NOVEMBER 2025

Tuesday Tips



Maine Employers Making Education Affordable for Their Employees

Are you considering going to school while working? You don’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and pursuing a degree. Many employers in Maine offer tuition assistance programs that can help cover the cost of higher education. This employee benefit can be a game-changer for those who want to advance their careers without accumulating student debt.

Here are five employers with strong tuition assistance programs:

Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads Education Reimbursement Program provides tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 per year for part-time associates and up to $5,250 for full-time associates. The funds can be used at any accredited college or university, with additional discounts at partner schools including Husson University, Thomas College, and the University of Southern Maine. 

Chipotle's Cultivate Education program, in partnership with Guild Education, offers 100% tuition coverage up front for select programs in areas such as technology, business, healthcare, and more. For other undergraduate and master’s degree programs in the Guild curriculum, employees can receive up to $5,250 per year. Additionally, up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement is available for approved programs outside of the Guild catalog. GED, college prep, and English Language Learning programs are also available with 100% of tuition covered.

McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity Program provides up to $2,500 in tuition reimbursement for eligible part-time employees and up to $5,250 for eligible full-time employees. Tuition assistance is available for courses taken at accredited colleges, universities, and technical or vocational schools. Eligibility begins after 90 days of employment and requires that employees work an average of 15 hours per week.

Starbucks, in partnership with Arizona State University, offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for their employees’ first bachelor’s degree. Employees are eligible to sign up for classes from day one, and there are no strings attached after graduation. Students who don’t initially qualify for acceptance at ASU can work toward admission with fully covered credit conversion costs.

FedEx offers up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement for eligible employees after 60 days on the job. Funds are available to those working towards a college degree, as well as those attending trade, vocational, or technical schools. Funds can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university.

These are just a few examples of employers in Maine who offer tuition assistance programs. If you are looking to pursue higher education, check with your employer to see what education-related benefits are available. Additionally, don’t forget to explore your financial aid options. To learn more about financial aid, you can schedule a free virtual financial aid coaching session with a FAME counselor. We’re here to help!

JOIN US FOR DECEMBER’S

Financial Check-in with FAME


Understanding Multiple Pathways to Education and Training

Friday, December 5th • 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Learn about the many options for Maine people to gain the education and skills needed to prepare for a career or to advance in an existing one.

We're Here to Help!

FAME's Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Team

Mila

Mila Tappan

Education Affordability Content & Training Manager

207-620-3504

Email Mila

Mary

Mary Dyer

Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Manager

207-620-3556

Email Mary

Steve

Steve Kautz

Financial Education Programs Specialist

207-620-3566

Email Steve

Floreka

Floreka Mananga

New Mainer

Specialist

207-620-3530

Email Floreka

Sydney McLean

Sydney McLean

Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Counselor

207-620-3535

Email Sydney

Karin

Karin Parsons

Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Counselor

207-620-3502

Email Karin

Maire

Maire Pelletier

Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Counselor

207-620-3508

Email Maire

Nikki

Nikki Vachon

Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Counselor

207-620-3529

Email Nikki

Jessica Whittier

Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Counselor

207-620-3555

Email Jess

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