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How to Get McDonald’s Tuition Reimbursement
McDonald’s offers eligible employees tuition assistance through their “Archways to Opportunity” program. McDonald’s employees are able to improve their English skills and even earn high school diplomas .They can also earn college degrees as well. Throughout their educational journey, employees have access to advisors for assistance with their education and career plans.
The McDonald’s tuition assistance program can be used for both on-campus and online degree programs that are accredited.
In this guide, let’s find out how to get McDonald’s tuition assistance!
Related: Top scholarships for adults
How much does McDonald’s offer in tuition reimbursement?
McDonald’s tuition assistance program will reimburse both full-time and part-time employees. Full-time employees can receive up to $5,250 per year and part-time employees can receive up to $2,500 per year.
Step-by-step guide to get tuition reimbursement at McDonald’s
1. Find a job at a nearby McDonald’s
To begin, visit McDonald’s career website in order to view open positions. If you input a location it will provide you with open positions near that area. McDonalds is an extremely popular chain restaurant that has over 38,000 locations in over 100 countries.
Full-time employee positions eligible for McDonald’s tuition assistance program include:
- Store Manager Trainee
- Certified Swing Manager
- Department Manager
- General Manager
Part-time employee positions eligible for McDonald’s tuition assistance program include:
- Restaurant Crew
- Floor Supervisor
- Shift Manager Trainee
- Primary Maintenance
- Any other part-time employee
Keep in mind that to be an eligible part-time employee you have to have a minimum of 90 cumulative days of working as a McDonald’s employee.
2. Obtain McDonald’s tuition reimbursement eligibility
To be eligible for McDonald’s tuition reimbursement, there is a minimum you will need to have worked at McDonalds. You will have to work for at least 90 cumulative days and work an average of 15 hours per week for part-time eligibility.
McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity website has more information about the requirements for eligibility for McDonalds tuition reimbursement.
3. Choose the best academic path and institution for you
McDonald’s provides its employees with the benefit of freedom in selection of their university. Being an employee at McDonald’s provides access to Bright Horizons Education network with 200+ discounted education institutions.
Being a full-time or part-time employee takes up a lot of your time. Therefore, try researching online schools. This will allow you to balance your work life and school life flawlessly, while not having to sacrifice one or the other.
The most important factor when selecting an educational institution is to choose an accredited institution. This means that the education you will receive is quality.
4. Complete and submit your online request for Tuition Assistance
Around 45 days before your course starts, gather some personal information such as:
- Employee information (Payroll ID, start date, current role, average hours worked)
- Restaurant address
- Social Security number
- School and course information
- Eligible textbook costs and receipts
Once this information is easily accessible, head to the Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions website and create an account. Through Bright Horizons website you will be able to access messages and take advantage of live chat features to read out to a live person to answer any questions you may have.
Now that you are familiar with Bright Horizons website, click on “New Application” to submit a tuition assistance application. Then, fill out the form detailing the following:
- Area of study
- Education provider (college, university, or other educational institution)
- Session start and end dates
- Each course you are taking and their names and credit hour
Then once all of the information is filled out, submit your application! Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions will then view and verify that it meets policy compliance.
Once your application has been approved, a Letter of Credit (LOC) will be issued. You will receive an email letting you know when it has been approved. Then, you will sign the LOC and send it to your school which acts as the direct bill verification. Then, you will be able to begin your classes!
5. Get that education!
Congratulations! It is now time to begin your studies as a McDonald’s employee. Be sure to reach out to your bosses, co-workers, BrightHorizons live chat and professors for help along the way. You are in good hands being a McDonald’s employee!
6. After you complete a course, submit paperwork in order to receive reimbursement
In order to receive accurate reimbursement for your educational expenses, you must submit some paperwork. You will need to upload a transcript showing that you have satisfactorily completed your term.
You will need to submit your transcript by December 31st of each year to be able to receive reimbursement from McDonald’s!
McDonald’s provides a lot of information about their tuition reimbursement on their website. Be sure to read through their requirements to make sure you receive your tuition reimbursement!
Alternatives to McDonald’s tuition reimbursement
McDonald’s is one of the biggest fast food chains in the country. Therefore, there is an abundance of restaurant locations to choose from. However, if one of these locations or any other reason prevents you from taking advantage of McDonald’s tuition assistance, do not worry!
We have written a number of guides on other companies that also offer tuition assistance. For example, Amazon, Chipotle, Target, Starbucks, and plenty more offer affordable education for their employees! Be sure to check them out and choose the right company and tuition benefits for you!
For more educational funding: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
Frequently asked questions about McDonald’s tuition reimbursement
Who is eligible for McDonald’s tuition reimbursement?
Full-time employee positions eligible for McDonald’s tuition assistance program receive up to $5,250 per year. Part-time employee positions eligible for McDonald’s tuition assistance program receive up to $2,500 per year.
How will I receive reimbursement for my tuition expenses through McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity?
Once you have submitted the tuition reimbursement application, Bright Horizons will review it. Once they approve the application, you will receive a Letter of Credit (LOC) to sign and provide to your school. A LOC acts as tuition for registration and enrollment. The school will then bill Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions and they will pay your school directly. Therefore, it is all taken care of for you!
McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity plan is detailed out on their website. Be sure to vigorously research to ensure you become and remain eligible for tuition reimbursement from McDonald’s!
What if I have scholarships or grants? Will I still receive reimbursement from McDonalds?
McDonald’s tuition assistance program covers eligible course expenses that are not covered by scholarships or grants. This means that if you receive a scholarship or grant you can accept it, but McDonalds will only pay the difference of what is left in your educational expenses.
If you have any questions about scholarships affecting your tuition reimbursement from McDonalds be sure to contact your dedicated academic coaches found through Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions.
Will McDonald’s tuition assistance cover the costs of textbooks as well?
Yes, McDonald’s will cover the costs of textbooks. For textbook reimbursement, log into your BrightHorizons account and complete an application under the “Actions Needed” tab on the homepage. After, click on “Actions” and enter the prompts to detail the textbook and fees.
Textbook Expenses are reimbursed differently than your course or tuition costs. Textbooks are considered an out-of-pocket expense. So, instead of BrightHorizons dealing directly with your school, the awards you receive for textbook reimbursement will be sent via payroll.
