slightly more per hour...
But Job B helps cover thousands of dollars of tuition.
Job B could actually leave you much further ahead.
Your benefits are part of your compensation too. And when a degree can leave you with tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, choosing the right employer before you even start school could be one of the smartest financial decisions you make.
Work somewhere that doesn't just pay you today. Look for a job that invests in your future too.
Using my affiliate link helps support my team and I to create new content for you every week. Thank you!
- Milan and Team
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